DESCRIPTION: This course provides a foundational understanding of Christian ecclesiology and eschatology with reference to their biblical, traditional, and contemporary formulations, as expressed in various ecclesial and contextual/intercultural perspectives. Topics include the nature, ministry and life of the church, including ordination, sacraments, prayer, parousia, death, resurrection, judgment, heaven, and hell.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated an understanding of (1) what they believe with regard to the Christian faith, (2) the interrelated character of Christian theology, (3) why they believe what they believe in a way that enhances their own spiritual formation, (4) a range of theological options and reasons for this diversity. They will also have (5) enhanced their ability to think theologically in light of their own experience and their church setting, and (6) increased their understanding of the role of cultural diversity in theology, thus cultivating greater sensitivity in their respective ministry ventures.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: An informed understanding of the life, worship, and goals of the church is crucial to Christian preaching, teaching, evangelizing, and discipleship.

COURSE FORMAT: This five-week intensive course will meet twice a week for four-hour sessions of interactive lecture, discussion, and student presentations. (No class meeting on July 4.)

REQUIRED READING:

Ferguson, S.B. & D.F. Wright, eds. New Dictionary of Theology. InterVarsity Press, 1988 (sections).

Grenz, S. Theology for the Community of God. Eerdmans, 2000, pp. 461-660.

Kärkkäinen, V.-M. An Introduction to Ecclesiology. InterVarsity Press, 2002.

Schwartz, H. Eschatology. Eerdmans, 2000.

Select one special topic text:

Barr, W.R. Constructive Christian Theology in the Worldwide Church. Eerdmans, 1997.

Bauckham, R. God Will Be All in All: The Eschatology of Jürgen Moltmann. T&T Clark, 1999.

Boff, L. Ecclesiogenesis: The Base Communities Reinvent the Church. Orbis, 1986.

Fudge, E.W. & R.A. Peterson. Two Views of Hell: A Biblical & Theological Dialogue. IVP, 2000.

Gelder C. van, ed. Confident Witness. (Gospel and Culture Series.) Eerdmans, 1999.

Guder, D.L. & L. Barrett, eds. Missional Church. Eerdmans, 1998.

Gunton, C.E. & D.W. Hardy, eds. On Being the Church. T&T Clark, 1989.

Kimball, D. The Emerging Church. Zondervan, 2003.

Lincoln, E.C. & L.H. Mamiya. The Black Church in African American Experience. Duke, 2001.

McGrath, Alister E. A Brief History of Heaven. Blackwell Publishing, 2003.

Russell, L.M. Church in the Round: Feminist Interpretation of the Church. WJK, 1993.

Schmemann, A., Introduction to Liturgical Theology. Tr. Moorhouse. 3rd ed. St. Vladimir's, 1997.

Stackhouse, J.G., ed. Evangelical Ecclesiology: Reality or Illusion? Baker, 2003.

Ware, Kallistos. The Orthodox Church. Penguin, 1993. (Part II: Faith and Worship).

White, James F. The Sacraments in Protestant Practice. Abingdon, 1999.