DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to provide a foundational understanding
of Christian beliefs about revelation and Scripture; the triune God; creation
and providence; human beings as the image of God; and the Fall, evil, and sin.
Corollary current issues, such as Latin American trinitarianism, Latino/a
theological anthropology, human beings as male and female, ecology, and the
relationship of Christian tradition to emerging religiosities will be
discussed. On the basis of biblical and socio-historical developments, a
continental Evangelical-Latino/a theology will be articulated in dialogue with
ecumenical and intercultural approaches and traditional spiritualities.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Christianity, as experienced and expressed
within the religious geography of continental Latino/a communities, is
multicontextual, multicultural, economically and socially challenging, in
constant growth, and popular in character. Naturally then a sound
biblico-doctrinal formation informed by traditional and contextual theological
views and endowed by a domestic spirituality are vital for any ministry worker
interested in impacting these communities and their greater contexts.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1)
a foundational knowledge of the central doctrines of Christianity,
particularly: revelation and Scripture; the Trinity; creation and providence;
the image of God in humanity; the Fall, evil, and sin; (2) an understanding of
the interrelated character of these doctrines as experienced and expressed
within Latino/a religious communities; (3) an acquaintance with an ecumenical
environment disclosing a range of cultural and historical variations informing
a diverse and yet common ground for the practice of these Christian beliefs;
(4) an ability to reflect theologically upon contemporary and
controversial themes, particularly: communal trinitarianism, human sexuality,
ecology, and emerging cultures; (5) an integrated experience where doctrine and
spiritual practices forge a domestic-based spirituality for Latino/a
ministry.
COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted via the Internet on a ten-week
schedule aligned with Fuller's academic calendar. Course content will be
presented through introductory and summative video presentations provided at
the start and conclusion of each unit. Students are required to read all
assigned reading, interact regularly with this material, with each other, and
with the instructor through online forums, written essays, and other individual
and collaborative assignments that promote active learning.
REQUIRED READING: