DESCRIPTION: This doctoral seminar (open to a maximum of five advanced master's level students) studies the constructive theology of Jürgen Moltmann in the context of contemporary theology at the international and ecumenical levels.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Studying Moltmann's main works is a great way not only to understand more thoroughly the theology of a leading international theologian but also to learn more about key themes, debates, and issues in contemporary constructive theology.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated their ability to (1) understand key ideas of Moltmann's creative program in its traditional and contemporary theological locations; (2) analyze critically his key contributions and challenges; (3) reflect on his evolving theological method; and (4) engage the critical dialogue between Moltmann and his critics.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet once a week for a three-hour session of theological discussion and reflection facilitated by students and occasional guest presenters.

REQUIRED READING: Selections from the following primary works by J. Moltmann:

Theology of Hope: On the Ground and the Implications of a Christian Eschatology. SCM Press, 1967 (course reader).

The Crucified God: The Cross of Christ as the Foundation and Criticism of Christian Theology. SCM Press, 1974.

The Trinity and the Kingdom: The Doctrine of God. Harper & Row, 1981.

God in Creation: A New Theology of Creation and the Spirit of God. Fortress, 1993.

The Way of Jesus Christ: Christology in Messianic Dimensions. Fortress, 1993.

The Spirit of Life: A Universal Affirmation. Fortress, 1992.

The Coming of God: Christian Eschatology. Fortress, 1996.

Experiences in Theology: Ways and Forms of Christian Theology. Fortress, 2000 (course reader).

Sun of Righteousness, Arise! God's Future for Humanity and the Earth. Fortress, 2010.

For guidance in reading primary works, consult:

Müller-Fahrenholz, G. The Kingdom and the Power: The Theology of Jürgen Moltmann. Fortress, 2001.

A full bibliography of Moltmann's works will appear in the syllabus.

For criticism and dialogue with Moltmann, consult the following titles as appropriate:

Althouse, Peter. Spirit of the Last Days: Pentecostal Eschatology in Conversation with Jürgen Moltmann. Journal of Pentecostal Theology, Supplement Series 25. New York: T&T Clark International, 2003.

Bauckham, Richard. Moltmann: Messianic Theology in the Making. Contemporary Christian Studies. Hants, UK: M. Pickering, 1987.

------. The Theology of Jürgen Moltmann. Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1995.

Bauckham, R. ed. God Will Be All in All: The Eschatology of Jürgen Moltmann. T&T Clark, 1999.

Bouma-Prediger, S. The Greening of Theology: The Ecological Models of Rosemary Radford Ruether, Joseph Sittler, and Jürgen Moltmann. Scholars Press, 1995.

Gilbertson, M. God and History in the Book of Revelation: New Testament Studies in Dialogue with Pannenberg and Moltmann. Cambridge University Press, 2005.

McDougall, Joy Ann. Pilgrimage of Love: Moltmann on the Trinity and Christian Life. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005.

Prooijen, Ton van. Limping but Blessed: Jürgen Moltmann's Search for a Liberating Anthropology. New York: Rodopi, 2004.

Volf, M., et al., eds. The Future of Theology: Essays in Honor of Jürgen Moltmann. Eerdmans, 1996.

Wakefield, James L. Jürgen Moltmann: A Research Bibliography. ATLA Bibliography Series No. 47. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press, 2002.

Watson, H. M. Towards a Relevant Christology in India Today: An Appraisal of the Christologies of John Hick, Jürgen Moltmann and Jon Sobrino. Peter Lang, 2002.

1. A careful reading of the required texts and reading log, 10%

2. Class presentations, 20%

3. Active participation in discussions, 10%

4. A five-page reflection paper on theological method, 10%

5. A research paper, 20-25 pages, 50%
   Requirements will be adjusted for master's level students.