DESCRIPTION:

An advanced seminar primarily for doctoral students, open on the 500 level on a limited basis to qualified master's-level students. "Doctrine divides, service unites" is an adage heard often in ecumenical circles for half a century. But is it true? Today, many are arguing that the opposite is true. This seminar will look at some of the issues that currently separate many Christians from one another. Both formal and informal ecumenical forums will be reviewed, as well as the process known as "reception," by which the churches come to accept and implement various agreements. Students may access this course from a variety of disciplines and on a range of topics. Because of their importance in both national and international discussions, issues of baptism, eucharist, ministry, ecclesiology, apostolic faith, sexuality, etc. will play a significant role in discussion, but other church-dividing issues will be welcome for discussion and paper topics.

This course is designed specifically for students who will pursue a teaching ministry but is open as well to students who wish to serve as a bridge to a range of theological traditions. The course will help to identify specific areas of hope and of concern for better Christian understanding and the building of relationships among the diverse members of the One Body of Christ.

This course is designed to include two hours of presentation and discussion each week. Assigned readings are to be completed as preparation for classwork. Students will be expected to participate in discussion and to present the results of their own research projects during the quarter.

Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry. WCC, 1992.

Gros, Jeffrey; Harding Meyer; and William G. Rusch, eds. Growth in Agreement II. Eerdmans/WCC, 2000.

Kinnamon, Michael. Truth and Community. WCC, 1988.

__________. The Vision of the Ecumenical Movement and How It Has Been Impoverished by Its Friends. St. Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 2004.

Kinnamon, Michael and Brian Cope, eds. The Ecumenical Movement: An Anthology of Key Texts and Voices. Eerdmans/WCC, 1997.

Raiser, Konrad. Ecumenism in Transition. WCC, 1994.

Rausch, Thomas P. Catholics and Evangelicals. Paulist, 2000.

Each student will be required to complete the readings, participate in discussion, and prepare a major research paper on a topic chosen in consultation with the professor. The paper will be presented for discussion in the class.

For 500-level students, written permission of the professor.

Elective.

None.