Summer 2011
Pasadena (Fuller Live! From Seattle)
ST572
Burton

 

 

DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to introduce the student to the life and thought of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The student will be able to survey the major themes and works of Bonhoeffer as they were developed during the various stages of his life. Primary attention will be given to Bonhoeffer's contribution to social and ecclesiastical existence, as well as his contribution to the development of Christian spirituality. This course will also focus on the continuing legacy of Bonhoeffer through a critical assessment and evaluation of Bonhoeffer's life and thought in relationship to contemporary society, church and theology.

 

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY:

In this course, students will be given a foundation for (1) Christian discipleship, (2) ethical reflection and praxis, and (3) Christian theology, which will offer both a theoretical and practical basis for Christian worship, life, ministry and mission.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have demonstrated:

1.     An understanding of what they believe with regard to the Christian faith.

2.     An understanding of the interrelated character of Christian theology.

3.     An understanding of why they believe what they believe.

4.     An understanding of a range of theological options and reasons for this diversity.

5.     An ability to think theologically in light of their own experience and their particular church setting.

6.     An understanding of the role of cultural diversity in theology.

 

COURSE FORMAT:

This class will meet in an intensive format for 3 3/4 hours daily for 8 days, a total of thirty class hours. The content of the class will be a combination of lecture, discussion, multi-media and other teaching methods as appropriate.

 

REQUIRED READING:

Bethge, Eberhard. Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Biography. Rev. ed.; Fortress, 2000 (934 pp). ISBN: 978-0800628444. $26.00.

Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. A Testament to Freedom. Ed. Geffrey Kelly and F. Burton Nelson; HarperCollins, 1995 (selected sections; approx. 200 pp). ISBN: 978-0060642143. $17.00.

Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Life Together-Prayerbook of the Bible. Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works; Vol. 5; Fortress,1996 (177 pp). ISBN: 978-0800683252. $21.00.

DeGruchy, John W., ed. The Cambridge Companion to Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Cambridge, 1999 (selected sections; entire book is 265 pp). ISBN: 978-0521587815. $32.00.

Kelly, Geffrey and F. Burton Nelson. The Cost of Moral Leadership: The Spirituality of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Eerdmans, 2003 (249 pp). ISBN: 978-0802805119. $20.00.

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

1.     Students will attend each class and participate actively in each class meeting. (20% GRADE)

2.     Students will maintain a theological reading journal which highlights personal observations, insights, questions, concerns, etc., which arise while reading the required texts (not to exceed 15 pages). (30% GRADE)

3.     Students will also be required to write one essay, focused upon a certain aspect of Bonhoeffer's life or thought and its relevance to Christian life and ministry today (typed, double spaced, 10-12 pages with footnotes and bibliography). (50% GRADE)

 

PREREQUISITES:

None.

 

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:

MDiv and MAT/BST: Elective; MAT and MACL: Theology

 

FINAL EXAMINATION:

None.