The Nuts and Bolts of Paterology
An immersive exploration into the biblical and theological study of God the Father, His nature, attributes, covenant faithfulness, and sovereign roles within creation and redemption.
Course Snapshot
- Course Code TPATE-01
- Level Foundation
- Delivery Online (Moodle)
- Pacing Self-Paced (4 Weeks)
- Institution Elite Kingdom
Course Description & Objectives
This foundation-level course introduces Paterology, the biblical and theological study of God the Father. Learners examine the Father’s nature, attributes, revelation, and covenant faithfulness; biblical types that illustrate His character; His place within the Trinity; His eternal relationships with the Son and the Holy Spirit; and His sovereign roles in creation, redemption, and His relationships with angels, believers, Israel, the nations, unbelievers, and Satan.
Through Scripture-based study, instructional videos, discussion, quizzes, and a final examination, students will develop a coherent biblical understanding of God the Father and apply that understanding to worship, prayer, Christian living, leadership, and ministry.
Course Objectives & Learning Outcomes
The course is designed to help learners build a biblical foundation for Paterology, interpret major passages concerning God the Father, distinguish orthodox Trinitarian teaching from inaccurate views, explain the Father’s relationships and works, and connect theological understanding with faithful Christian practice.
Define Paterology and explain its place within Christian systematic theology.
Describe the biblical revelation of the Father as invisible, holy, eternal, loving, sovereign, and personally involved with His creation.
Evaluate biblical types and images of the Father while distinguishing human illustration from divine reality.
Explain the unity and personal distinctions of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit within the Trinity.
Identify and respond biblically to inaccurate views such as tri-theism and modalism.
Analyze the eternal relationship between the Father and the Son and the Father’s role in Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry.
Explain the Father’s relationship with the Holy Spirit and the Spirit’s ministry in believers.
Summarize the Father’s roles in creation, providence, redemption, judgment, and final victory.
Describe the Father’s relationships with angels, believers, Israel, Gentile nations, unbelievers, and Satan.
Apply course concepts to worship, prayer, ethical decision-making, leadership, ministry, and Christian service.
Course Content & Topics
Explore the six comprehensive modules designed for your accelerated theological journey.
Introduction to God the Father
- Meaning, scope, and theological importance of Paterology
- The invisibility of God the Father and His revelation through Jesus Christ
- Biblical visions and manifestations associated with Moses, Isaiah, Micaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Habakkuk, and John
- God’s holiness, glory, sovereignty, covenant faithfulness, and heavenly throne
- Interpreting visionary language with reverence and biblical care
Types of God the Father
- Purpose and limits of biblical typology
- Abraham: fatherhood, promise, sacrifice, and covenant
- Moses: leadership and divine instruction
- David: shepherd-kingship, kindness, and covenant care
- Jacob and Hosea: fatherly love, sending, faithfulness, and restoration
- The father in the parable of the Prodigal Son: compassion, forgiveness, joy, and restored fellowship
The Father in the Trinity
- One God in three co-equal and co-eternal Persons
- The Father’s roles in creation, authority, redemption, prayer, love, and care
- Unity of essence and distinction of Persons
- Biblical correction of the view that the Father is distant, merely wrathful, impersonal, or limited to the Old Testament
- Tri-theism and modalism: definitions, problems, and biblical responses
- Humility and appropriate limits in speaking about the mystery of the Trinity
The Father and the Son
- The eternal Father-Son relationship, shared divine nature, and mutual love
- The Father’s sending and the Son’s willing obedience
- The Father’s authorization, teaching, empowerment, and presence in Jesus’ earthly ministry
- Old Testament passages that anticipate divine communion and messianic kingship
- New Testament conversations at Jesus’ baptism, transfiguration, triumphal entry, Gethsemane, and in John 17
- Honors bestowed upon the Son: affirmation, anointing, glorification, resurrection, exaltation, kingship, headship, and judgment
The Father and the Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit as fully divine, personal, co-equal, and co-eternal
- The Spirit’s eternal relationship with the Father and His work in creation, redemption, and sanctification
- The Son’s request and the Father’s sending of the Spirit
- The Spirit’s permanent indwelling, sealing, empowerment, teaching, and witness to Christ
- Adoption, assurance, prayer, spiritual gifts, unity, and access to the Father through the Spirit
- Dependence on the Spirit for faithful living and ministry
Roles and Relationships of the Father to His Creation
- The Father as Creator, sustainer, ruler, and source of life
- Trinitarian cooperation in creation and providence
- The Father’s authority over angels and their worship, service, and mission
- The Father’s initiative in redemption and His ministries to believers
- Adoption, provision, discipline, sanctification, preservation, worship, and reward
- The Father’s covenant relationship with Israel & Gentile nations
Instructional Methods
- Asynchronous Moodle modules with organized readings, lesson pages, and completion tracking.
- Required instructional videos introducing and explaining key theological concepts.
- Guided Bible reading and Scripture-comparison activities.
- Instructor-prepared notes, reflection prompts, and self-check questions.
- Moderated discussion forums that encourage respectful theological dialogue and peer learning.
- Independent study, note-taking, and application exercises suitable for an accelerated online format.
Materials & Resources
- Required Textbook: The Bible. Learners may use a reliable translation approved by the instructor.
- Required Media: Instructional videos provided within each Moodle module.
- Course Resources: Instructor notes, module readings, discussion prompts, review questions, and assessment guides posted in Moodle.
- Technology: A dependable internet connection, a current web browser, audio capability, and access to Moodle.
Assessment Structure
| Assessment | Description | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Module Quizzes | Six quizzes measuring comprehension of biblical texts, terms, and module concepts. | 30% |
| Discussion Participation | Substantive responses to module prompts and respectful engagement with classmates. | 20% |
| Midcourse Examination | Assessment covering Modules 1–3, including Paterology, biblical types, and the Trinity. | 20% |
| Final Examination | Cumulative assessment emphasizing Modules 4–6 and integration across the course. | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Quizzes and examinations may include multiple-choice, matching, short-answer, and Scripture-application questions. Discussion work will be evaluated for biblical engagement, clarity, relevance, respectful interaction, and timely completion. Learners should consult the Moodle gradebook and assignment instructions for due dates, grading criteria, and instructor feedback.
Course Schedule & Suggested Pace
The course is self-paced within a four-week accelerated term. Learners may progress ahead, but all required work must be submitted by the course closing date shown in Moodle.
Orientation & Basics
Orientation; Module 1; Module 2; instructional videos; Bible readings; discussions; Quizzes 1–2.
The Trinity
Module 3; instructional video; discussion; Quiz 3; midcourse review and examination.
Son & Spirit
Module 4; Module 5; instructional videos; Bible readings; discussions; Quizzes 4–5.
Roles & Finals
Module 6; instructional video; discussion; Quiz 6; cumulative review; final examination; feedback survey.
Policies & Expectations
Academic Integrity
Learners must submit original work, accurately represent their own understanding, and acknowledge the source of ideas, quotations, and paraphrases. Unauthorized collaboration, plagiarism, cheating, or misuse of another person’s work is strictly prohibited. Bible passages should be properly cited by book, chapter, and verse.
Online Behavior
Learners are expected to communicate respectfully, remain focused on course topics, support claims with Scripture and sound reasoning, and engage disagreements with humility. Harassment, personal attacks, and inappropriate content are not permitted. Regular Moodle access and timely participation are required.
Accessibility & Support
Elite Kingdom Leadership Institute is committed to an accessible learning environment. Learners with disabilities or documented access needs should contact the Institute as early as possible to request reasonable accommodations, handled respectfully and confidentially.