DESCRIPTION: This course surveys the history of Christianity around the world
from the 17th through the 20th centuries. Additional attention will be given to
the transitional process of Christianity moving from a Western to a world
religion and major themes and events that dominated the process.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Christianity is no longer the possession
of the Western world, as the majority of Christians now live in the southern
hemisphere. Non-Western Christian churches are growing rapidly, bringing fresh
new energy, as well as new challenges, to the Christian Church today. At the
same time world Christians are still largely influenced by historically Western
Christian tradition and theology. This course seeks to lead students to a
broader understanding of the historical development of both the Western and
non-Western churches and to find relevance of their ministry in this global
Christian time. In the course of the study we will seek to understand various
Christian traditions and theological and ecclesiastical developments and how
they interacted and resulted in today's Christian churches. In the process we
hope to gain new appreciation for the breath, unity, and diversity of the
worldwide Christian church.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will be able to (1) identify and explain principal
theological developments and historical events and personalities that have
shaped the modern church; (2) think critically about historical texts and
arguments, placing them in context; (3) interpret a variety of ecclesial
traditions and experiences, including their own, with critical awareness and
reflection; (4) critically assess their religious and cultural assumptions by
examining the complexity and diversity of modern Christian history; (5) gain an
appreciation for the multiplicity of ways in which the Christian faith is
experienced and expressed around the world.
COURSE FORMAT: Meeting weekly for three-and-half-hour sessions in lecture,
presentation, and discussion format. The Korean language will be used for all
lectures, discussions, and assignments.
REQUIRED READING:
Dupré, Louis and Don E. Sailers. Christian Spirituality: Post
Reformation and Modern. New York: Crossroad, 1991. (Translated into
three separate volumes; volume 3 of the translation only; translated by Um,
Sung Oak and In Sung Ji; published by Eunsung, 2001.)
Gonzalez, Justo L., The Story of Christianity. New York, New York:
Harper Collins, 1985. (Translated into four separate volumes; the volume on
Modern Church History only; translated by Suh, Young Il; published by Eun Sung,
1995.)
Kim, Sang Kun. Korean Title [Church History Read through Historical
Figures]. Seoul, Korea: Pyung Dan Mun Wha Sa, 2007.