DESCRIPTION:

This course is an examination of the formation, development, and current expressions of Methodist theology. Along with determining the essence of Methodist Doctrine, the emphasis will be on the theological development of the student, and the ability to form and articulate personal theological conviction and its relation to current theological trends in the United Methodist Church and the broader Christian community.

The successful completion of this course is required for ordination in the United Methodist Church. Additionally, the broader purpose of the course is to enable personal theological formation that will assist and sustain the student in mission and ministry.

The class will meet once a week for three-hour sessions.

Chiles, Robert E. Theological Transition in American Methodism 1790-1935. University Press of America, 1983.

Collins, Kenneth J. and Tyson, John H. Conversion in the Wesleyan Tradition. Abingdon, 1997.

Runyan, Theodore. The New Creation: John Wesley's Theology Today. Abingdon, 1998.

Williams, Colin W. John Wesley's Theology Today: A Study of the Wesleyan Tradition in the Light of Current Theological Dialogue. Abingdon, 1960.

Abraham, William J. Waking from Doctrinal Amnesia: The Healing of Doctrine in the United Methodist Church. Abingdon, 1995.

Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church. United Methodist Publishing House, 2000.

Cobb, John and David R. Griffin. Process Theology. Westminster Press, 1976.

Ferm, Deane W. Contemporary American Theologies. Seabury Press, 1981.

Gunter, Stephen W., et al. Wesley and the Quadrilateral. Abingdon, 1997.

Heitzenrater, Richard P. The Poor and the People Called Methodists. Abingdon, 2002.

Langford, Thomas A. Wesleyan Theology: A Sourcebook. Labyrinth, 1984.

__________. Practical Divinity: Theology in the Wesleyan Tradition. Abingdon, 1983.

Maddox, Randy L. Responsible Grace: John Wesley's Practical Theology. Abingdon, 1994.

__________. Rethinking Wesley's Theology for Contemporary Methodism. Abingdon, 1998.

Meeks, M. Douglas. What Should Methodists Teach? Wesleyan Tradition in Modern Diversity. Kingswood, 1990.

Mickey, Paul A. Essentials of Wesleyan Theology. Zondervan, 1980.

Tuttle, Robert G., Jr. John Wesley: His Life and Theology. Zondervan, 1978.

Willey, Basil. The Eighteenth Century Background. Beacon Press, 1961.

__________. The Seventeenth Century Background. Chatto & Windus, 1957.

Class attendance and participation are mandatory (25%). In addition to the required reading, the student must read a total of 500 pages from the Recommended Reading list and submit an annotated bibliography of completed reading. The student must also complete a closed book midterm exam (25%) based on assigned readings and class lectures, a take-home final exam (25%). and a 10-15 page critical paper related to United Methodist Doctrine, topic to be approved by the instructor (25%).

Elective. (Fulfills United Methodist disciplinary requirement in Doctrine for ordination.)