Winter 2006/Pasadena
CH507
Johnson

CH507: CHRISTIAN WORSHIP: HISTORY AND THEOLOGY. Todd E. Johnson.


DESCRIPTION: This course introduces the students to the interdisciplinary field known as liturgical studies. The course will explore liturgical history, liturgical theology, and the place of ritual in the life of faith. Students will be exposed to an overview of the history and theology of Christian worship, as well as explore the relationship between ritual and the life of faith.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course has four distinct objectives: First, students will become familiar with the historical sweep of Christian worship and its interpretation, as well as gaining an understanding of the use of time, space, sound, and texts in worship. Second, students will be asked to articulate the relationship between private and corporate prayer from a historical perspective. Third, students will develop skills in identifying pastoral issues in liturgical praxis both in history and in contemporary settings. Fourth, each student should have developed an operative definition of worship arising from their tradition that can be applied in their ministry contexts.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Christian worship in North America is both diverse and diverging. Often issues of worship are the most divisive issues facing denominations and congregations alike. Worship has never been homogenous, and a study of the history and theology of worship is illuminating of many of the contemporary issues we face. Pastorally, where a person thinks the church "got it right" in history will determine the preferences and choices made today. This course will provide students resources to assist in their own discernment of worship options and help guide the direction of those to whom they minister.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. It will involve lecture and discussion of reading material. It will also provide opportunity for student presentations and student-led discussions. The course grade will be based on knowledge and understanding of lecture and reading material, participation in discussion, performance on class assignments, and student-led exercises.

REQUIRED READING:

Foley, Edward. From Age to Age. Liturgy Training Publications, 1991.

Johnson, Todd. The Conviction of Things Not Seen. Brazos, 2002.

Rozeboom, Sue A. and Cornelius Plantinga Jr. Discerning the Spirits: A Guide to Thinking about Christian Worship Today. Eerdmans, 2003.

Van Dyk, Leanne. A More Profound Alleluia. Eerdmans, 2005.

White, James F. Introduction to Christian Worship. 3rd ed. Abingdon, 2000.

Witvliet, John D. Worship Seeking Understanding. Baker Academic, 2003.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Bradshaw, Paul. Early Christian Worship. Liturgical Press, 1996.

Webber, Robert. Ancient-Future Faith. Baker, 1999.

White, James. Protest Worship: Traditions in Transition. Westminster/John Knox, 1989.

ASSIGNMENTS: Grading will be done on a total point basis. Students will (1) write a 2-3 page reflection paper on monastic to cathedral prayer and its relevance to the relationship between private to corporate prayer [10 points]; (2) write a 2-4 page evaluation of musical selections for a worship service, suggesting changes [10 points]; (3) write two 2-3 page responses to case studies offered in class [30 points]; (4) work in teams to prepare an in-class presentation of either an early "church order" or presentation of your tradition/denomination's liturgical development identifying worship books, hymnals, etc. [20 points]; (5) write a 4-6 page paper defining the relationship between Word and Ordinance/Sacrament in their tradition [30 points]. Students are invited to complete an extra credit assignment by preparing a 4-5 page book review of Robert Webber's Ancient-Future Faith [20 points].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective for general MDiv; required for MA WTA & MDiv WTA conc.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.