Spring 2007
Fuller Texas
CH506
Weber

CH506: AMERICAN CHURCH HISTORY. Timothy P. Weber

DESCRIPTION:

This course will trace the development of Christianity in America from European exploration to the present day by emphasizing the key personalities, ideas and movements that have shaped Christian belief and practice in America.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES/COURSE GOALS:

This course has (1) increased my basic factual knowledge of American church history; (2) sharpened my analytical skills in interpreting American religion; (3) provided tools for evaluating theological and denominational differences; and (4) given me a critical and sympathetic appreciation for the breadth, unity and diversity of the Christian church.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:

To minister effectively in the American context, it is crucial to place oneself within the complex and sometimes confusing patch-quilt that is American religion.

COURSE FORMAT:

Time in class will center on lecture and student interaction. Course will meet in a four weekend intensive format. 30 contact hours.

REQUIRED READING (1120 pages):

Bendroth, Margaret L. Fundamentalism and Gender, 1875 to the Present. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1996.

Marty, Martin E. Pilgrims in Their Own Land, reprint ed. New York: Penguin, 1985).

Meacham, Jon. American Gospel. New York: Random House, 2006.

Raboteau, Albert J. Canaan Land: A Religious History of African Americans. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Finke, Roger and Rodney Stark. The Churching Of America, 1776-1990: Winners and Losers in Our Religious Economy. New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, 1992.

Hatch, Nathan O. The Democratization of American Christianity. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1989.

Marsden, George M. Reforming Fundamentalism: Fuller Seminary and the New Evangelicalism. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991.

Noll, Mark. A History of Christianity in the United States and Canada. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1992.

Sweeney, Douglas A., The American Evangelical Story. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005.

Selected bibliography will be attached to the course schedule.

ASSIGNMENTS:

The course grade is determined by an evaluation of student work: 3 page book response on Bendroth, Raboteau, or Meacham (10%), a 10 page research paper (40%), and a final examination (50%). A list of essay questions for the final exam will be distributed with the syllabus.

PREREQUISITES:

None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:

Meets M. Div. core requirement Church History "C" (CHC); M.A. Church History/Theology.

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.