Spring 2005/Pasadena
TC546
Dyrness
TC546: CONTEMPORARY THEOLOGICAL ISSUES IN WORSHIP AND THE ARTS. William
Dyrness.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course is a survey of the contemporary practice of Christian
worship, and the use of the arts in various church traditions in their
theological and historical settings. Special attention will be given to the way
churches have made use of the arts and popular culture in developing (or
subverting) worship that is biblical. Focus will be both theological and
practical, leading to student development of worship experiences that are
creative and theologically sensitive.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- The contemporary revival of Christian worship makes widespread use
of the arts in many forms. But often these arts are used without reference to
their historical and theological contexts, or in ways that conflict with
biblical themes. This course will encourage biblical and theological reflection
in developing worship that embraces the arts in appropriate ways.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions for lecture
and discussion of reading materials. Additionally, students will make two
visits (preferably in teams) to worship experiences of traditions other than
their own. Students will also participate in the planning and execution of a
worship service designed for Fuller Chapel.
REQUIRED READING:
- Dyrness, W. A. Visual Faith: Art, Theology, and Worship in
Dialogue. Baker Academic, 2001
- Best, Harold. Unceasing Worship: Biblical Perspectives on Worship and
the Arts. InterVarsity Press, 2003.
- Redman, Robb. The Great Worship Awakening. Jossey Bass, 2002.
- Saliers, Don. Worship as Theology: A Foretaste of Glory Divine.
Abingdon, 1994
- Schmit, Clayton J. Too Deep for Words: A Theology of Liturgical
Expression. Westminster/John Knox, 2002
- Reader of selections, available in the bookstore.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Baker, Jonny, et al. Alternative Worship. Baker, 2004.
- Black, Kathy. Worship across Cultures. Abingdon, 1998
- Bonds, Fiona. The Arts in Your Church: A Practical Guide. Piquant
Press, 2001.
- Goens, Linda. Praising God through the Lively Arts. Abingdon,
1999.
- Hawn. Michael. Gather into One: Praying and Singing Globally.
Eerdmans, 2002.
- Hustad, Donald. Jubilate II: Church Music in Worship and Renewal.
Hope, 1993.
- Van Dyk, Leanne, ed. A More Profound Alleluia. Eerdmans,
2005.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Students will be responsible for all lectures and readings, and
will bring reflection questions on the readings to each class. They will write
a theological reflection paper (5-6 pages each) on the two required church
visits; a theological reflection paper on the planning and execution of the
class chapel experience (5-6 pages); and a final paper (12-14 pp.) which
includes the program, rationale, and theological reflection for a service of
worship designed by the student for his or her own worship community. Each
paper should show reflection on issues raised in class lectures and in the
readings.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Elective. Meets requirements for Master of Arts in Worship,
Theology, and the Arts degree and the MDiv Concentration in Worship, Theology,
and the Arts; can fulfill a "Theology and Practice" course in the Master of
Arts in Theology: Theology and Arts Format degree.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.