DESCRIPTION: This course surveys the history of Christianity in the modern period, from the seventeenth century to the present. Special attention will be given to the process of Christianity becoming a world religion during the period and to the major themes and changes 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 and new challenges to Christianity today. At the same time world Christians are still largely influenced by historically Western tradition and theology. This course seeks to lead students to a broader understanding of the historical development of various Christian churches during the modern time and to find its relevance for their ministry in this global context. 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:

1. Students will be able to identify and explain major developments, personalities, and theological perspectives that shaped modern Christian churches since the Reformation.

2. Students will demonstrate through writings and presentation the ability to think critically about historical events and texts in the context of Christianity.

3. Students will demonstrate through presentation and writing assignments the ability to interpret their own ecclesiastical tradition and other traditions with critical awareness and reflection.

4. Students will be challenged by the complexity and diversity within Christianity shown through the history and will develop a better understanding of the beliefs and practices of churches in different cultural and social contexts.

González, Justo L. The Story of Christianity. Vol. 2. New York: HarperCollins, 2010. (ISBN: 978-0-06-185589-4; $23.62 Amazon.com price)

Hastings, Adrian, ed. A World History of Christianity. Eerdmans, 1999. (0-8028-4875-3; $23.82 Amazon price)

Koschorke, Klaus, Frieder Ludwig, and Mariano Delgado, eds. A History of Christianity in Asia, Africa, and Latin American, 1450-1990. Eerdmans, 2007. (ISBN: 978-0-8028-2889-7; $23.10 Amazon.com price)

Tucker, Ruth, and Walter Liefeld. Daughters of the Church: Women and Ministry from New Testament Times to the Present. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1987. (ISBN: 0-310-45741-6; $26.39 Amazon.com price)

1. Completion of all required readings.

2. A critical book review (4-5 pages) on one text from a selected list of recommended books (20%).

3. Research presentation and paper on an issue or issues related to a selected continent or region; Presentation summary (2-3 pages) and the final paper (8-10 pages) must be submitted (10% & 30%; total 40%).

4. One final exam, based on required readings and lectures (40%).