Winter 2005/Pasadena
CH503
Thompson

CH503: MEDIEVAL AND REFORMATION THEOLOGY. John L. Thompson.


DESCRIPTION:

A survey of the diversity of medieval theology as it developed from an essentially Augustinian source in its encounter with new conflicts and cultural factors and as it eventually promoted and provoked the Protestant Reformation. The period addressed covers through the Council of Trent and the death of Calvin.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
This course introduces the student to a significant body of theological and historical data as a means to acquiring a broader perspective on one's own faith as well as a more sympathetic appreciation for the catholic and apostolic church of which the student is a part. Moreover, through intensive work in primary source readings, the student should acquire an improved facility in the analysis of theological arguments and the ability to articulate the meaning of the Christian faith in its historical development--both of which skills will carry over into the student's reading, understanding, and exposition of Scripture itself.

COURSE FORMAT:
Class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions for lectures, with occasional discussion sessions devoted to student papers as assigned (below).

REQUIRED READING:
Fairweather, Eugene R., ed. A Scholastic Miscellany. Westminster, 1956; and Macmillan, 1970.

Hägglund, Bengt. History of Theology. Concordia, 1968. In consultation with the instructor, students may substitute for Hägglund one of the recommended textbooks listed below.

Hillerbrand, Hans J., ed. The Protestant Reformation. Harper & Row, 1968.

Syllabus and assembled readings.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Cross, F. L. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. Oxford, 1996.

Douglas, J. D. The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church. Zondervan, 1978.

González, Justo L. A History of Christian Thought. Vols. 2-3. Abingdon, 1987.

Muller, Richard A. Dictionary of Latin and Greek Theological Terms. Baker, 1985.

Pelikan, Jaroslav. The Christian Tradition. Vols. 3-4. University of Chicago Press, 1978, 1984.

Placher, William C. A History of Christian Theology. Westminster, 1983.

Seeberg, Reinhold. The History of Doctrines. Baker, 1979.

ASSIGNMENTS:
  1. Assigned readings, to be completed as preparation for lectures.

  2. Three short papers on primary source readings.

  3. Final examination.

PREREQUISITES:
None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
Meets M. Div. core requirement in Church History "b" (CHB).

FINAL EXAMINATION:
Yes.