DESCRIPTION: A survey of the development of the Christian doctrine in the
western church from Gregory the Great to the Reformation, with emphasis on the
rise of scholasticism and the beginnings of the Reformation.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: There are four objectives to this course.
First, that students become familiar with the central theological doctrines and
developments in the church of the Middle Ages and Reformation, particularly
those that led to the Reformation and have formed and expressed Protestant
identity. Second, that students gain an understanding of the theological
controversies of the Middle Ages and Reformation from diverse points of view,
including the perspectives of the original participants and those of historians
today. Third, that students practice the close reading of selected primary
sources in order to analyze and faithfully articulate the theological arguments
of a historical text. Fourth, that students reflect on the perennial nature of
the doctrinal controversies that shaped Christian identity in this period as
these doctrines and practices have engendered contemporary Christian diversity
and ecumenical conversation.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: By introducing a significant body of theological and
historical data, the course seeks to lead students to a broader perspective on
their own ecclesiastical traditions, beliefs, and practices, as well as to a
sympathetic appreciation for the unity and diversity of the one, holy,
catholic, and apostolic church of which they are a part. Intensive work in
primary sources will help students to acquire an improved facility in the
analysis of theological arguments and an increased ability to articulate the
meaning of the Christian faith in its historical development--skills that will
also benefit the student's reading, understanding, and exposition of Scripture
itself.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet daily for two weeks for four-hour sessions
of lecture/discussion, with associated readings.
REQUIRED READING: