Winter 2007/Pasadena
CH551
Kernaghan
CH551: PRESBYTERIAN HISTORY AND PROGRAMS. Ronald Kernaghan.
DESCRIPTION: In studying the history of the Presbyterian Church (USA)
attention will be given to important persons, ideas, and movements. The course
will trace the roots of Presbyterianism from Europe to the American colonies
and its spread throughout the States. A major focus will be the development of
distinctive themes in American Presbyterianism. Main themes in Presbyterian
history will also be related to current developments and programs in the
denomination.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will gain an understanding of the theological
challenges presently facing the PCUSA by analyzing the controversies of the
past, learn how to help congregational leaders make decisions about their
mission and ministries, and deepen their own appreciation for the spirituality
and depth of the Reformed tradition.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: This course prepares students for ministry in the
Presbyterian Church USA. Those who grasp the history of the PCUSA are in a
better position to help congregations deal with the changing spiritual
environment in contemporary America. Understanding the past reminds us of God's
ongoing reformation of our present.
COURSE FORMAT: This class is participatory in style. It assumes a regular
reading of the primary and secondary sources before coming to class. The
teaching method will combine lectures, case studies, and group discussion.
Class will meet weekly for three-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- James, W. E., and C. H. Zatkin. Tumbling Walls. La Jolla,
CA: Dispra Foundations, 1991.
- Longfield, Bradley J. The Presbyterian Controversy. New York: Oxford
University Press, 1991.
- Marsden, George. Reforming Fundamentalism. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans,
1987.
- Presbyterian Program Calendar, 2006-2007.
- Presbyterian Understanding and Use of the Holy Scripture. The Office
of Theology and Worship, PC (USA) 1992.
- Smylie, James H. A Brief History of the Presbyterians. Louisville:
Geneva Press, 1996.
- Course Reader containing syllabus; Peace, Unity and Purity Report; and
selected articles.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Kirkpatrick, Clifton, and William H. Hooper Jr. What Unites
Presbyterians. Louisville: Geneva Press, 1997.
- Parker, T. H. L. Calvin: An Introduction to His Thought. Louisville:
Westminster John Knox, 1995.
- Rogers, Jack. Claiming the Center. Louisville: Westminster John
Knox, 1995.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Students will be expected to take an active part in class discussion based
on prior study of assigned readings (10%).
- Students will be expected to complete all assigned reading (20%).
- Two brief reflection papers--one dealing with the student's sense of
calling, a second analyzing a recent theological position paper approved by the
General Assembly (30%).
- A Final Project: research and reflection paper on a theological issue
facing the Presbyterian Church (40%).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION: No.