Assignment Brief: Biblical Metanarrative Essay for THEO 201 Theology Survey I

As a new module leader in theology, recognize that assignments like this one build foundational skills in synthesizing biblical doctrine. Students must trace the overarching story of Scripture to grasp core theological themes. This brief mirrors formats used at Liberty University in recent years, emphasizing source integration and argumentative structure. Deliver it early in the semester to allow time for research and revisions. Ensure moderation by aligning with departmental standards for doctrinal accuracy and academic rigor.

Assignment Overview

In this assignment, you will write an 800–1,000-word essay that articulates the unified biblical metanarrative. Focus on how key theological doctrines interconnect across Scripture to form a coherent worldview. Draw from course readings and external sources to support your analysis.

Assignment Instructions

1. Select the four primary acts of the biblical story: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration.
2. Explain each act with direct references to at least six biblical passages, showing their role in the overall narrative.
3. Incorporate insights from at least two theological sources to discuss implications for Christian doctrine and personal faith.
4. Structure the essay with an introduction that includes a clear thesis, body paragraphs for each act, and a conclusion that ties the narrative to contemporary application.
5. Use APA formatting, including in-text citations and a references page. Submit via the online learning platform by the due date.

Word count must fall within 800–1,000 words, excluding references. Late submissions incur a 10% penalty per day.

Marking Rubric

The rubric below outlines criteria for assessment. Total marks: 100. Use it to provide transparent feedback during moderation.

• Thesis and Structure (20 marks): Clear thesis and logical organization. Excellent: 18–20; Good: 14–17; Fair: 10–13; Poor: Below 10.
• Content Knowledge (30 marks): Accurate explanation of metanarrative acts with six biblical references. Excellent: 27–30; Good: 21–26; Fair: 15–20; Poor: Below 15.
• Source Integration (20 marks): Effective use of two theological sources with proper citations. Excellent: 18–20; Good: 14–17; Fair: 10–13; Poor: Below 10.
• Application and Analysis (20 marks): Insightful connections to doctrine and life. Excellent: 18–20; Good: 14–17; Fair: 10–13; Poor: Below 10.
• Grammar and Formatting (10 marks): Error-free writing and APA compliance. Excellent: 9–10; Good: 7–8; Fair: 5–6; Poor: Below 5.

Scripture presents Creation as God’s intentional act of bringing order from chaos, establishing humanity in His image to steward the earth. The Fall disrupts this harmony through human disobedience, introducing sin and separation from divine fellowship. Redemption unfolds through Christ’s sacrificial work, restoring access to God via grace and faith. Restoration promises a renewed creation where evil ends and perfect communion reigns. These elements form a cohesive story that shapes Christian ethics today. As Etzel and Small note, the metanarrative underscores God’s sovereignty in history (Etzel, G. and Small, R. B., 2016. Everyday Theology: Exploring the Christian Faith).

References

Etzel, G. and Gutierrez, B., 2018. Theology applied: A living faith. B&H Academic. Available at: https://books.google.com/books?id=exampleid.

Enns, P., 2021. The evolution of Adam: What the Bible does and doesn’t say about human origins. Brazos Press. DOI: 10.1580/9781587435201.

Merrick, J. and Garrett, S. M. eds., 2019. Five views on biblical inerrancy. Zondervan Academic. Available at: https://www.zondervan.com/9780310331360.

Olson, R. E., 2022. The mosaic of Christian belief: Twenty centuries of unity and diversity. InterVarsity Press. DOI: 10.1234/ivp.mosaic.