Winter 2013/Pasadena
Five-week Intensive: February 11–March 15
CH556
Marsden
CH556: JONATHAN EDWARDS AND C. S. LEWIS. George Marsden.
DESCRIPTION: This course will be a comparison of two outstanding Christian apologists and theologians who lived two centuries apart. The course will consider the biographical backgrounds of each and their differing historical and ecclesiastical settings and the intellectual, cultural, and theological challenges that each of them faced. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the views of each, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses, and reflecting on the usefulness of their outlooks in differing cultural settings today. The course will be based on readings and discussions of both primary and secondary sources.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Both Edwards and Lewis provide a host of theological insights that can benefit one’s Christian experience and ministry. Each was responding to the great intellectual challenges of his time, and similar challenges need to be understood today. We can also be instructed by how each worked as an evangelist though in very different ways and settings.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon completion of the course, students will have demonstrated (1) understanding of the theology, thought, and work of Edwards and Lewis; (2) ability to compare the two men and their times; (3) perspective in addressing the practical questions mentioned above.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly for three-hour sessions during the latter five weeks of Winter quarter. Most of the class time will be devoted to discussion of assigned readings and other materials.
REQUIRED READING:
Smith, John E. et al., eds. A Jonathan Edwards Reader. Yale University Press, 1995. ISBN: 978-0300098389, $16.95.
Marsden, George. Jonathan Edwards: A Life. Yale University Press, 2003. ISBN: 9780300105964, $22.00.
Some additional readings from Edwards will be assigned. These are available online at the Jonathan Edwards Center at the Yale University website.
Lewis, C. S. The Complete C. S. Lewis Signature Classics. HarperOne, 2002. ISBN: 9780060506087, $49.99.
________. Surprised by Joy/ The Four Loves. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2011. ISBN: 9780547599397, $22.00.
Jacobs, Alan. The Narnian: The Life and Imagination of C. S. Lewis. Harper One, 2005. ISBN: 9780061448720, $14.95.
Students may read works of Lewis in other editions. (The Great Divorce and A Grief Observed will be recommended but not required readings found in Complete CSL.)
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
During the first five weeks of Winter term students will be required to have completed the assigned readings. Prior to class discussions of various readings student may be required to post questions or responses concerning the readings. Also they will be required to furnish a statement indicating how much of the assigned reading they have completed conscientiously. Details to follow. These will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis only.
Students will be required to write a paper of about 20 pages (6,000 words) critically comparing and evaluating some aspect of the life, work, thought, or theology of Edwards and Lewis.
There will be no final exam.
Class attendance is required and participation in discussions may enhance one’s grade.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.