Spring 2013/Fuller Online

MT501

Dyrness

MT501: DOING THEOLOGY IN GLOBAL CONTEXTS (4 units). William A. Dyrness.

DESCRIPTION: This course provides a basic introduction to theological reflection as this has developed in various places and is currently emerging in multiple contexts. The goal is to provide the background and terminology necessary for students to begin exploring theology as an expanding conversation about the meaning of Scripture and the Christian life that extends itself through history and around the world.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: This course provides the student with the opportunity to reflect on fundamental issues of the Christian faith and the witness of the Church in a variety of cultural contexts. The readings and assignments are designed to facilitate this kind of reflection from the point of view of a biblical and dynamic pastoral activity in multiple cultural, ecclesial, and theological contexts.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: At the end of the course students will (1) recognize the basic terminology and structure of Christian theology; (2) be acquainted with a range of cultural and contextual matters that have shaped ecumenical debate; (3) be familiar with an influential Christian thinker or document in the history of the Church; and (4) begin to develop their own theology in critical dialogue with various views.

COURSE FORMAT: Conducted online, the ten weekly lessons align with Fuller’s academic calendar. The course involves reading, writing, orientation to resources, and interactive discussion. Each week students and the instructor will interact with the material through journaling, threaded discussions, and web-based research.

REQUIRED READING: If you have previously read any of the required texts, please select an alternative text from the recommended reading list or a book approved by the instructor.

Dyrness, W. A., and V.-M. Kärkkäinen, eds. Dictionary of Global Theology. InterVarsity Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-0830824540, Pub.price $50.00, Kindle $28.00 [996 pp.].

McGrath, Alister. Christian Theology. 5th ed. Blackwell, 2011. ISBN: 978-1444335149, Pub.price $51.95 [536 pp.].

Course Reader of texts by Oduyoye, Augustine, Anselm, Beltran, Wan, and Wright.

Additional 400 pages selected from a bibliography of global theological books and journal articles provide in the course reader.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Kärkkäinen, V.-M. The Trinity in Global Perspectives. Westminster Press, 2007. ISBN: 978-0664228903, Pub.price $40.00 [400 pp.].

Rieger, Joerg. Christ and Empire: From Paul to Postcolonial Times. Fortress, 2007. ISBN: 978-0800620387, Pub.price $22.00 [346 pp.].

See the course syllabus for additional recommended texts.

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Students each week will post a 200-word response to the week’s reading, due by Tuesday of each week (25% of the grade).

2. A midterm quiz due on Friday of week five (20%).

3. A theological biography of the faith of a Christian layperson or pastor from an ethnic tradition other than one’s own, due the end of week 8 (20%).

4. One 10-12 page project/paper dealing with a major theological theme in a tradition (or traditions) from some part of the non-Western world (35%).

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets Seminary Core Requirement (SCR) for MATM, MACL, MAICS, and MAFS degrees (beginning Winter 2010); meets core competency for (pre 2010) MACCS degree.

FINAL EXAM: No.