Spring 2017/Fuller Online

MT535

Giselbrecht

MT535: THEOLOGY OF SUFFERING AND JOY (4 Units: 160 hours). Rebecca Giselbrecht.

DESCRIPTION: The book of Hebrews tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus, who suffered on the cross, “for the sake of the joy set before him” (12:2). This course will examine the twin themes of suffering and joy in scripture and Christian history. The more recent interdisciplinary, pastoral, intercultural and theological developments for ministry on the mission field and for NGOs will be viewed through the lens of a theology of suffering and joy. The relationship between suffering and joy is elaborate; one that leads toward a theology of suffering, not away from, but rather into joy.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have demonstrated: (1) an understanding of the historical theological integration of grace, beauty, suffering, and the cross; (2) the ability to articulate a range of theological models that account for human suffering and joy; (3) a personal strategy for discerning good and evil in theory and practice; (4) profound knowledge of the relationship between suffering, compassion, and reconciliation; and (5) how a theology of suffering and joy can be applied within the framework of their ministry context.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar for a total of 40 instructional hours, which is outlined below in the assignment and assessment section. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.

REQUIRED READING: 986 pages required.

Augustine. The Confessions. Edited by Chadwick. Oxford World’s Classics, 2008. ISBN: 978-0199537822, Pub. Price $7.95. [96 pp. assigned].

Carter, Jeffrey. Understanding Religious Sacrifice. Continuum International Publishing Group, 2003. ISBN: 978-0826448804, Pub. Price $74.95. [146 pp. assigned].

Rice, Richard. Suffering and the Search for Meaning: Contemporary Responses to the Problem of Pain. InterVarsity, 2014. ISBN: 978-0830840373, Pub. Price $20.00. [164 pp.].

Sunquist, Scott. Understanding Christian Mission: Participation in Suffering and Glory. Baker Academic, 2013. ISBN: 978-0801036156, Pub. Price $34.99. [200 pp. assigned].

Swinton, John. Raging with Compassion: Pastoral Responses to the Problem of Evil. Eerdmans, 2007. ISBN: 978-0802829979, Pub. Price $24.00. [244 pp.].

Volf, Miroslav and Justin E. Crisp. Joy and Human Flourishing: Essays on Theology, Culture and the Good Life. Fortress Press, 2015. ISBN: 978-1451482072, Pub. Price $39.00.[136 pp.].

RECOMMENDED READING:

De León, J. The Land of Open Graves: Living and Dying on the Migrant Trail. University of California Press, 2015. ISBN: 978-0520282759, Pub. Price $29.95.

Fiddes, P. S. The Creative Suffering of God. Clarendon Press, 1988. ISBN: 978-0198263470, Pub. Price $62.00.

Fretheim, T. E. Creation Untamed: The Bible, God, and Natural Disasters. Baker Academic, 2010. ISBN: 978-0801038938, Pub. Price $20.00.

Fujimura, M. Silence and Beauty: Hidden Faith Born of Suffering. IVP Books, 2016. ISBN: 978-0830844593, Pub Price $26.00.

Hasker, W. The Triumph of God Over Evil: Theodicy for a World of Suffering. IVP Academic, 2008. ISBN: 978-0830828043, Pub. Price $20.00.

Kellemen, R. W. and K. A. Edwards. Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction. Baker Books, 2007. ISBN: 978-0801068065, Pub. Price $5.95.

Kettler, C. D. The God who Rejoices: Joy, Despair and the Vicarious Humanity of Christ. Cascade Books, 2010. ISBN: 978-1606088579, Pub. Price $41.00.

Kitamori, K. Theology of the Pain of God: The First Original Theology from Japan. Wipf & Stock Publication, 2005. ISBN: 978-1597522564, Pub. Price $24.00.

Mouw, Richard J. and Dougles Sweeney. The Suffering and Victorious Christ: Toward a More Compassionate Christology. Baker Academic, 2013. ISBN: 978-0801048449, Pub. Price $20.00.

Park, A. S. From Hurt to Healing: A Theology of the Wounded. Abingdon Press, 2004. ISBN: 978-0687038817, Pub. Price $21.99.

Rambo, S. Spirit and Trauma: A Theology of Remaining and Trauma. Westminster John Knox Press, 2010. ISBN: 978-0664235031, Pub. Price $27.00.

Sobrino, J. Where is God?: Earthquake, Terrorism, Barbarity, and Hope. Orbis Books, 2004. ISBN: 978-1570755668, Pub. Price $24.00.

Wiesel, E. Night. Hill & Wang, 2013. ISBN: 978-0374534752, Pub. Price $9.95.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Reading a total of 986 pages (10%). [55 hours]


2. On-line guided learning: audio clips and exercises, including the spiritual practices of listening, lament, and celebration (10%). [25 hours].

3. Forum posts: an initial 250-word weekly post plus three 50-75 word responses in small group (20%). [This assignment is related to all learning outcomes]. [20 hours].

4. 3 Positional Papers: 750 words each on a Christian response to the main themes in the learning outcomes (25%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2 and 3] [25 hours]
.

5. A 3000-word research paper describing one aspect of a theology of suffering and joy and its practical application in the student’s ministry context (35%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, 3, 4 and 5] [35 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None. Enrollment priority given to students in SIS Mission Partnership organizations. Auditors are required to complete all assignments.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective. Fulfills requirement for Certificate of Christian Studies for Missionaries.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.