DESCRIPTION:

The Christian community has long debated the appropriate ways for Christians to relate to their cultural surroundings. This course will focus on some key perspectives, beginning with a critical examination of the typology made popular by H. Richard Niebuhr in his classic study, Christ and Culture. Special attention will be given to "cultural mandate" theories, as well as to the contemporary relevance of traditional notions of common grace, natural law, and general revelation as they have been used to discern created commonalities that undergird a plurality of cultures. The present-day interest in "multi-culturalism" will also be explored.

Evangelical Christianity has often emphasized the need to oppose "worldliness," and the warnings have typically been based on an implicit philosophy and theology of culture. It is important for Christian leaders to clarify their understanding of these issues in order to guide the believing community in proper patterns of cultural discipleship.

Class time will be devoted to both lectures and discussion. There will be weekly reading assignments. The class will meet weekly for a three-hour session.

Cromartie, Michael, ed. Preserving Grace: Protestants, Catholics and Natural Law. Eerdmans, 1997.

Mouw, Richard. He Shines in All That's Fair: Culture and Common Grace. Eerdmans, 2001.

Niebuhr, H. Richard. Christ and Culture. HarperSanFrancisco, 2001.

Taylor, Charles and Amy Gutman. Multiculturalism: Examining the Politics of Recognition. Princeton University Press, 1994.

Van Til, Henry. The Calvinistic Concept of Culture. Baker Academic, 2001.

Kraft, Charles. Christianity in Culture: A Study in Dynamic Biblical Theologizing in Cross-Cultural Perspective. Orbis, 1979.

Stassen, Glen, D. M. Yeager, and John Howard Yoder. Authentic Transformation: A New Vision of Christ and Culture. Abingdon, 1996.

Regular assigned readings. A short paper, and a midterm test and final exam will be required.

None.

Meets M.Div. core requirement in Philosophical Theology (PHIL).

Yes.