Fall 2019/Fuller Online

TH515

Oden

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DESCRIPTION: This course will examine the theological distinctives of Wesleyan theology beginning with its initial developments in John Wesley’s contributions and continuing through contemporary expressions. Topics will include sanctification, free will, social action, as well as additional themes. Throughout the quarter we will explore the particulars of Wesleyan theological method and see how this develops distinctive theological priorities and is expressed in local and global ecclesial patterns.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have demonstrated: (1) developing historical and theological knowledge of Wesleyan theology as it has developed over the last several centuries, (2) ability to research and critically engage historical and contemporary Wesleyan theological resources, and (3) skill in applying Wesleyan theological emphases to contemporary theological (systematic, social, and ethical) concerns.

RELATIONSHIP TO PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES: TH515 is an elective course focused on Wesleyan Theology. As such, the course introduces students to a basic theological knowledge of Wesleyan Theology, particularly as it has developed over the centuries, with an eye to developing skills in interpretation and critical appreciation; it thereby seeks to implement the SOT PLO, “Students will have demonstrated capacities for historically informed theological and ethical reflection.”.

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: 1287 total number of pages required.

Collins, Kenneth J. The Theology of John Wesley: Holy Love and the Shape of Grace. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2007. ISBN: 9780687646333, $39.00 Available on Kindle [327 pages assigned].

Knight, Henry H., ed. From Aldersgate to Azusa Street: Wesleyan, Holiness, and Pentecostal Visions of the New Creation. Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2010. ISBN: 978-1606089880, Pub. Price $44.00. Available on Kindle [270 pages assigned].

Yrigoyen Jr, Charles, ed. The T&T Clark Companion to Methodism. New York: T&T Clark, 2010.

ISBN: 9780567657121, Pub. Price $39.00. Available on Kindle and as an e-book from the Fuller Library [240 pages assigned].

Collins, Kenneth J. and Jason Vickers, eds. The Sermons of John Wesley: A Collection for the Christian Journey. Nashville: Abingdon, 2013. ISBN: 9781426742316, Pub. Price $50. Available on Kindle and as an e-book from the Fuller Library [250 pages assigned].

Additional readings and resources provided via Canvas and e-reserves.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Collins, Kenneth J., "A Wesley Bibliography" (2017). Papers. 72. ISBN: 9781621716648. Pub. Price: free. http://place.asburyseminary.edu/firstfruitspapers/72

Gibson, William, Peter S. Forsaith, and Martin Wellings, eds. The Ashgate Research Companion to World Methodism. Ashgate Methodist Studies Series. Burlington, VT: Ashgate, 2013. ISBN: 978-1409401384. Pub. Price $200. Available as an e-book.

González, Justo L. Mañana: Christian Theology from a Hispanic Perspective. Reprint edition. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1990. ISBN: 978-0687230679. Pub. Price $22. Available as an e-book.

Hempton, David. Methodism: Empire of the Spirit. New Edition. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2006. ISBN: 978-0300106145. Pub. Price $40. Available as an e-book.

Langford, Thomas A. Practical Divinity in the Wesleyan Tradition. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1998. ISBN: 978-0687073825, Pub. Price $33.

Maddox, Randy L. Responsible Grace: John Wesley's Practical Theology. Nashville: Kingswood Books, 1994. ISBN: 9780687003341, Pub. Price $34.

Meeks, M. Douglas, ed. Trinity, Community, and Power: Mapping Trajectories in Wesleyan Theology. Nashville: Kingswood, 2000. ISBN: 978-0687087273, Pub. Price $11.00.

Oduyoye, Mercy Amba. Hearing and Knowing: Theological Reflections on Christianity in Africa. Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis Books, 1986. ISBN: 978-1606088616. Pub. Price $20. Available as an e-book.

Outler, Albert C., ed. John Wesley (A Library of Protestant thought). New York: Oxford University Press, 1964. ISBN: 978-0195028102. Pub. Price $20.

Pritchard, John. Methodists and Their Missionary Societies 1900-1996. New York: Routledge, 2016.

ISBN: 978-1138247505. Pub. Price $60. Available as an e-book.

Runyon, Theodore H. The New Creation: John Wesley's Theology Today. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1998. ISBN: 9780687096022, Pub. Price $28

Walls, Andrew F. Crossing Cultural Frontiers: Studies in the History of World Christianity. Edited by Mark R. Gornik. Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books, 2017. ISBN: 978-1626982581. Pub. Price $32. Available as an e-book.

Wynkoop, Mildred Bangs. Foundations of Wesleyan-Arminian Theology. Kansas City: Beacon Hill, 1967.

ISBN: 9780834102545, Pub. Price $13.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. 1287 pp. of required reading [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-2] [85 hours].
2. Weekly posted lecture and resource materials. [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-2] [ [20 hours].
3. 250+ word weekly forum posts integrating the readings and personal reflection and responses to other students (40%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-3] [15 hours].
4. A research essay on a topic related to Wesleyan theology [3,000+ words] (40%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2-3]. [30 hours].
5. Integrative essay on applying Wesleyan Theology to a contemporary issue [1500 words] (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #3]. [10 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None. Prior courses in theology and church history highly recommended.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the TH4 requirement in the 120 MDiv and 80 MAT Programs (Fall 2015).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.