Bible, Core

Natural Law and Scriptural Authority

Taught by Dr. Brad Littlejohn
Difficulty: Introductory
Runs 9/25 – 12/9/23
$225.00 – $399.00

Although Protestants are familiar with the doctrine of sola Scriptura, they are less familiar with the equally important Reformation teaching that God reveals himself through the “two books” of Scripture and nature, and how the two relate. This course, with readings from Aquinas, Calvin, Hemmingsen, and Hooker, along with key Scriptural passages, will help students understand the meaning of sola Scriptura and the use of moral reason in classical Protestantism.

Deadline to register: Wednesday, September 13th


 

ENROLLMENT OPTIONS

Auditing ($225):

participate in readings and live class sessions, but no graded assignments and no course credit

Full course (Full-Time Discount) ($275):

for-credit courses (at least four per term) toward our Certificate or M.Litt in Classical Protestantism

Full course ($399):

individual classes on a for-credit basis; you can later apply them toward a Certificate or Degree

 

ENROLL NOW

Description

This Core/Bible course will be taught by Dr. Bradford Littlejohn, and will run from September 25 through December 9. The syllabus is available here.

Although Protestants are well-familiar with the classical Protestant insistence on the doctrine of sola Scriptura, they are less familiar  with the equally important teaching of the Reformers that God reveals himself through the “two books” of Scripture and nature. As Paul  teaches in Romans 1 and 2, God has revealed enough of his nature to render us “without excuse” and given us a moral law “written on  our hearts.” In an age that is in rebellion not merely against Scripture but against nature, it is urgent for us to recover both, and to  understand a right how each serves to illuminate the other, and to help us walk faithfully in the midst of uncertainty. 

This course, making use of classic readings from Aquinas, Calvin, Hemmingsen, and Hooker, along with meditation on key  passages of Scripture, will help the student gain a right understanding of the meaning of sola Scriptura and the use of moral reason in classical Protestantism.

Dr. Brad Littlejohn (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is President of The Davenant Institute and the Director of its educational wing Davenant Hall, which was launched in 2019. In addition to his role as Director, Brad regularly teaches core modules on Natural Law and Scriptural Authority and Reformation and the Modern World, and elective classes in Reformation history and Christian ethics.


Details

Online only, runs 10 weeks, meeting 2hr/wk. via Zoom. Students will also have the option to participate in class discussion in the Davenant Common Room Discord server. Register now to reserve your spot. The course will proceed contingent on sufficient enrollment; on rare occasions, a class has to be cancelled due to insufficient interest. Once the registration period closes, the class meeting time will be set on the basis of a poll of availability from registrants. In case of cancellation or scheduling conflicts, students will be eligible for a refund or a transfer to another course. Although a Bachelor’s degree is not a necessary pre-requisite for this course, students should come prepared to do graduate-level work.