Spring 2007/Pasadena
PH522
Jacobsen
PH522: PERSPECTIVES ON CHRIST AND CULTURE. Eric Jacobsen.
DESCRIPTION: The Christian community has long debated the appropriate ways for
Christians to relate to their cultural surroundings. This course will focus on
some key perspectives, beginning with a critical examination of the motif made
popular by H. Richard Niebuhr in his classic study, Christ and Culture.
Special attention will be given to "cultural mandate" theories, as well as to
the contemporary relevance of traditional notions of common grace, natural law,
and general revelation as they have been used to discern created commonalities
that undergird a plurality of cultures. The present-day interest in
multiculturalism will also be explored.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: At the end of this course students will be able to
- demonstrate a deeper understanding of the nature of "culture";
- analyze and critique contemporary Christian culture from a theological and
philosophical perspective;
- demonstrate a deeper understanding of the relationship between a biblical
worldview and interaction with the wider culture;
- demonstrate a deeper understanding of the complexities and tensions facing
the Christian church in diverse and rapidly changing cultures and
subcultures;
- engage in theological reflection regarding possible theological responses
to the wider culture;
- graciously articulate the good news of the gospel of Christ in a
multicultural, pluralistic society.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Evangelical Christianity has often emphasized the need
to oppose "worldliness," and the warnings have typically been based on an
implicit philosophy and theology of culture. It is important for Christian
leaders to clarify their understanding of these issues in order to guide the
believing community in proper patterns of cultural discipleship.
COURSE FORMAT: Class time will be devoted to both lectures and discussion.
There will be weekly reading assignments. The class will meet weekly for
three-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Kuyper, Abraham. Lectures on Calvinism. Eerdmans, 1943.
- Mouw, Richard. He Shines in All That's Fair: Culture and Common
Grace. Eerdmans, 2001.
- Niebuhr, H. Richard. Christ and Culture. HarperSanFrancisco, 2001.
- Taylor, Charles, and Amy Gutman. Multiculturalism: Examining the
Politics of Recognition. Princeton University Press, 1994.
- Course Reader.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Lynch, Gordon. Understanding Theology and Popular Culture.
Blackwell, 2005.
- Kraft, Charles. Christianity in Culture: A Study in Dynamic Biblical
Theologizing in Cross-Cultural Perspective. Orbis, 1979.
- Van Til, Henry. The Calvinistic Concept of Culture. Baker Academic,
2001.
ASSIGNMENTS: Regular assigned readings. Three research/reflection papers
(2-page, 3-page, and 10-page; together worth 40% of grade), a midterm test
(30%), and a weekly journal or blog (30%) will be required. No final exam.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Philosophical
Theology (PHIL).
FINAL EXAMINATION: No.