DESCRIPTION: This course introduces the principal historical and theological
events in the life of the Anglican Church, from its pre-Reformation setting in
England through recent events affecting the worldwide Anglican Communion.
Attention will be given to the most important historical, theological, and
cultural developments that have shaped what has, during the past half century,
become a significant voice in world Christianity.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The effective practice of Christian
ministry requires a detailed knowledge of the historical and theological events
that influenced and shaped the church during the past two-thousand years. For
those preparing to serve in various ministries in the Anglican tradition, it is
crucial that a thorough comprehension of the historical and theological
developments of early and medieval England, the English Reformation, the
(post-Reformation) Church of England, and (from the C19th to present) the
Anglican Communion, be mastered, especially in light of the numerous - and
ongoing - theological disputes that have come to characterize Anglicanism in
the modern age.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course should prepare students to (1) identify and
understand the principal historical events, personalities, and theological
developments of the Anglican tradition; (2) think critically about
historical texts and arguments, and place them in their proper context;
(3) gain a critical and sympathetic appreciation for the nature,
breadth, unity, and diversity of Anglicanism; (4) develop an
appreciation for the multiplicity of ways in which the Anglican religious
tradition has been (and continues to be) experienced and expressed in various
parts of the world.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet weekly for three-hour sessions for 10
weeks. Class time will be devoted to formal lectures, questions and answers,
and informal classroom discussion. Students in Pasadena and at Fuller's
regional campuses will be able to enroll and participate in this course through
FullerLive! (where available).
REQUIRED READING: (Assigned passages; minimum of 1,500 pages + handouts):