DESCRIPTION: The Christian community has long debated the appropriate ways for Christians to relate to their cultural surroundings. This course will focus on some key perspectives, beginning with a critical examination of the motif made popular by H. Richard Niebuhr in his classic study, Christ and Culture. Special attention will be given to "cultural mandate" theories, as well as to the contemporary relevance of traditional notions of common grace, natural law, and general revelation as they have been used to discern created commonalities that undergird a plurality of cultures. The present-day interest in multiculturalism will also be explored.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: At the end of this course students will be able to (1) demonstrate a deeper understanding of the nature of "culture"; (2) analyze and critique contemporary culture from a theological and philosophical perspective; (3) demonstrate a deeper understanding of the relationship between a biblical worldview and interaction with the wider culture; (4) identify theological resources for an "epistemology of commonness" and bring them to bear on ministry contexts and Christian approaches to vocational work in culture; (5) demonstrate a deeper understanding of the complexities and tensions facing the Christian church in diverse and rapidly changing cultures and subcultures; (6) engage in theological reflection regarding possible theological responses to the wider culture; (7) graciously articulate the good news of the gospel of Christ in a multicultural, pluralistic society.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Evangelical Christianity has often emphasized the need to oppose "worldliness," and the warnings have typically been based on an implicit philosophy and theology of culture. It is important for Christian leaders to clarify their understanding of these issues in order to guide the believing community in proper patterns of cultural discipleship.

COURSE FORMAT: Class time will be devoted to both lectures and discussion. There will be weekly reading assignments. The class will meet weekly for a three-hour session.

REQUIRED READING:

Brunner, Emil & Karl Barth. Natural Theology: Comprising "Nature and Grace," by Professor Dr. Emil Brunner, and the reply, "No," by Dr. Karl Barth. Trans. P. Fraenkel. Wipf & Stock, 2002.

Carson, D. A. Christ and Culture Revisited. Eerdmans, 2008.

Crouch, Andy. Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling. InterVarsity Press, 2008.

Kuyper, Abraham. Lectures on Calvinism. Eerdmans, 1943.

Mouw, Richard. When The Kings Come Marching In: Isaiah and the New Jerusalem. Eerdmans, 2002.

Taylor, C. & A. Gutman. Multiculturalism: Examining the Politics of Recognition. Princeton UP, 1994.

Willimon, William. Resident Aliens: Life in the Christian Colony. Abingdon Press, 1989.

Course Reader.

Kraft, Charles. Christianity in Culture: A Study in Dynamic Biblical Theologizing in Cross-Cultural Perspective. Orbis, 1979.

Mouw, Richard. He Shines in All That's Fair: Culture and Common Grace. Eerdmans, 2001.

Niebuhr, H. Richard. Christ and Culture. HarperSanFrancisco, 2001.

Stassen, Glen, D. M. Yeager, and John Howard Yoder. Authentic Transformation: A New Vision of Christ and Culture. Abingdon, 1996.

Vanhoozer, Kevin, Charles Anderson, and Michael Sleasman. Everyday Theology: How to Read Cultural Texts and Interpret Trends. Baker Academic, 2007.

Van Til, Henry. The Calvinistic Concept of Culture. Baker Academic, 2001.