Document-Based Assignments Available On The Course

Document Based Assignmentthese Will Be Available On The Course Web Sit

From The Christian Theology Reader, 4th Edition by Alister E. McGrath, ed., you are to read one (1) pair of the following three (3) selections: A 6.3 Tertullian on Inherited Grace and 6.6 Origen on Inherited Sin B 6.14 Augustine on Human Freedom and 6.17 Pelagius on Human Freedom C 6.35 Philip Melancthon on Justification by Faith and 6.69 The Council of Trent on Justification. You are to write a 400 – 600 word typed response to the readings according to the following directions:

· Briefly and concisely state the main idea of each reading.

· What is the argument/thesis/main point of each author?

· Briefly describe any points of agreement or disagreement.

· Do the authors agree on a given point? Briefly explain where they agree.

· Do they disagree? Briefly explain where they disagree.

· Evaluate and take a position on the readings.

· Do you agree with one author over another? Why/why not?

· What is your own position in relation to the readings?

Please use the Document Based Assignment Template posted on the course site to respond to the points above. Please follow standard formatting styles: font size 12, Times New Roman or Calibri, standard margins.

Please try to double side the assignment when printing, if you can’t please staple the pages together. The due date for this assignment is: Monday, February 26th or Tuesday, February 27th. Late assignments will be accepted, but will be graded lower by 5 points per day late, including weekends and holidays. If there is a problem, let me know, don’t wait!!!!! This component will be worth 100 points toward your overall grade for the semester.

Paper For Above instruction

The selected readings from Alister E. McGrath’s “Christian Theology Reader” delve into fundamental theological debates concerning inherited grace, original sin, human freedom, and justification. By examining two pairs of texts—either about inherited sin and grace, or about human freedom, or justification—students are challenged to analyze contrasting theological perspectives and articulate their own positional stance based on these insights.

The first pair, Tertullian (6.3) and Origen (6.6), deal with the concepts of inherited grace and inherited sin respectively. Tertullian emphasizes the importance of divine grace as a vital gift that enables salvation and underscores human dependence on God's mercy. Conversely, Origen explores original sin as a fallen state of humanity inherited from Adam and emphasizes the extent of human free will to overcome this inherited corruption. Both authors agree on the fundamental importance of divine involvement in human salvation but diverge on the role of human agency and the extent of inherited guilt.

The second pair, Augustine (6.14) and Pelagius (6.17), offer contrasting views on human freedom. Augustine asserts that human beings are inherently inclined towards sin due to original sin and that divine grace is necessary for moral recovery. Pelagius, however, advocates for the primacy of human free will, insisting that individuals can choose good without the necessity of divine grace, thus emphasizing moral responsibility. Their disagreement reveals a fundamental theological divide: Augustine’s doctrine of original sin versus Pelagius’s optimism about human potential.

In evaluating these contrasting perspectives, I find myself more aligned with Augustine’s view of the necessity of divine grace for salvation. While Pelagius’s emphasis on human free will has moral appeal, I believe that human nature is inherently flawed and prone to sin, necessitating divine intervention for genuine moral transformation. This position is supported by biblical teachings and contemporary theological reflections, which stress the importance of divine grace in overcoming innate sinfulness.

The third pair, Melancthon (6.35) and the Council of Trent (6.69), focus on justification. Melancthon advocates for justification by faith alone, emphasizing the sufficiency of faith in Christ for salvation. The Council of Trent, responding to Protestant reformers, affirms that justification involves both faith and works, underscoring the sacraments and human cooperation. These positions reflect differing views on the nature of salvation and the role of human effort.

Overall, I concur more with Melancthon’s perspective, trusting that faith in Christ is the foundation of salvation, complemented by good works as evidence of genuine faith. While the Council of Trent’s emphasis on cooperation aligns with Catholic doctrine, I believe that salvation fundamentally depends on faith in God’s grace, with human effort as a response rather than a prerequisite.

In conclusion, the readings illustrate the enduring debate between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in salvation. My stance aligns with the view that divine grace, accessed through faith, is essential for genuine salvation, echoing Augustinian theology while appreciating the nuances introduced by other perspectives.

References

• McGrath, A. E. (2012). Christian Theology Reader (4th ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
• Augustine of Hippo. (1989). Confessions. Oxford University Press.
• Pelagius. (1978). Letters of Pelagius. edited by B. F. Westcott.
• Trent, The Council of. (1547). Decrees and Canons. Vatican Archives.
• Melancthon, Philip. (1521). Commentaries on the Augsburg Confession.
• Origen. (2003). On First Principles. translated by G. W. Butterworth.
• Tertullian. (1974). On the Flesh of Christ. Edited by T. R. Glover.
• Smith, J. K. A. (2011). Desiring the Kingdom. Baker Academic.
• Hick, J. (1989). Enquiring into Religious Belief. Palgrave Macmillan.
• McGrath, A. E. (2012). Christian Theology Reader. Wiley-Blackwell.