DESCRIPTION: A survey of the major developments in theology since the
Protestant Reformation, with emphases on English Puritanism, Protestant
Orthodoxy, Pietism, Wesleyanism, and the dialogue with Enlightenment and
post-Enlightenment thought from Schleiermacher through Barth, Vatican II, and
the rise of contextual theologies.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: There are four objectives to this course. First, that
students become familiar with the central theological doctrines and
developments in post-Reformation Protestantism as well as those that resulted
from cultural shifts provoked by the Enlightenment and its modern legacy.
Second, that students gain an understanding of the theological controversies of
the period from diverse points of view, including the perspectives of the
original participants and those of historians today. Third, that students
practice the close reading of selected primary sources in order to analyze and
faithfully articulate the theological arguments of a historical text. Fourth,
that students reflect on the perennial nature of the doctrinal controversies
that shaped Christian identity in this period as these doctrines and practices
have engendered contemporary Christian diversity and ecumenical
conversation.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: By introducing a significant body of theological and
historical data, the course seeks to lead students to a broader perspective on
their own ecclesiastical traditions, beliefs, and practices, as well as to a
sympathetic appreciation for the unity and diversity of the one, holy,
catholic, and apostolic church of which they are a part. Intensive work in
primary sources will help students to acquire an improved facility in the
analysis of theological arguments and an increased ability to articulate the
meaning of the Christian faith in its historical development--skills that will
also benefit the student's reading, understanding, and exposition of Scripture
itself.
COURSE FORMAT: Class will meet twice weekly in two-hour sessions for four
hours of lecture per week, with occasional discussion sessions devoted to
student papers as assigned (below).
REQUIRED READING: