DESCRIPTION:

This course considers the role of the arts and creativity in the Bible. After discussion of the hermeneutical issues involved and a general overview of the relationship between art and theology, the course then explores the role of God as creator as a paradigm for human creativity; the place of the arts in biblical worship (Old and New Testaments); affective spirituality and the prophets, including their use of mime and clowning; Jesus as storyteller; the role of humor in the Bible; and the early church as an artistic community.

The course aims to provide a biblical foundation for the use of the arts as part of the worship and witness of today's church. As well as theological reflection, there will also be training in practical skills, including liturgical dance, drama, mime, clowning, storytelling, and painting.

Class meetings will utilize a variety of different formats, including plenaries and small group discussion, as well as practical training. The practical work will not be optional, but will form an integral part of the course. Students should expect to provide appropriate materials for some of the course activities. Attention will also be given to practical strategies for introducing the arts into church life.

Students will be expected to read a total of 1000 pages from the following:

Adams, Doug and Diane Apostolos-Cappadona, eds. Dance as Religious Studies. New York: Crossroad, 1990.

* Bausch, William J. Storytelling, Imagination and Faith. Mystic CT: 23rd Publications, 1984.

Brueggemann, Walter. Texts under Negotiation. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1993.

* Fox, Matthew. Whee! We, Wee all the Way Home. Santa Fe: Bear & Co., 1981.

* Gagne, Ronald, Thomas Kane, and Robert VerEecke. Introducing Dance in Christian Worship. Washington, D.C.: Pastoral Press, 1984.

Hyers, Conrad. And God Created Laughter. Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1987.

* Litherland, J. The Clown Ministry Handbook, 4th ed. Colorado Springs: Meriwether, 1990.

* Perkins, Pheme. Jesus as Teacher. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1990.

Radday, Yehuda T. and Athalya Brenner. On Humour and the Comic in the Hebrew Bible. Sheffield: Almond Press, 1990.

Tilley, Terrence W. Story Theology. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1990.

* Wink, Walter. Transforming Bible Study, 2nd ed. Nashville: Abingdon, 1990.

* If possible, students should read these books prior to July 21, the first class meeting:

A supplementary reading list will be distributed in class and available on reserve in the library.

1) Attendance: students who miss more than 3 class meetings will not receive a passing grade. 2) Preparation: students will be expected to engage in adequate advance preparation and to participate fully in class meetings. 3) Course journal: students should keep a personal journal for each class meeting. 4) Essay or project: an essay of approximately 10 pages, or an equivalent project on a subject to be mutually agreed between student and professors.

An assessment of practical skills will take place towards the end of the course, and will count for 25% of the final grade. No student will receive a passing grade without taking part in this, and submitting both pieces of written work.