Spring 2007/Pasadena
ST503
García-Johnson

ST503: TEOLOGÍA SISTEMÁTICA 3: ECLESIOLOGÍA Y ESCATOLOGÍA
[Systematic Theology 3: Ecclesiology and Eschatology]. Oscar García-Johnson.


DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to provide a foundational understanding of Christian beliefs about pneumatology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. The nature, ministry, and mission of the church will be discussed around the central theme, that is, the church is to be perceived as the continued presence and ministry of Jesus Christ through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. We will emphasize the struggles and potential contributions of Hispanic/Latino theologies in constructing a critical ecclesiology. On the basis of biblical narratives, sociocultural developments, and postmodern views of the Spirit, a contemporary Evangelical-Latino/a ecclesiology will be constructed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1) a foundational knowledge of the central doctrines of Christianity, particularly pneumatology, ecclesiology, and eschatology; (2) an understanding of the interrelated character of these doctrines as experienced and expressed within Latino/a religious communities; (3) an acquaintance with an ecumenical environment disclosing a range of cultural and historical variations informing a diverse and yet common ground for the practice of these Christian beliefs; (4) an ability to reflect theologically upon contemporary and controversial themes, particularly the uses of culture in ecclesiological construction, a Spirit-friendly postmodern paradigm for the church of the twenty-first century, Christian identity and unity in terms of mestizaje and convivencia, eschatology as mañana-hope; (5) an integrated experience where doctrine and the development of a political spirituality forge a domestic-based spirituality for Latino/a ministry in an urban setting.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Pneumatology, ecclesiology, and eschatology have remained as undeveloped items in the history of Hispanic/Latino theologies, maintaining an informal character. Only recently Hispanic/Latino theologians are beginning to produce views and paradigms regarding these doctrines that are capable of engaging today's sociocultural complexities in relation to Latino communities. These theological efforts, however, are still in process and thus are elitist by nature and unattainable by the ordinary Latino/a pastor and/or leader. Naturally then a sound biblico-doctrinal foundation informed by these contemporary Hispanic/Latino theological developments and spiritualities are of great value for any ministry worker interested in impacting these communities and their greater contexts.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet weekly for three-and-a-half-hour sessions. Students are expected to study beforehand the required readings for the week and take part in assigned presentations.

REQUIRED READING:

Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Vida en comunidad. 10th ed. Sígueme, 2005.

García-Johnson, Oscar. The Mestizo Community of Mañana (unpublished).

González, Justo L., y Zaida Maldonado Pérez. Introducción a la teología Cristiana. Abingdon, 2003.

Martínez, Juan F., y Luis Scout, eds. Iglesias peregrinas en busca de identidad. Kairos, 2004.

Moltmann, Jürgen. La venida de Dios. Sígueme, 2004.

Van Engen, Carlos. Pueblo misionero de Dios. Grand Rapids: Libros Desafío, 2004.

Zaldívar, Raúl. Teología sistemática: Desde una perspectiva latinoamericana. Clie, 2006.

ASSIGNMENTS: (1) Students are expected to have studied the reading assignment for the week in its entirety. (2) Each week students will prepare a two-page reflection paper based on the reading (40%). (3) Students will give class presentations on their "reflection essays" that articulate a personal critical response on the assigned topic as well as an illustration of how such a doctrinal expression is embodied in their own religious setting (10%). (4) A Personal Creedal Document (of doctrines discussed in this course), 10 pp. (20%). (5) A Final [Take Home] Exam (30%).

PREREQUISITES: Spanish.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Systematic Theology "C" (STC).

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes, take-home.