Missio Seminary

Advanced Cultural Studies

Introduction to Philosophy and Christian Worldview
ACS 204 / 3 Credits / Spring 2023

Missio Seminary exists to produce missional Christian leaders-

men and women who incarnate the story of Jesus with humility and authenticity and who communicate the
story with fidelity to Scripture, appreciation of the Christian tradition,
and sensitivity to the needs and aspirations of postmodern culture.

Class Dates: Tuesday afternoons – January 31st through April 11th, 2023 (no class on April 4th)
Class Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Classroom: Zoom Sessions and E-Campus
Instructor: Dr. Bob Hepburn
Phone: 267.252.1230 email: bob.hepburn@gmail.com / website: http://ecampus.missio.edu/
Missio Seminary / 421 N. 7th Street / Philadelphia, PA / 19123
Main Office: 215.368.5000 / http://www.missio.edu
Office Hours: On demand as needed via phone (text or call), or email me to schedule a Zoom meeting.
Course Description: A hybrid course that seeks to 1) explore and examine some of the fundamental questions raised
in philosophy (How is it that we know? What is reality? What is a human being? What is truth? What is good? What is
beauty?), considering their historical development in the Western and Eastern traditions, and 2) develop a more well-
rounded Christian worldview, enabling us to respond to (and pursue!) the philosophical quest from a Christian
perspective. While it does present challenges, philosophy can be a very useful tool for the saints today – especially in
Christian apologetics (cf. William Lane Craig, J.P. Moreland, et al). It has been very useful for many in church history
(cf. Augustine and C.S. Lewis). This course is designed to help us develop our thinking as Christians and to be able to
better respond apologetically to a world that is increasingly post-Christian.
Personal Note from the Professor: As this is an ACS course, we want it to be highly interactive – which
means we’ll all (hopefully) be doing a lot of talking. Dialoguing. Both you and I. We’ll purposefully steer away
from settling into lecture mode and get everybody in on the conversation. I know that this is not the way in
many non-American classrooms, but let’s work together to make language interactivity the norm – not the
exception. Also, be aware this class will often be very tiring – using mental energy to think deeply about
things can be taxing on the body. That’s OK. It may take some time for us to build up our mental stamina as
we strengthen our thinking. We’ll do “energy level” checks and break things up a bit when it gets too intense.
Course Goals: This course is designed to help students acquire a basic set of facts regarding the subject of
philosophy (often vilified in Christian circles) and a better understanding of what a Christian worldview is and how
that worldview matches up against other competing worldviews. The other main goal of the course is to become more
familiar with – and conversant in – English (speaking, reading, writing and thinking).
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
● understand why and how divine revelation and sound theology ultimately have priority over philosophy
● identify key major philosophers and recognize philosophical issues and problems (Western & Eastern)
●understand, access, assess and address his or her own worldview / presuppositional set / faith system, as
well as those of others, whether their world views are Christian, Non-Christian, Pre-Christian, Sub-Christian,
Hyper-Christian, Extra-Christian, Dualistic, Syncretistic, Pseudo-Christian, Post-Christian or Anti-Christian

