KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE:

UNDERSTANDING THE ESSENTIALS OF CHRISTIANITY

AND HOW THEY SHAPE OUR WORLDVIEW
EQUIPPING ONLINE COURSE SYLLABUS - EC 106

Course Description:
During this six-week online course (completed in 8 weeks), you will learn the essentials of Christianity and the
practical implications theology has on decisions you make every day.

Course Objectives:
As a result of this class, you should:
• Learn the fundamental doctrines of Christianity.
• Grow in your understanding of Jesus as the centerpiece of all theology.
• Integrate your knowledge of biblical doctrines with the practice of your life.
• Deepen your love for God as you grow in the knowledge of him.

Textbooks:
(Suggested, but not required)
Little, Paul, E. Know What You Believe. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003.

Course Requirements:
It is fair to expect 2–3 hours of work for each week’s worth of content. This time will vary if you choose to read
the suggested book Know What You Believe and complete other optional resources in addition to the required
coursework. This time will include the following activities:
• READING ASSIGNMENTS
Each week you should read the required reading. You are NOT required to read the optional reading,
but it is highly encouraged and will maximize your learning during each class session. If you choose to
read Know What You Believe, it is suggested that you read the selected chapters prior to listening to the
audio for each week. An additional recommended reading list is found at the end of this syllabus.
• AUDIO AND POWERPOINTS
Each week you should listen to two parts of the audio recorded from the previous live Know What You
Believe classes. It is suggested that you print out the PowerPoint slides in order to take notes as you
listen along.
• DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
You should answer each discussion question and respond to at least one other student’s answer by the
following week of class.
 • QUIZZES AND FINAL EXAM
The quizzes are for your benefit only, and the questions are taken from the PowerPoint slides in
addition to the required class readings. The final exam is comprehensive and is an opportunity to see
how much you learned during this class!

Course Policies:
You are expected to complete the work for each week by the beginning of the next week’s class. Each week’s
class will open at 12:00 am on Thursday, and run until 11:59 pm the following Wednesday.

Course Schedule:
DATE TOPIC ASSIGNMENTS

Introduction Read: Syllabus

Lesson 1: Optional Reading: Know What You Believe, Ch. 1
Introduction Listen: Introduction to Theology, Where Do I Begin?
WEEK 1 to Theology Read: “What Do Christians Believe?”
Optional Podcast: “The Essential and Non-Essential Doctrines of
Christianity” with Dr. Justin Bass
Due: Quiz #1

Lesson 2: Optional Reading: Know What You Believe, Chs. 2, 3, 6

WEEK 2 Trinitarianism Listen: Definition of the Trinity, Distortions of and Delight in the Trinity
Optional Podcast: “The Trinity” with Dr. Scott Horrell
Due: Discussion Question #1

Lesson 3: Optional Reading: Know What You Believe, Ch. 5

Man and Sin Listen: Man – Parts 1 and 2, Doctrine of Sin
WEEK 3
Watch: “Image of God”
Due: Quiz #2

Lesson 4: Optional Reading: Know What You Believe, Chs. 4, 7

WEEK 4 Salvation Listen: Parts 1 and 2
Due: Discussion Question #2

Lesson 5: Optional Reading: Know What You Believe, Ch. 8, 9

The Church Listen: The Church and Family History, Family Traits and Family Fakes
WEEK 5 Optional Podcast: “What Is the Church and Why Church Membership?”
with Rob Barry
Due: Quiz #3

Lesson 6: Optional Reading: Know What You Believe, Ch. 10

WEEK 6 The End Listen: Parts 1 and 2
Due: Discussion Question #3

WEEK 8 Conclusion Due: Final Exam, Final Discussion Question

ALL WORK
Due: Final Survey
DUE Optional: Register for next Equipping Course
Recommended Reading:
BEGINNER
Stanley J. Grenz and Roger E. Olson, Who Needs Theology?: An Invitation to the Study of God
Stanley J. Grenz, David Gurentzki, and Cherith Fee Nordling, Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms
Wayne and Elliot Grudem, Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know
Paul Little, Know What You Believe
N. T. Wright, Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense

INTERMEDIATE
Wayne Grudem, Bible Doctrine: Essential Teachings of the Christian Faith
Alister McGrath, Theology: The Basics
Charles Ryrie, A Survey of Bible Doctrine

ADVANCED
Stanley J. Grenz, Theology for the Community of God
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine
Alister E. McGrath, Christian Theology: An Introduction
Roger Olson, The Mosaic of Christian Belief: Twenty Centuries of Unity & Diversity

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