DESCRIPTION:

This Internet-based course in practical theology examines perceptions of the family within the Christian tradition, and their relationship to wider cultural concerns in a variety of different historical and contemporary settings.

Understanding our own experience of family and empathizing with the experience of others is a fundamental part of effective Christian life and ministry.

• reflect on their own family stories;

• understand Christian perspectives on the family, within the context of postmodern culture;

• acquire pastoral skills for supporting families in the church and in the wider community;

• develop skills in practical theology method incorporating biblical and theological resources with socio-cultural studies in a personally enriching environment of discipleship and Christian ministry.

The class will be conducted via the Internet using a 10-week lesson program aligned with Fuller's academic calendar. Each week, students and the instructor will interact with the material and each other through journaling, threaded discussions, web-based research, and other assignments.

Course Reader available in the online course.

Anderson, Herbert, and Don Browning et al. The Family Handbook. Westminster John Knox, 1998. ISBN: 978-0664256906; $30.

Drane, John, and Olive M. Fleming Drane. Family Fortunes: Faith-Full Caring for Today's Families. Abingdon Press, 2005. ISBN 978-0232525427; $10.99.

Fleming Drane, Olive M. Spirituality to Go: Rituals and Reflections for Everyday Living. Darton, Longman & Todd, 2006. ISBN 978-0232526639; $13.

Hess, Richard S., and M. Daniel Carroll R., eds. Family in the Bible. Baker Academic, 2003. ISBN: 978-0801026287; $22.

Ruether, Rosemary Radford. Christianity and the Making of the Modern Family. Beacon Press, 2001. ISBN: 978-0807054079; $20.

Stone, Howard. How to Think Theologically. Fortress Press, 2006. ISBN 978-0800638184; $16.

Thatcher, Adrian. Theology and Families. Wiley-Blackwell, 2007. ISBN 978-1405152754; $43.95.

1. Weekly threaded discussions (25%) and personal journaling including reflections on student's own family of origin (10%)

2. A report on the personal experiential processing of the course material showing evidence of ability in practical theology methodology (15%)

3. A paper or field-work study of 12-15 pages on a subject relevant to the concerns of the course (50%)

All assignments must be submitted to gain a grade.