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 ● recognize the influences that philosophies have on everyday life (self and society)
● respond to and pursue the philosophical quest from a Christian perspective
● cultivate, integrate and incarnate the mind of Christ, fostering thinking that is Christocentric, cross-wise
(cruciform), careful, critical, contingent, creative, clear, concise, cogent, correlative, culture-contextual,
constructive, courageous, counterpoised and compassionate
Required Textbook (please get the book and go through it before the first class):
Sire, James W. Discipleship of the Mind: Learning to Love God in the Ways We Think. Downers Grove, IL:
InterVarsity Press, 1990. http://www.amazon.com/Discipleship-Mind-James-W-Sire/dp/0877849854.
The first 3 full chapters of Sire’s book are available on https://books.google.com
Suggested Supplemental Text (much of the theological material we’ll be covering in class is in this book):
Hepburn, Robert C. TGTS 2.0: The Gospel / The Street: What Does the Gospel of Christ Look Like in
Street Contexts? Philadelphia, PA: TGTS 2.0 / YUBM Ministries, 2017. https://amzn.to/2Dsy4lE.
Recommended Text:
Watkin, Christopher. Biblical Critical Theory: How the Bible’s Unfolding Story Makes Sense of Modern Life and Culture
Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2022. An “update” of Augustine’s City of God for advanced readers.
Course topics and session in which the topics will be covered (a 30,000-foot view during the last 2 sessions):
Jan 31 Zoom Meeting: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (link posted on E-Campus) Intros / Syllabus / Course
Schedule / Why the Apologetic Emphasis? The Wisdom of Solomon / Wisdom Personified
Feb 7 Defining Philosophy: Is It Good or Bad? Why Do Christians Avoid It? It’s Got Branches!
Feb 14 Epistemology: How Is It that We Know? How Do Philosophies Flow into & through Society?
Feb 21 Theological Foundations Undergirding the Philosophical Quest: Creation Order (3 Phases)
Feb 28 Theological Foundations Undergirding the Philosophical Quest: Exegeting John 1:1-4, 14
Mar 7 Theological Foundations Undergirding the Philosophical Quest: Viewing Reality’s Totality
Mar 14 Defining a Worldview / Exploring 6 Worldviews and Their Metanarrative Storylines
Mar 21 Ultimate Philosophical Questions a Worldview / Faith / Value System Seeks to Answer
Mar 28 6th-1st c. BC Pre-Socratic Philosophies // Athenian Philosophers // Post-Athenian Philosophies
Inquiry of Physical World  Socrates, Plato, Aristotle  Cynics, Epicureans, Stoics, Skeptics 
Graeco-Roman World / 3rd c. AD Neoplatonism espoused by Plotinus (influenced Augustine)
Apr 4 No class this week (Holy Week)
Apr 11 Early Christianity v. Pagan Religions & Philosophies, Christian Apologists, Augustine, Aquinas
9th-17th c. Arabic Pluses, the Renaissance, Global Exploring, the Reformation, Enlightenment,
Scientific Revolution, the Shift to Anthropocentrism, Descartes, Locke, Adam Smith, Newton
18th-19th c. Western Philosophers: Kant, Marx, (Darwin), Kierkegaard, Nietzsche
Eastern Philosophical Traditions Brought to America: Transcendental Era & Popular Culture
20th-21st c. Western Philosophers: Postmodern, Post-Truth Era: Dewey, (Freud), Sartre, Derrida
The Truman Show Discussion / Outro
Devotional Sharing: Keep in mind the topic title listed as you prepare your presentation. Think of the best way to
communicate the truth of the text; be creative; involve the class as much as possible (15-20 minutes maximum).
The topics and texts below all deal with the development of our mind as Christians.
Topic Title Text Date Name

1st Class Meeting (Zoom) Jan 31

Loving God with all your mind Mark 12:30 _______ ________________
The beginning of wisdom Proverbs 9:10 _______ ________________
The devolution of the mind Romans 1:18-32 _______ ________________

