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Systematic Theology II: How to Write a Position Paper

What is a position paper?

The theological position paper assignment provides students with an oppportunity to think practically about specific topics within systematic theology. For Systematic Theology I, topics should center around the doctrines of General or Special Revelation, Scripture, or the nature/attributes of God. Use this page to help you begin the research needed to complete this assignment. For research help, make an appointment with our librarians using the box on the left-hand side menu. 

This guide should not be used in place of your professor's syllabus or instructions. 

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General Guidelines

  1. Start Early: Begin planning before class starts to get a head start on resources, research, and edits, ensuring a stress-free finish.
  2. Define the Question: Identify and refine the main question early. Use the answer to develop a clear thesis statement.
  3. Research Competing Views: Read widely to summarize key arguments on your topic.
  4. Pick a Position: Choose the strongest position and explain why it stands out.
  5. Defend Fairly: Address objections honestly and avoid misrepresenting opposing views. A common issue in writing position papers is that students often show bias by not treating opposing views fairly.
  6. Edit: Remember, your paper isn't complete until you've thoroughly edited it. Review it yourself, making edits along the way, and then have someone else read it to provide a fresh perspective on the final version.

Structuring the Position Paper

  1. Introduction: Includes your thesis and methodology statement. 
  2. Opposing Views: Summarize each opposing view you have chosen without bias. Do not argue for or against the position. 
  3. Summarize Your Position: Explain the position you support without bias. Just state the facts.
  4. Support/Defend Your Position: Pick the most common/important objections to your view and provide biblical and historical support to your argument. 
  5. Conclusion: Restate your position and thesis as a final appeal to your readers. 

For more help with structuring your SBTS position paper, visit the SBTS Writing Center here. 

Primary vs Secondary Works

Most professors require the use of a specific number of primary sources.

  • A primary source is an author's first-hand account of the event being studied. Examples include: autobiographies, diaries, letters, journals, memos, interviews, manuscripts, newspaper articles of current events, etc. For theological works this includes the original (or definitive) edition of a work.
    • For example, John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, is a primary source because it was written by John Calvin as the definitive work. 
  • A secondary source would be a later, non-definitive edition, a non-definitive translation, or an examination of a particular facet of the primary source. 
    • For example, Paul Helm's John Calvin's Ideas is a secondary source because it is an analysis of Calvin's works.

If you're unsure of an author's primary works, consult resources like The Encyclopedia of Christian Theology or The Oxford Companion to Christian Thought. These guides are helpful but not exhaustive. For further help, contact a library research expert or a scholar in your field.