CH506
Feldmeth

CH506: AMERICAN CHURCH HISTORY. Nathan P. Feldmeth.


DESCRIPTION:

This course will trace the development of Christianity in America from the Puritan beginnings to the Church of the present day. Emphasis will be given to key personalities, ideas, and movements which have shaped Christian belief and practice in North America.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
Christianity is a uniquely historical religion in which the divine plan is revealed in an unfolding "drama of redemption." To minister or teach effectively requires a thorough knowledge of the events and ideas that have shaped the present. This course seeks to provide a historico-theological context for ministry.

COURSE FORMAT:
Time in class will center on lecture and student interaction.

REQUIRED READING:
Noll, Mark. A History of Christianity in the United States and Canada. Eerdmans, 1992.

Sernett, Milton, C. ed. Afro-American Religious History: A Documentary Witness. Duke University Press, 1985.

Tucker, Ruth. Daughters of the Church. Zondervan, 1987.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Gaustad, Edwin S. A Documentary History of Religion in America since 1865. Eerdmans, 1983.

ASSIGNMENTS:
The course grade is determined by an evaluation of student work on reading response papers, a twelve to fifteen page research paper, and a final examination.

PREREQUISITES:
None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
Meets M. Div. core requirement in Church History "C" (CHC); M.A.: Church History/Theology.

FINAL EXAMINATION:
Yes.