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 The importance of truth 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 _______ ________________
The repentant mind Matthew 21:28-32 _______ ________________
Two contrasting mindsets Romans 8:5-8 _______ ________________
The mind of Christ Philippians 2:5-11 _______ ________________
The renewing of the mind Romans 12:2 _______ ________________
The cleansed conscience Hebrews 9:14 _______ ________________
Balanced thinking Romans 12:3 _______ ________________
The mind prepared for action 1 Peter 1:13 _______ ________________
Think on these things Philippians 4:8-9 _______ ________________
Spiritual warfare & the mind 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 _______ ________________
Come, let us reason Isaiah 1:18 _______ ________________
Available Dates: Feb 7, 14, 21, 28; Mar 7, 14, 21, 28; Apr 11
Assignments and methods of evaluation:
Jan 31 Introductions / Course Structure and Schedule / Introductory Material
Feb 7 Upload Homework #1 (chapters 1-2 of Discipleship of the Mind)
Feb 14
Feb 21 Upload Homework #2 (chapters 3-4 of Discipleship of the Mind)
Feb 28
Mar 7 Upload Homework #3 (chapters 5-6 of Discipleship of the Mind)
Mar 14
Mar 21 Upload Homework #4 (chapters 7-8 of Discipleship of the Mind)
Mar 28
Apr 4 No class (Holy Week)
Apr 11 Upload Homework #5 (chapters 9-10 of Discipleship of the Mind) and your Truman Show paper
1. Reading & Homework Assignments. Read each 2-chapter assignment in Discipleship of the Mind and turn
in your answers to the questions on each homework assignment. All 5 homework assignments for the entire
semester are posted on E-Campus. The questions are arranged sequentially in order within the assigned 2
chapters and designed to assess your comprehension. Upload each homework assignment on E-Campus.
2. Devotional Sharing. Each student is asked to lead a 10 to 15-minute devotional (usually at the beginning
of the class period). These devotions are to focus on the topic of loving God with our minds. Study the
passage and think of the best way to communicate the truths in it. Feel free to use PowerPoint or Prezi and
be creative. Involve the class as much as possible. Upload your presentation (or the link to it) on E-Campus.
3. Final Paper. A typed paper (minimum 5-6 pages of content, 12 pt. font) on the film, The Truman Show.
Use the posted worksheet for ideas to prompt your thinking and writing. Upload your paper on E-Campus.
Grading System: Grading for the will be based on the following:
Homework Assignments (5) 50 % 10 pts.: Accuracy, Thoroughness, Comprehension, Creativity
Devotional Presentation 15 % 10% for the Oral Presentation / 5% for the PPT or Written Paper
Final Paper (The Truman Show) 20 % Accuracy, Clarity, Profundity, Content, Language Mechanics
Class Participation 15 % E.P.I.C.: Engaged, Prepared, Inquisitive, Contributive

Academic and General Integrity: As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to integrity and Christ-likeness in
all areas of life. What this means in the academic realm is that all assignments are to reflect your own work.
Those found guilty of cheating or plagiarism will receive a grade of zero on the assignment and will follow the
process outlined in the current handbook.

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To plagiarize is “To steal or purloin and pass off as one’s own (ideas, writings, etc., of another)” (Webster’s New
Collegiate Dictionary, 1953). Plagiarism is theft. Not putting the definition above within quotation marks, not
crediting Webster’s (via the text citation), or changing a word (e.g., “claim” for “pass off”) and presenting the
definition as your own would all be plagiarism. In other words, plagiarism is using someone else’s material
without giving that person credit. Other forms of plagiarism include mixing unmarked quotations with your own
words and putting a single reference at the end of the paragraph, buying a paper from a term paper service (from
any source, including one of those online), turning in a paper written by a student who already took the course, or
having someone else write your paper. If in doubt, ask your professor or the library staff before you turn it in.

A word on multitasking during class: Research indicates we both shortchange and debilitate the learning
process when we try to do too many things at the same time. Jesus put it this way: “you cannot serve two masters.’

Here is what Henry David Thoreau told us: “All our inventions are but improved means to an unimproved
end.” Here is what Goethe told us: “One should, each day, try to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a
fine picture, and, if it is possible, speak a few reasonable words.” And here is what Socrates told us: “The
unexamined life is not worth living.” And here is what the prophet Micah told us: “What does the Lord
require of thee but to do justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God?” And I can tell you – if
I had the time (although you all know it well enough) – what Confucius, Isaiah, Jesus, Mohammed, the
Buddha, Spinoza and Shakespeare told us. It is all the same: There is no escaping from ourselves. The human
dilemma is as it has always been, and we solve nothing fundamental by cloaking ourselves in technological
glory. Even the humblest cartoon character knows this, and I shall close by quoting the wise old possum
named Pogo, created by the cartoonist, Walt Kelley. I commend his words to all the technological utopians
and messiahs present. “We have met the enemy,” Pogo said, “and he is us.”
Neil Postman [1931-2003]. “Informing Ourselves to Death” – Oct 11, 1990 speech given at a German Informatics Society meeting, Stuttgart,
Germany. Accessed December 26, 2018. http://www.paulos.net/teaching/hcc/papers/informing_ourselves_to_death--postman.txt.

S TUDENT R ESPONSIBILITY AND A CADEMIC P OLICIES

Academic Policies: Students are fully responsible to know and follow all seminary rules, regulations, and deadlines
published in Missio Seminary’s Academic Catalog, and all requirements concerning their degree programs. The catalog
is found on Missio’s website. www.Missio.edu.

Course Syllabus: Students are fully responsible to know and fulfill the requirements stated in the course syllabus.
Students should speak with the professor about issues related to course work and deadlines during the course. See
“Completion of Course Work” below for policies on course extensions.

E-campus Course Site: Students are fully responsible for course content and materials that are posted on the course
site. Students are encouraged to check the course site frequently during the course. Student usage of the course site is
tracked by the software and monitored by the professor of the course. Students who experience difficulty accessing or
using the E-campus should email helpdesk@Missio.edu and include their student ID# in their correspondence.

Academic and General Integrity: As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to integrity and Christ-likeness in all areas
of life. What this means in the academic realm is that the completion of all assignments and assessments are to reflect your
own work. Students found guilty of cheating or plagiarism will receive a grade of zero on the assessment and will follow
the process outlined in the Student Handbook. See Missio’s Academic Catalog for more information on plagiarism and
Missio’s policies related to cheating and plagiarism.

A TTENDANCE P OLICY AND G RADES

Students are expected to arrive on time and attend all class sessions. Attendance is especially crucial in courses formatted
in block scheduling with evening or all-day Saturday class sessions. If you know you are going to miss a class or arrive late,
contact the course instructor in advance via email. Nevertheless, your grade may be lowered for absences or lateness at the
discretion of the instructor.

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C OMPLETION OF C OURSE W ORK – V ARIANCE FORMS
All course work is to be completed by the last day of classes for the term or by the date posted in the course syllabus.
Extensions to this time limit will be made only by the academic affairs committee. The individual faculty member does not
have the authority to grant any extensions of time beyond the last class of the term. Requests for extensions must be made
in writing to the committee at least one week prior to the last day of classes. Variance forms for this purpose are available
in the academic office or on Missio’s website. All requests should specify the reasons for the extension and the length of
the extension desired. Requests are not automatically granted.

S TUDENT C OURSE E VALUATIONS

Student course evaluations are an important part of Missio’s commitment to continuous improvement. Students are
required to complete the course evaluation within one week of the final due date of the course.

S TUDENT PC S ECURITY S TATEMENT

Missio Seminary recognizes the need for computer use throughout the entire educational process today. Computers
equipped with Internet access and applications that help deliver information and knowledge are vital. Students are
encouraged to bring their electronic computing devices to campus to facilitate their course work and supplemental
activities. Given the current climate of online dangers such as viruses, malware, phishing scams, and other related
risks it is critical to secure all such devices regardless if they're being used on campus or not. Please take the
appropriate steps to safeguard the security of your own electronic devices to protect the integrity of the student
network on campus and provide a safe computing environment for everyone to use.

G RADING S YSTEM
To remain in good academic standing, a student must maintain the grade point average designated for his or her
program (see Missio’s Academic Catalog for details). *** To remain in good academic standing in Advanced Cultural
Studies, a student must maintain a 3.0 grade point average for Level 1 and 3.2 grade point average for Level 2 ***

MISSIO SEMINARY GRADING SYSTEM

A 4.00 93.0 – 100 Superior
A- 3.67 90.0 – 92.9
B+ 3.33 87.0 – 89.9
B 3.00 83.0 – 86.9 Good
B- 2.67 80.0 – 82.9
C+ 2.33 77.0 – 79.9
C 2.00 73.0 – 76.9 Fair
C- 1.70 70.0 – 72.9
D+ 1.30 67.0 – 69.9 Poor
D 1.00 63.0 – 66.9
D- .70 60.0 – 62.9
F 0.00 00.0 – 59.9 Failing