DESCRIPTION: American Church History is a vibrant yet complex look at the
personages, organizations, and movements that comprise the religious milieu of
American history. Throughout the course, attention will be paid to
denominational formation, theological innovations, religious movements, and
social and political issues that arise out of the historic tensions in
America's religious history. The role of slavery, immigration, politics, and
social movements arising out of the experience of Christianity in America will
be addressed, as well as alternate religious traditions' interactions with
Christianity. Special attention will be given to persistent themes like
individualism, the search for community, religion and reform, and religious
conservatives.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: As a result of taking this course, students should (1)
acquire a basic knowledge of their own denomination and its contribution to
American history; (2) understand the unique social and cultural contexts of
America that shape the history of churches and individual religious experience
in America; (3) understand the theological debates and innovations that define
the theological diversity of American church history; (4) understand the
evangelical contribution to innovations in American church history; (5)
increase their critical skills in reading and writing through the study of
primary source materials and by research and writing a take-home final exam.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The goal of this course is to come to a better
understanding of the role religion plays historically in American society and
of how to navigate the divisions that continue to shape religious life and
discourse in America. Issues of class, race, ethnicity, and gender will also be
addressed as we explore American religious experience in its diversity.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet daily for two weeks (except July 4) for
four-hour class sessions, consisting primarily of lecture and discussion.
REQUIRED READING: