1. You will write an original Research Paper on any one of the main theological topics studied in the course. The paper must be 2,000-4,000 words (typed, double-spaced, standard font style [e.g., Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman], 12-point, 1-1.25 margins), including the title page, notes, and bibliography, and cite at least 6 scholarly sources (other than your course texts) in the paper.
o Do not attempt to use or modify previous papers written for other courses. Papers are checked for plagiarism through SafeAssign before they are evaluated/graded.
o The paper must focus on theological exposition and application. In other words, how should the selected theological topic/doctrine be understood/interpreted, and why? (Be sure to support and back your claims with reasoning from your research.)
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o This is not a biblical or exegesis paper. Although Scripture is our final authority, for this assignment citing Scripture is not enough. The focus should be on theological sources. Long quotes, from any source, are generally discouraged.
2. Internet sources are forbidden for this assignment. Sources other than course textbooks should be scholarly books or articles. E-books or full-text articles secured through the Regent University Library databases are ideal (e.g. the Divinity and Religion Databases, which contains numerous relevant journals and pertinent scholarly articles; see http://www.regent.edu/lib/).
o Dictionaries of all kinds are considered poor sources for this assignment.
o English dictionaries, concordances, and study Bibles are not considered outside sources. In all forms, books, collections of essays, or journal articles are preferred.
o All citations and notes should be cited properly in Turabian format. Footnotes should be used. Non-Biblical Studies & Christian Ministry Department majors may use APA or MLA; inform the Instructor ahead of time as to the format style being utilized.
3. The professor must approve your paper topic. Approval will be given only after you submit an acceptable thesis statement.
4. Papers should be written in standard essay format (introduction/thesis, body, and conclusion), beginning with an introductory statement and thesis (that is, an argument/claim to be discussed and supported in your essay), the body of the essay (including arguments/claims, research, support, explanation, reasoning, and reflection concerning the topic), and a conclusion (summary and upshot of one’s informed position).
5. An additional requirement for this paper is a separate section of the application following the conclusion. You should address each of the questions below:
o What impact does (or should) this doctrine (as you have understood and interpreted it) have on the life of the Church locally, denominationally, and/or globally?
o What does (or should) this doctrine (as you have understood and interpreted it) communicate to people outside of the Church: i.e., the larger culture. Specifically, how does/should it address or challenge alternative worldviews (e.g., modernism, postmodernism, scientism, neo-paganism, agnosticism, atheism, skepticism)?
o How does (or should) this doctrine (as you have understood and interpreted it) affect your own theological outlook, attitude, and conduct?
6. Students must read material from various perspectives on the topic. You should examine the argument of authors who disagree with one’s interpretation of Scripture and/or doctrine, as well as those with whom one agrees. Part of establishing the validity and/or veracity of your view over another involves engaging, fairly representing, and critically evaluating the ideas and arguments of those who approach or understand the topic differently. (If your sources and arguments consider the topic from only a single theological viewpoint, the paper will be relatively weak.)
****DUE NOW: THESIS CLAIM****
Your research essay topic must be approved by the professor. Approval will be granted only through submitting a thesis statement, an introduction, and three sources outside of your textbooks. A thesis statement claim tells your reader what point you intend to prove (or what question you will definitively answer) in your research essay. Topics for papers are not approved until you and your professor have agreed on a thesis statement. For example: “God the Father assists every human person to hear and respond positively to the gospel message.”