DESCRIPTION: The term postmodern is used in a variety of ways: to refer
to developments in art and architecture, in contemporary culture generally, in
Continental philosophy, and in English-language (Anglo-American) philosophy.
This course focuses on the last of these--radical changes in philosophical
views of knowledge, language, human nature, and causation. The thesis of the
course is that the modern worldview, as reflected in modern philosophy, was
inhospitable to Christian faith and practice; thus these postmodern
developments offer exciting opportunities for new approaches in theology,
biblical studies, Christian ethics, apologetics.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Knowledge: to increase students'
knowledge of recent Anglo-American philosophy and to see its relevance to the
theological task, broadly construed. Skills: to increase skills in critical
thinking and academic writing. Attitudes: to increase understanding of and
appreciation for scholars and church members whose views and emphases differ
from their own.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: American Protestantism has long been sharply divided
between liberal and conservative, and more recently by modern versus postmodern
agendas. This course aims to help students understand the sources of these
divisions so as to be able better to minister to Christians on other sides of
these divides.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Mostly
lecture, but with sessions for small group discussion.
REQUIRED READING: