THEO 626
REFLECTION PAPER ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
All Christians engage in theology—the study of God. Even non-believers have a worldview
which includes specific ideas about whether such a divine being exists. One of the key questions
is the extent to which that worldview/perspective is shaped and controlled by Scripture or
whether it is shaped more by surrounding culture. In beginning that exploration, it is profitable to
consider the dominant portrayals of God which people adopt—in some respects even
unconsciously. This impacts the individual Christian as they attempt to minister in their context
and carries implications for how the church’s message is communicated and received.
INSTRUCTIONS
Students will prepare an academic and personal reflection on the question ‘Why God?’ The short
essay explores the themes introduced in the Froese & Bader work. It should address the general
understanding of the biblical God (which of the four ideas of God are adopted) and what this
means. How did the themes of Froese & Bader properly display common beliefs about God in
current society? Which of the models is dominant? Which is absent? How does this impact
evangelism, missions, and everyday ministry? [These questions are illustrative and not
exhaustive. The paper should not simply list these questions and then answer them.]
Length of assignment: 2 pages
oThis does not include title page or bibliography
Format of assignment: Turabian
oThis requires footnotes and not in-text citations
oEven a very brief Turabian paper should include a bibliography (on a separate
page)—even if there is only one source.
The reflection paper is a brief essay. It is not strictly a book review. Thus, it should move
beyond what Froese & Bader wrote. What was best in their findings/conclusions? What
was lacking? Is this a helpful lens for thinking critically about the intersection of God and
modern society?
While relying centrally on the issues/findings of the Froese & Bader work, the essay
should attempt to incorporate findings regarding the portrait of God dominant in one’s
own experience, church life, and broader community.
oEven when including personal, church, and societal experience it is not necessary
to write in first person. Instead of “I see many people in society reject the biblical
portrait of God’ write “Most modern people reject the biblical portrait of God.”
While not strictly required, it may help the overall context of the reflection paper to
include brief insights of a couple of theological works which present the biblical God for
comparison/contrast and setting the essay in a larger theological context.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
