Fall 2008/Pasadena
TC556
Taylor

TC556: THEOLOGY AND CONTEMPORARY SPIRITUALITY. Barry Taylor.


DESCRIPTION: The course will explore the emergence of a new generation of religious ideologies and organizations that has the potential to change the shape of western religion, and will in turn seek a theological engagement with the diverse and varied contours of these contemporary spiritualities. While grounded in older cultural and religious movements such as Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism, these new and progressive spiritual movements are helping to forge new religious identities, rituals, and frameworks for practicing faith. This course will explore the theological implications of this largely overlooked cultural dynamic.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Through examination and investigation of contemporary spirituality via interactive discussion, field trips and class lectures, students will (1) be able to articulate an informed understanding of the historical development and belief systems as well as the structure and social contexts of contemporary spirituality; (2) express critical appreciation for the beliefs and spirituality of the various groups emerging within this progressive cultural shift; (3) be equipped to engage theologically with one of the most important interfaces of faith in contemporary culture; (4) gain insight into potential models for engagement and evangelism in the world of twenty-first-century belief.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: All too often, any spirituality not directly linked to the traditional world religions is dismissed as "New Age" and as such is quickly dismissed as inconsequential. But the decline in interest in institutional faith, the loss of confidence in the moral authority of traditional religions and the rise of fundamentalisms has led to the emergence of new approaches to faith, religion, and belief. This class will equip those seeking to engage with contemporary spirituality, be it in a pastoral ministry or social setting, by deepening our understanding of the foundations, forms, and practices of these new spiritual movements and their role in contemporary twenty-first-century life.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet weekly in three-hour sessions. Classes will be divided between lecture & multimedia-driven interactive discussion. Participation in at least two field trips to a progressive spiritual organization/experience or seminar are also required(details to be outlined in class).

REQUIRED READING AND VIEWING:

Davis, Erik. Techgnosis. Harmony, 2004.

Kärkkäinen, Veli-Matti, An Introduction to the Theology of Religions, InterVarsity Press, 2007.

Lynch, Gordon. The New Spirituality. I.B. Tauris, 2007.

Partridge, Christopher. Introduction to World Religions. Augsburg Fortress, 2005.

Ruland, Vernon. Imagining the Sacred: Soundings in World Religions. Orbis, 1998.

Taylor, Barry. Entertainment Theology: New Edge Spirituality in a Digital Democracy. Baker, 2008.

Course Reader to include articles related to theology, evangelism, and missional engagement.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Drane, John. Do Christians Know How to Be Spiritual? DLT, 2006.

Drane, John, and Ross Clifford. Beyond Prediction. Lion Publishing UK 2001.

Hexman, I., ed. Encountering New Religious Movements: A Holistic Evangelical Approach. Kregel, 2004.

Partridge, Christopher. The Re-Enchantment of the West. T&T Clark, 2005.

Caputo, John. On Religion. Continuum Books, 2004.

Zizek, Slavoj. On Belief. Continuum Books, 2003.

ASSIGNMENTS: (1) Three two-page book reviews (30%). (2) A six-page field trip report (35%).
(3) A six- to eight-page paper rooted in field research on one of the spiritual movements identified in the course. Papers will forge a theological response to the research gathered. Students will include a plan for a theological presentation in their life and ministry (35%).

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (9/12/08)