Exploring the Great Theological Themes

In this module you will:

• Understand yourself and your background and how they affect your theological perspectives and understandings.
• Embrace a posture of curiosity and openness that moves toward flexible, theological thinking.
• Practice theological ways of thinking to reflect and interpret the world.

In this module you will:

• Recognize the historical development of Lutheran worship practices and understand the theological significance of liturgical elements within the worship service.
• Develop deeper appreciation for worship as a theological activity.
• Engage in intentional worship by recognizing how liturgical elements express God's service toward us and empower our service toward the world.

In this module you will:

• Comprehend the Lutheran understanding of justification and sanctification as complementary doctrines.
• Internalize your identity as a simultaneously justified sinner and saint called to growth in holiness for the sake of the world.
• Discern and respond to God's call in your life by understanding how articulating how your justification by faith motivates your sanctified service to your neighbors.

In this module you will:

• Describe various biblical models of church and articulate Lutheran ecclesiological understandings of the church's nature and purpose.
• Deepen your sense of belonging to the church as a distinctive community gathered and sent by God for mission in the world.
• Identify concrete ways your local congregation participates in God's mission and propose new possibilities for missional engagement.

In this module you will:

• Understand the relationship between scientific and theological perspectives on creation and comprehend the Lutheran view of salvation as the renewal of creation.
• Cultivate wonder and gratitude toward creation as God's gift.
• Apply the concept of creation renewal to your daily life and habits.

In this module you will:

• Learn Lutheran approaches to theodicy (the problem of evil) and the definition of sin.
• Develop self-awareness about your own finitude and estrangement while embracing God's grace that addresses human brokenness.
• Practice confession and forgiveness in personal relationships, acknowledging sin while avoiding both self-righteousness and despair.

In this module you will:

• Identify diverse biblical models for understanding Christ and comprehend Lutheran Christology's emphasis on God's full commitment to humanity.
• Consider how your identity in Christ changes the way you interact with the world and other people.
• Practice recognizing and responding to Christ's presence in their encounters with others.

In this module you will:

• Recognize different theological understandings of the Holy Spirit and appreciate the Lutheran emphasis on love as the Spirit's most precious gift.
• Cultivate openness to the Spirit's work in your life.
• Exercise your Spirit-given gifts in ways that build up the community and express love for neighbors.

In this module you will:

• Compare different eschatological perspectives and understand the Lutheran view of God's ultimate purposes for creation and human destiny.
• Develop hope as a core spiritual disposition that shapes their approach to personal mortality and global challenges.
• Consider life decisions and daily practices in light of God's promised future.

In this module you will:

• Synthesize your understanding of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit into a coherent Trinitarian theology.
• Embrace the relational nature of God as Trinity as a model for your own spiritual formation and communal life.
• Recognize and incorporate Trinitarian patterns into your devotional practices and ministry approaches.