DESCRIPTION:

This course provides a basic introduction to theological reflection as this has developed in various places and is currently emerging in a global context. 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.

1. a recognition of the basic terminology and structure of Christian theology;

2. an acquaintance with a range of cultural and contextual matters that have shaped ecumenical, global, and cultural diversity in Christians' understanding of theology;

3. familiarity with an influential Christian thinker or document in the history of the church;

4. a foundational ability to develop one's own theology in critical dialogue with various views.

This course will be conducted online using a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller's academic calendar. 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.

Dyrness, William and Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, eds. Global Dictionary of Theology. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2008. 996 pp. ISBN 978-0-8308-2454-0; $50.00.

McGrath, Alister. Christian Theology. 5th ed. Oxford: Blackwell, 2011. 400 pp. ISBN 978-1-4443-3514-9; $49.95.

Brown, Robert McAfee. Unexpected News: Reading the Bible with Third World Eyes. 1st ed. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1984. 168 pp. ISBN 0-664-24552-8; $20.00.

Kirwen, Michael C. The Missionary and the Diviner: Contending Theologies of Christian and African Religions. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1987. 134 pp. ISBN: 978-0883445846; $17.

Bevans, Stephen B. An Introduction to Theology in Global Perspective. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2009. 384 pp. ISBN: 978-1570758522; $30.

Articles on eReserve.

1. Weekly homework based on Bevan's or McGrath's books (20%)

2. Weekly Forums discussion (20%)

3. Interview of the faith of a pastor or lay leader from a Christian congregation from an ethnic tradition other than one's own, in 800 words (10%)

4. Five papers/responses (each 300 words) based on Kirwen's book (20%)

5. Design of a topic Bible Study from a Two-Third's World community (following model from Brown's book), in 600 words (10%)

6. A 3000-word Research/Reflection Paper on a global theological topic (20%)