DESCRIPTION: This course will provide an overview of American church history
through an examination of the important people, movements, and ideas that have
influenced the communities we live in--both spiritual and secular. Some
consideration will be given to other religious groups (Christian and
non-Christian alike), but focus will be largely on the development of the
Protestant tradition in America.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: There are three general objectives for
this course. As a result of our study of church history, the student will (1)
increase his or her familiarity with the general details of the history of
Christianity in the U.S.; (2) become more adept at reading historical
narratives and interpretative documents with a certain degree of critical
objectivity and awareness; and (3) be able to evaluate his or her own
particular traditions with new depth and insight as well as to gain a new level
of understanding regarding other denominations, movements, and historical
events that have influenced and shaped American expressions of the Christian
faith.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: John Calvin began his Institutes of the Christian
Religion with the sentence, "Nearly all the wisdom we possess, that is to
say, true and sound wisdom, consists of two parts: the knowledge of God and of
ourselves." As Christians, we are members of a community of faith with a
history. People who shared that faith, events that influenced it, and ideas
that shaped its expression long before us have an abiding impact. Our knowledge
of ourselves can only be enhanced by the study of church history--seeking to
understand our place within our respective denominations and among the other
traditions within the Christian faith.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet for two-hour sessions twice a week, for
lectures and discussion.
REQUIRED READING: