DESCRIPTION: This course introduces the more significant themes and events in the life of the church, in Europe, Africa, Asia, and especially the Americas, from the seventeenth through the twentieth centuries. Beginning with the years following the Reformation, students will survey the growth and contribution of the church through various methodological lenses including theological and sociological approaches.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will be able to (1) identify and explain many of the principal theological developments and historical events and personalities that have shaped the modern church; (2) demonstrate through discussion and writing assignments the ability to think critically about historical texts and arguments, placing them in context; (3) demonstrate through discussion an ability to interpret their own ecclesiastical tradition and other traditions with critical awareness and reflection; (4) critically assess their religious and cultural assumptions by examining the complexity and diversity of Christian history.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: This course should enable students to better understand and interpret contemporary trends in the church and be critical thinkers in their approach to Christian traditions and beliefs outside their own traditions. This will in turn foster cultural and ecumenical respect towards others.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice a week in two-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

Campos, Bernardo. De la reforma: Protestante a la pentecostalidad. Ediciones CLAI, 1997.

González, Justo. Historia del cristianismo. Tomo 2. Editorial Unilit, 1994.

Martínez Guerra, Juan Francisco, y Luis Scott, eds. Iglesias peregrinas en busca de identidad. Kairos Ediciones, 2004.

A list of primary sources on reserve.

Bastian, Jean Pierre. Breve historia de cristianismo en América Latina. CUSPA, 1986.

Driver, Juan. La fe en la periferia de la historia. Ediciones Clara-Semilla, 1997.

Pagán, Luis Rivera. Evangelización y violencia. Editorial CEMI, 1991.

1. Completion of required reading and eight weekly quizzes on the reading (20% of grade).

2. Students will read primary sources describing the development of their own ecclesiastical tradition and write a four-page response (15% of grade).

3. Students will read primary sources describing the development of a church or denominational group outside of their own ecclesiastical tradition. The assignment will include a visit, interview, and interaction with members of the church or denomination being studied. The student will write a five or six page response (25% of grade) .

4. There will be one midterm and a final examination covering the texts and lectures (40% of grade).