How We Believe: Foundations for Presbyterian Thought

About this course

Presbyterian theology is not simply a list of doctrines or a collection of perfectly settled answers. It is a communal practice of listening, interpreting, questioning, deciding, and remaining open to correction. This course invites students to explore how Presbyterians think theologically when Scripture, tradition, experience, conscience, and the needs of the church do not line up neatly. Students will learn to recognize large fault lines, inhabit faithful tension, and make responsible judgments without confusing certainty with faithfulness.

The course is grounded in the fourfold Word of God: Jesus Christ as the Living Word, Scripture as the Written Word, the Sacraments as the Visible Word, and preaching as the Spoken Word. These are not four competing authorities. Christ is above all; Scripture normatively bears witness to Christ; and Sacrament and preaching are practices through which the church encounters and proclaims the Word.

Students will read the Book of Confessions and Book of Order as important, historically situated responses of the church that remain subordinate and accountable to the Word of God. Their differences, silences, and internal tensions—including changes in the church’s understanding of ordination, authority, and inclusion—are not problems to hide. They are part of the evidence through which a Reformed church practices humility, discernment, and ongoing reform. Through case studies, conversation, and written reflection, students will practice explaining not only what Presbyterians believe, but how Presbyterians wrestle toward faithful action together.