Winter 2013/Pasadena

CH503

Thompson

CH503: MEDIEVAL AND REFORMATION THEOLOGY. John L. Thompson.

DESCRIPTION: A survey of the diversity of medieval theology as it developed from an essentially Augustinian source in its encounter with new conflicts and cultural factors and as it eventually promoted and provoked the Protestant Reformation. The period addressed covers through the Council of Trent and the death of Calvin.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: By introducing a significant body of theological and historical data, the course seeks to lead students to a broader perspective on their own ecclesiastical traditions, beliefs, and practices, as well as to a sympathetic appreciation for the unity and diversity of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church of which they are a part. Intensive work in primary sources will help students to acquire an improved facility in the analysis of theological arguments and an increased ability to articulate the meaning of the Christian faith in its historical development—skills that will also benefit the student’s reading, understanding, and exposition of Scripture itself.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: First, students who pass this course will demonstrate familiarity with central theological doctrines and developments in church of the middle ages and Reformation, particularly those that led to the Reformation and have formed and expressed Protestant identity (attained through readings and participation in lectures and small groups). Second, they will be able to analyze and articulate the theological arguments of historical texts (attained through directed essays on selected primary sources and group discussions). Third, they will be able to reflect theologically on the shaping of Christian identity, doctrine, and practice, as well as on the implications for contemporary Christian diversity and pastoral ministry (attained through reflection and discussion in class and small groups).

COURSE FORMAT: Class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions for lectures, with occasional discussion sessions devoted to student papers as assigned (below).

REQUIRED READING:

Fairweather, Eugene R., ed. A Scholastic Miscellany. Westminster John Knox, 1982. ISBN 978-0664244187, $40.00. [181 pp. assigned]

Hillerbrand, Hans J., ed. The Protestant Reformation. Revised ed., Harper Perennial, 2009. ISBN 978-0061148477, $16.99. [214 pp. assigned]

Lane, Tony. A Concise History of Christian Thought. Revised ed., Baker, 2006. ISBN 978-0801031595, $28.00. [137 pp. assigned]

Readings packet (~475 pp., online), including excerpts from medieval and Reformation women.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Cross, F. L. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. Oxford, 2005. ISBN 978-0192802903, $175.00.

Hendrix, Scott H. Recultivating the Vineyard: The Reformation Agendas of Christianization. Westminster John Knox, 2004. ISBN 978-0664227135, $30.00.

Muller, Richard A. Dictionary of Latin and Greek Theological Terms. Baker, 1985. ISBN 978-0801020643, $30.00.

Payton, James R. Getting the Reformation Wrong: Correcting Some Misunderstandings. IVP Academic, 2010. ISBN 978-0830838806, $23.00.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Assigned readings (~1000 pp.), to be completed as preparation for lectures.

2. Three 5-page papers on primary source readings; 60% of grade.

3. Final examination, covering readings, lectures, and discussions; 40% of grade.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Church History “b” (CHB); meets MAT program requirement.