DESCRIPTION:

This course will focus on the intersections between theology, popular culture and new forms of church emerging around the globe. The student will explore how popular culture has enabled the emergence of new incarnations of the Christian faith uniquely focused on meeting the needs of postmodern society. The class will focus on three main areas: (1) contemporary theologies which are engaging postmodernity and exegeting popular culture; (2) new paradigm church expressions from around the globe (with particular emphasis on models in North America and Europe); (3) contemporary theories of the emerging global culture.

New forms of church are appearing everywhere in response to the emerging global context. This class will equip those seeking to engage, or already at work in it, by providing a deepening understanding of the dynamic intersections between theology and popular culture as expressed in the emerging global context. Learning outcomes include the following:

• Awareness of new theological positions engaging with postmodernity and popular culture.

• Understanding of the new church forms in the emerging global context.

• Development of the necessary skills for analysis of popular culture, its role in the emerging context and the theological intersections raised by it.

The class will meet weekly, for three and a half-hour sessions. Classes will be lecture-driven with multimedia presentations and small group discussions.

Baker, Jonny and Doug Gay. Alternative Worship. Baker, 2004.

Browning, Don S. A Fundamental Practical Theology. Fortress Press, 1996.

Hyman, Gavin. The Predicament of Postmodern Theology. Westminster Press, 2001 (U.K.: 2003).

King, Ursula, ed. Faith and Praxis in a Postmodern Age. Cassell, 2000.

Skelton, Tracy. Culture and Global Change. Routledge, 1999.

Ward, Pete. Liquid Church. Hendrickson, 2002.

Anderson, Walter Truett. The Next Enlightenment. St. Martins Press, 2003.

Grenz, Stanley. Renewing the Center. Baker, 1999

Lynch, Gordon. After Religion: `Generation X' and the Search for Meaning. Darton Longman & Todd, 2002.

McGrath, Alister. The Future of Christianity. Blackwell, 2002 (U.K.: Routledge, 2001).

1. Two three-page, typed and double-spaced book reviews from the required reading list.

2. One two-page, typed and double-spaced book review from the recommended reading list.

3. A final paper, fifteen to twenty pages in length on a topic to be approved by the class instructor, related to issues raised by class material. Topics need to be discussed and approved by class instructor by Week 4 of class schedule.

Meets the interdisciplinary course requirement for the M.A.C.L. in Integrative Studies; specialized requirements for the M.A. in Worship, Theology, and the Arts; and theology and culture requirements for the M.A. in Theology (Theology and Arts format).