Spring 2012/Pasadana
TH836/536
Kärkkäinen
TH836/536: THE THEOLOGY OF JÜRGEN MOLTMANN. Veli-Matti
Kärkkäinen.
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.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- 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.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
- A careful reading of the required texts and reading log, 10%
- Class presentations, 20%
- Active participation in discussions, 10%
- A five-page reflection paper on theological method, 10%
- A research paper, 20-25 pages, 50%
Requirements will be adjusted for
master's level students.
PREREQUISITES: For advanced master's level students, written permission of the
professor. Generally all ST courses, most CH and NT/OT courses, as well as a
PHIL course, are required.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (January 2012)