DESCRIPTION: A survey of the diversity of medieval theology as it developed from an essentially Augustinian source in its encounter with new conflicts and cultural factors and as it eventually promoted and provoked the Protestant Reformation. The period addressed covers through the Council of Trent and the death of Calvin.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: By introducing a significant body of theological and historical data, the course seeks to lead students to a broader perspective on their own ecclesiastical traditions, beliefs, and practices, as well as to a sympathetic appreciation for the unity and diversity of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church of which they are a part. Intensive work in primary sources will help students to acquire an improved facility in the analysis of theological arguments and an increased ability to articulate the meaning of the Christian faith in its historical development--skills that will also benefit the student's reading, understanding, and exposition of Scripture itself.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: First, students who pass this course will demonstrate familiarity with central theological doctrines and developments in church of the middle ages and Reformation, particularly those that led to the Reformation and have formed and expressed Protestant identity (attained through readings, reflection on lectures, and participation in online small groups). Second, they will be able to analyze and articulate the theological arguments of historical texts (attained through directed essays on selected primary sources and online group interaction). Third, they will be able to reflect theologically on the shaping of Christian identity, doctrine, and practice, as well as on the implications for contemporary Christian diversity and pastoral ministry (attained through personal and online group reflection).

COURSE FORMAT:

The class will be conducted on 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. Lectures for each lesson will be available online.

Fairweather, Eugene R., ed. A Scholastic Miscellany. Westminster John Knox, 1982. ISBN 978-0664244187, $29.95. [181 pp. assigned]

Hillerbrand, Hans J., ed. The Protestant Reformation. Revised ed., Harper Perennial, 2009. ISBN 978-0061148477, $15.99 [214 pp. assigned]

Hägglund, Bengt. History of Theology. Third edition, Concordia, 1968 (ISBN 0570032938, o.p.) or fourth edition, Concordia, 2007 (ISBN 0758613482, $36.00). [149 pp. assigned] In consultation with the instructor, students may substitute for Hägglund one of the recommended textbooks in the main syllabus.

Readings packet (~460 pp., online), including excerpts from medieval and Reformation women.

Cross, F. L. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. Oxford, 1996. ISBN 978-0192802903, $150.00.

Hendrix, Scott H. Recultivating the Vineyard: The Reformation Agendas of Christianization. Westminster John Knox, 2004. ISBN 978-0664227135, $29.95.

Muller, Richard A. Dictionary of Latin and Greek Theological Terms. Baker, 1985. ISBN 978-0801020643, $30.00.

Payton, James R. Getting the Reformation Wrong: Correcting Some Misunderstandings. IVP Academic, 2010. ISBN 978-0830838806, $23.00.

1. Assigned reading of ~950 pages, to be completed as preparation for lectures and weekly discussions

2. Weekly threaded discussions (15%) and journaling (5%)

3. Three short papers (1,700 words each) on primary source readings (45%)

4. Final examination (35%)