F602 Spring 2024 New Testament Teachings that Divide Christians

F602  New Testament Teachings that Divide Christians
Tuesdays, 2:15—3:40, Mar. 26—Apr. 30
Six sessions
Instructor: Steve Goldman
The 27 books of the New Testament are the principal sacred texts of Christianity. However, those who accept these texts as inspired by God often disagree about some of the most fundamental precepts. In this course we will examine some of the most often disputed New Testament teachings and how they have divided believers, rather than uniting them. Some of the issues to be addressed include the following:
• Is salvation only for Christians?  
• Baptism: required for salvation or just a rite of initiation?
• The Lord’s Supper: body and blood of Christ or symbolic remembrance?
• Is God a trinity composed of three co-equal persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
• Are women eligible to serve as clergy?
• Are homosexuals eligible for salvation?
• Does divine justice mandate everlasting torment for the “unsaved?”
• Does God predestine the eternal fate of certain humans or do all humans have free will to make their own choices?
Steve Goldman has taught numerous courses on alternative understandings of biblical doctrine.