DESCRIPTION:

This course will explore the biblical and theological dimensions of the use of the performing arts in ministry and provide a basis for establishing a theological paradigm for the use of the arts in today's Church. Through reading, lecture, exploration of performance techniques, and viewing of theatrical performances the students will become familiar with the uses of performance arts in ministry and the performative aspects of worship. A key component of the course will be to apply performance theory to the practice of ministry. Special focus will be given to the theatrical arts.

The use of the arts is as old as faith. The scriptures tell of the numerous ways that dance, mime, and drama have given expression to the celebration of life, praise, and proclamation. Today, the performing arts continue to enrich the life of Church as they are used in worship service and in various modes of proclamation. Too often the performing arts have been reduced to mere entertainment. They have been associated with mediocrity and frivolity and have not been subjected to serious theological reflection. This course will give the student theological and practical foundations for developing an understanding of how to use performing arts in ministry.

This course will meet once weekly for three and a half hour sessions. Students will be responsible for attendance at lectures, assigned reading material, participation in the practical components of the course, and attendance at one theatrical event. Approximately twelve hours of class time will be spent in performance preparation and practice. A goal of the course will be to develop one group performance piece that would be appropriate for a Fuller community chapel.

Adams, Doug. Dance as Religious Studies. The Crossroads Publishing Company, 1990.

Balthasar, Hans Urs von. Theo-Drama. Vol. 1. Ignatius Press, 1983.

Childers, Jana. Performing the Word: Preaching as Theatre, Abingdon, 1998.

Lucian. "The Dance," pp. 209-89 in Vol. 5. Loeb Classical Library.

Nichols, Aidan. No Bloodless Myth. Catholic University of America Press, 2000.

Schmit, C. Too Deep For Words: A Theology of Liturgical Expression. Westminster/John Knox, 2002.

Tertullian. De Spectaculis. Loeb Classical Library.

Webb-Mitchell, B. Christly Gestures: Learning to be Members of the Body of Christ. Eerdmans, 2003.

Begbie, Jeremy S. Voicing Creation's Praise: Towards a Theology of the Arts. T&T Clark, 1991.

Farley, Todd. The Silent Prophet. Destiny Image, 1989.

Schnusenberg, Christine Catharina. The Relationship Between the Church and the Theatre. University Press of America, 1988.

1) Read assigned material and write three 3-4 page critical response papers on three of the assigned texts. 2) Create a solo performance piece drawn from theological reflection of assigned readings, present the piece in class, and lead the class in theological reflection on the performed work. 3) Participate in the class production designed for performance in a public setting (e.g., Fuller Chapel). 4) Present a brief theological reflection on a viewed performance. 5) Write a 10-12 page research paper on a theological issue as it relates to a selected performative art form.

Meets concentration requirements for M.A. in Theology--Theology and Arts Format; M.A. in Worship, Theology and the Arts; M. Div. Worship, Theology and the Arts Concentration.