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.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated an understanding of (1) the course topics in light of both classical and contemporary thought, (2) why they believe what they believe in a way that enhances their own spiritual formation, and (3) a range of theological options and reasons for this diversity. They will also have (4) enhanced their ability to identify and address theological questions in light of their own experience and their church setting. (5) They will have completed assignments that stress the importance of precise writing and logical expression, and (6) will be challenged to increase their understanding of the role of cultural diversity in theology.

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: The class will meet for lectures and discussion twice weekly in two-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

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

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

McGrath, A., ed. Theology: The Basic Readings. Blackwell, 2008, pp. 127-200.

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.

Gibbs, E. & Bolger, R. The Emerging Churches. Baker, 2005.

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

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.

Parratt, J. Reinventing Christianity: African Theology Today. Eerdmans, 1995.

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

Schmemann, A. Introduction to Liturgical Theology, trans. Moorhouse. 3d 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.