DESCRIPTION:

An advanced seminar which examines the phenomenon of conversion from seven different vantage points: the biblical, theological, historical, psychological, sociological, anthropological, and experiential (personal documents). The aim of the course is to better understand the process of Christian transformation by using the experience of conversion as an extended case study.

Conversion is a prime example of the transformational process. It is important to understand how and why transformation takes place in the lives of men and women in a Christian context. In understanding conversion in depth new insight is gained into the process of evangelism (where conversion is the aim) and into the dynamic of Christian formation (in which continued growth is the goal).

This is an advanced seminar for Th.M. and Ph.D. students into which a limited number of M.A. and M.Div. students will be admitted. The class will consist of some lecture, student presentations by the Th.M./Ph.D. students, discussion, case studies, and interactive dialogue.

Gaventa, Beverly. From Darkness to Light: Aspects of Conversion in the New Testament. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1986.

Kerr, Hugh and John Mulder. Conversions: The Christian Experience. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1983.

Rambo, Lewis. Understanding Religious Conversion. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1993.

Readings in Conversion: A Collection of Articles and Papers (Bookstore).

Toon, Peter. Born Again: A Biblical and Theological Study of Regeneration. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1987.

It is expected that each student will read the materials and be prepared to participate in the classroom discussion and exercises. In addition, a 20-page research paper is required as well as two short reflection papers (2 pages each).

Permission from the Instructor is necessary in order to enroll in this course.

Elective.

None.