DESCRIPTION:

This course is a survey of the contemporary practice of Christian worship, and the use of the arts in various church traditions in their theological and historical settings. Special attention will be given to the way churches have made use of the arts and popular culture in developing (or subverting) worship that is biblical. Focus will be both theological and practical, leading to student development of worship experiences that are creative and theologically sensitive.

The contemporary revival of Christian worship makes widespread use of the arts in many forms. But often these arts are used without reference to their historical and theological contexts, or in ways that conflict with biblical themes. This course will encourage biblical and theological reflection in developing worship that embraces the arts in appropriate ways.

The course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions for lecture and discussion of reading materials. Additionally, students will make two visits (preferably in teams) to worship experiences of traditions other than their own. Students will also participate in the planning and execution of a worship service designed for Fuller Chapel.

Dyrness, W. A. Visual Faith: Art, Theology, and Worship in Dialogue. Baker Academic, 2001

Best, Harold. Unceasing Worship: Biblical Perspectives on Worship and the Arts. InterVarsity Press, 2003.

Redman, Robb. The Great Worship Awakening. Jossey Bass, 2002.

Saliers, Don. Worship as Theology: A Foretaste of Glory Divine. Abingdon, 1994

Schmit, Clayton J. Too Deep for Words: A Theology of Liturgical Expression. Westminster/John Knox, 2002

Reader of selections, available in the bookstore.

Baker, Jonny, et al. Alternative Worship. Baker, 2004.

Black, Kathy. Worship across Cultures. Abingdon, 1998

Bonds, Fiona. The Arts in Your Church: A Practical Guide. Piquant Press, 2001.

Goens, Linda. Praising God through the Lively Arts. Abingdon, 1999.

Hawn. Michael. Gather into One: Praying and Singing Globally. Eerdmans, 2002.

Hustad, Donald. Jubilate II: Church Music in Worship and Renewal. Hope, 1993.

Van Dyk, Leanne, ed. A More Profound Alleluia. Eerdmans, 2005.

Students will be responsible for all lectures and readings, and will bring reflection questions on the readings to each class. They will write a theological reflection paper (5-6 pages each) on the two required church visits; a theological reflection paper on the planning and execution of the class chapel experience (5-6 pages); and a final paper (12-14 pp.) which includes the program, rationale, and theological reflection for a service of worship designed by the student for his or her own worship community. Each paper should show reflection on issues raised in class lectures and in the readings.

Elective. Meets requirements for Master of Arts in Worship, Theology, and the Arts degree and the MDiv Concentration in Worship, Theology, and the Arts; can fulfill a "Theology and Practice" course in the Master of Arts in Theology: Theology and Arts Format degree.