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 developing 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: