Winter 2004/Pasadena
DP502
Giffin
DP502: UNITED METHODIST DOCTRINE. John L. Giffin.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course is an examination of the formation, development, and
current expressions of Methodist theology. Along with determining the essence
of Methodist Doctrine, the emphasis will be on the theological development of
the student, and the ability to form and articulate personal theological
conviction and its relation to current theological trends in the United
Methodist Church and the broader Christian community.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- The successful completion of this course is required for ordination
in the United Methodist Church. Additionally, the broader purpose of the course
is to enable personal theological formation that will assist and sustain the
student in mission and ministry.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The class will meet once a week for three-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Chiles, Robert E. Theological Transition in American Methodism
1790-1935. University Press of America, 1983.
- Collins, Kenneth J. and Tyson, John H. Conversion in the Wesleyan
Tradition. Abingdon, 1997.
- Runyan, Theodore. The New Creation: John Wesley's Theology Today.
Abingdon, 1998.
- Williams, Colin W. John Wesley's Theology Today: A Study of the Wesleyan
Tradition in the Light of Current Theological Dialogue. Abingdon,
1960.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Abraham, William J. Waking from Doctrinal Amnesia: The Healing
of Doctrine in the United Methodist Church. Abingdon, 1995.
- Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church. United Methodist
Publishing House, 2000.
- Cobb, John and David R. Griffin. Process Theology. Westminster
Press, 1976.
- Ferm, Deane W. Contemporary American Theologies. Seabury Press,
1981.
- Gunter, Stephen W., et al. Wesley and the Quadrilateral. Abingdon,
1997.
- Heitzenrater, Richard P. The Poor and the People Called Methodists.
Abingdon, 2002.
- Langford, Thomas A. Wesleyan Theology: A Sourcebook. Labyrinth,
1984.
- __________. Practical Divinity: Theology in the Wesleyan Tradition.
Abingdon, 1983.
- Maddox, Randy L. Responsible Grace: John Wesley's Practical
Theology. Abingdon, 1994.
- __________. Rethinking Wesley's Theology for Contemporary Methodism.
Abingdon, 1998.
- Meeks, M. Douglas. What Should Methodists Teach? Wesleyan Tradition in
Modern Diversity. Kingswood, 1990.
- Mickey, Paul A. Essentials of Wesleyan Theology. Zondervan, 1980.
- Tuttle, Robert G., Jr. John Wesley: His Life and Theology.
Zondervan, 1978.
- Willey, Basil. The Eighteenth Century Background. Beacon Press,
1961.
- __________. The Seventeenth Century Background. Chatto & Windus,
1957.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Class attendance and participation are mandatory (25%). In addition
to the required reading, the student must read a total of 500 pages from the
Recommended Reading list and submit an annotated bibliography of completed
reading. The student must also complete a closed book midterm exam (25%) based
on assigned readings and class lectures, a take-home final exam (25%). and a
10-15 page critical paper related to United Methodist Doctrine, topic to be
approved by the instructor (25%).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Elective. (Fulfills United Methodist disciplinary requirement in
Doctrine for ordination.)
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes. Take-home exam.