DESCRIPTION:

This course will explore the changing face of Evangelical identity, probing in particular issues that surround the evolving nature of Evangelical theology. Multi-disciplinary in design, the class will draw upon recent studies in theology, history, philosophy, and sociology, with the aim of informing students' understanding of American Evangelicalism, including its past achievements and future potential within church and culture. Methodologically, the course will explore the ways in which a variety of scholarly disciplines can be integrated to suggest creative new directions for the future of Christian thought and practice.

The seminar is designed specifically for students wishing to pursue a career in teaching ministry. Developments in contemporary philosophy and culture have forced Christian thinkers to reconsider the viability of Evangelical theology and propose new ways of envisioning the appropriate tasks of theology. The course seeks to equip students to confront these new challenges.

The seminar will meet three hours a week for discussion.

Dayton, Donald. Discovering an Evangelical Heritage. Harper & Row, 1976.

Dayton, Donald W. and Robert K. Johnston. The Variety of American Evangelicalism. University of Tennessee, 1991.

Fackre, Gabriel. Ecumenical Faith in Evangelical Perspective. Eerdmans, 1993.

Grenz, Stanley. Revisioning Evangelical Theology. InterVarsity Press, 1993.

Hunter, James Davison. Evangelicalism: The Coming Generation. University of Chicago, 1987.

Okholm, Dennis and Timothy Phillips. The Nature of Confession. InterVarsity Press, 1995.

McGrath, Alistair. Evangelicalism & the Future of Christianity. InterVarsity Press, 1995.

Marsden, George. Reforming Fundamentalism. Eerdmans, 1987.

_________. Understanding Fundamentalism and Evangelicalism. Eerdmans, 1991.

Marsden, George and Bradley Longfield, eds. The Secularization of the Academy. Oxford, 1992.

Murphy, Nancey. Beyond Liberalism and Fundamentalism. Trinity, 1996.

Wuthnow, Robert. The Struggle for America's Soul. Eerdmans, 1989.

Selected Articles.

Completion of required reading, attendance and discussion in class are to be observed by all students. Those enrolled in the 800 section will prepare a 20-30 page research paper on a topic chosen in consultation with one of the professors and written in conformity with the methodological guidelines discussed in class. Those enrolled in the 500 section will write a 10 page paper on Evangelical identity making use of the readings and discussion.

For M.A./M. Div. students, permission of one of the professors.

Elective. This course is offered in tandem with the Graduate Seminar, Evangelical Theology and History.

None.