Core Doctrine Defense Summary: The Incarnation
For this assignment, you will write a paper 1-2 pages in length on the topic of the incarnation of Christ. This should focus on the doctrine as we have discussed it in class and in the course readings. The goal of this paper is that you demonstrate a working knowledge of both the doctrine as well as the key theological concerns that might be brought up in an apologetic conversation. This paper should serve as a quick reference for you in the future when you want to review the basics of the doctrine in order to argue for its truthfulness in apologetic conversations with others.
For each defense strategy paper, there should be three sections:
Brief Summary of the Doctrine – In this section, you will answer these kinds of questions:
What is the basic Christian teaching of this doctrine?
What does Scripture say about the doctrine?
Are there any theological nuances or specifics that need to be explained when defining the doctrine?
Are there any competing views on the doctrine that are relevant when explaining the doctrine?
Internal Coherence of the Doctrine – In this section, you will answer these kinds of questions:
Does this doctrine make sense internally? How is the Christian perspective consistent?
What are some important points to communicate about the doctrine to help someone else understand its coherence?
What might be a good argument(s) to use to demonstrate its coherence? (You might use biblical, theological, or philosophical arguments to show this.)
How might someone dispute the doctrine? How would you respond?
External Comprehensiveness of the Doctrine – In this section, you will answer these kinds of questions:
How does this doctrine make sense of the world/reality?
Are there arguments outside of the Bible that would lead you to believe that it is true?
What makes this doctrine so important?
Are there any areas of difficulty in showing that the doctrine is true?
In crafting your defense strategy paper, please take the following criteria into consideration:
Remember, you are focusing only on this one doctrine in this submission.
Do not simply quote the course reading but put your ideas and thoughts into your own words. This is your opportunity to own your beliefs, or to state clearly what evangelical Christians believe regarding each major doctrine.
The assignment should be clearly written and orderly. You should use the citation style that is widely accepted in your major. However, you may choose to write the paper using single-space formatting. You may also choose to use in-text citations in order to save on space.
Though you may choose to, you do not need to structure this paper in paragraphs. You may opt for organizing it in bulleted list or outline form (again, if you choose). You should not choose to submit one long block of single-paragraph text, however.
You must incorporate the use of Scripture into the paper. There should be minimally 3-5 key Scripture passages referenced. Do not use long quotations of Scripture in this paper. A simple in-text citation is sufficient.
In addition to citing Scripture and using content derived from the class lectures, you should consult at least one other scholarly source to receive full credit on this paper. You may not use popular-level resources (e.g., online ministry websites). You must use academic resources as this is an academic paper.
Your focus in this paper should be precision and depth, not length.
A title page and bibliography should be included.