Fall 2013/ Pasadena
ST503
Ireland
ST503: SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY 3: ECCLESIOLOGY AND ESCHATOLOGY. Marèque Ireland
DESCRIPTION: This course explores Christian beliefs about two major Christian doctrines: ecclesiology and eschatology. Topics include the nature and life of the church of the church, including its ministry and mission and sacraments. We will also examine different approaches to the parousia, death, resurrection, new creation, judgment, millennium, heaven and hell. While we will explore contemporary evangelical theologies, students will also engage with other Christian traditions and intercultural perspectives.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: A solid theological foundation is an essential part of preparation for Christian ministry and spiritual formation. An important part of that foundation is understanding the biblical, historical and contemporary contexts for the life and worship of the Church and the eschatological vision that influences Church practices.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon completing this course the student will have demonstrated (1) a basic understanding of issues in their traditional and contemporary expressions; (2) an ability to reflect theologically and critically upon the course topics; (3) skills towards developing one’s own theology in critical dialogue with various views; (4) an acquaintance with a range of cultural and contextual matters that shape our understanding of theological issues; (5) an appreciation of ecumenical and cultural diversity.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice a week for two hour sessions. Each week students and the instructor will interact with the course material through journaling, threaded discussions.
REQUIRED READING: 1,200 pages of required reading from the following:
Grenz, S.J. Theology for the Community of God. Eerdmans, 2000. ISBN: 978-0802847553, Pub. Price $40.00 [223 pp. assigned].
Kärkkäinen, V.-M. An Introduction to Ecclesiology. InterVarsity Press, 2002. ISBN: 978-0-8308-2688-9. Pub. Price $20.00. [238 pp.].
Placher, W.C., ed. Essentials of Christian Theology. Westminster John Knox, 2003 (selected pages).
Schwartz, H. Eschatology. Eerdmans, 2000. ISBN: 978-0802847331, Pub. Price $26.00 [448 pp.].
Select one text on a special topic:
Barr, W.R. Constructive Christian Theology in the Worldwide Church. Eerdmans, 1997. ISBN:978-0802841438, Pub. Price $39.00 553 [pp.].
Boff, L. Ecclesiogenesis: The Base Communities Reinvent the Church. Orbis, 1986. ISBN 978-0883442142, Pub. Price $22.00 [115 pp.].
Braaten, C.E. & Jenson, R.W. The Ecumenical Future. Eerdmans, 2004. ISBN: 978-0802826718, Pub. Price $24.00 [245 pp.].
Fudge, E.W. & Peterson, R.A. Two Views of Hell. InterVarsity Press, 2000. 978-0830822553, Pub. Price $18.00 [228 pp.].
Gelder, C. van. The Essence of the Church: A Community Created by the Spirit. Baker, 2000. ISBN: 978-0802846556. Pub. Price $29.00 [332 pp.].
Gibbs, E. & Bolger, R.K. Emerging Churches. Baker 2006. ISBN: 978-0801027154, Pub. Price $19.99 [352 pp.].
Farrow, Douglas. Ascension and Ecclesia. Eerdmans, 1999. ISBN: 978-0802827913, $34.00 [356 pp.].
González, J. Mañana: Christian Theology from a Hispanic Perspective. Abingdon, 1990. ISBN: 978-0687230679, Pub. Price $20.00 [186 pp.].
Grenz, S.J. The Millennial Maze. InterVarsity Press, 1994. ISBN: 978-0830817573, Pub. Price $18.00 [239 pp.].
Guder, D.L. & Barrett, L., eds. Missional Church. Eerdmans, 1998. ISBN: 978-0802843500, Pub. Price $28.00 [280 pp.].
Hauerwas, S. & Willimon, W.H. Resident Aliens: Life in the Christian Colony. Abingdon, 1989. ISBN: 9780687361595, Pub. Price $17.00 [175 pp.].
Jones Tony. The Church is Flat: The Relational Ecclesiology if the Emerging Church Movement. JoPa Productions, 2011. ISBN: 978-0615524313, Pub. Price $19.97 [230 pp.].
Lincoln, E.C. & Mamiya, L.H. The Black Church in African American Experience. Duke, 2001. ISBN: 978-0822310730, Pub. Price $23.96 [536 pp.].
Mbiti, J. New Testament Eschatology in an African Background. Oxford University Press, 1971. ISBN: 978-0198216599, Pub Price $58.69 [228 pp.].
Moltmann, Jürgen. Coming of God: Christian Eschatology. SCM Press, 1994. ASIN: B002G90456, Pub. Price $28.00 [412 pp.].
McPartlan, Paul. Sacrament of Salvation: An Introduction to Eucharistic Ecclesiology. T&T Clark, 1995. ISBN: 978-0567292995, Pub. Price $29.95 [144 pp.].
Schmemann, A. Introduction to Liturgical Theology. Tr. Moorhouse. 3rd ed. St. Vladimir’s, 1997. ISBN: 978-0822310730, Pub. Price $27.95 [536 pp.].
Russell, L.M. Church in the Round: Feminist Interpretation of the Church. WJKP, 1993. ISBN: 978-0664250706, Pub. Price $30.00 [256 pp.].
Stackhouse, J.G., ed. Evangelical Ecclesiology: Reality or Illusion? Baker 2003. ISBN: 978-0801026539, Pub. Price $24.00 [240 pp.].
Ware, Timothy. The Orthodox Church: New Edition. Penguin, 1993. Pub. Price $17.00 [368 pp.].
Volf, M. After Our Likeness: The Church as the Image of God. Eerdmans, 1998. ISBN: 978-0802844408, Pub. Price $32.00 [314 pp.].
Zizioulas, J.D. Being as Communion: Studies in Personhood and the Church. St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press. 978-0881410297, Pub. Price $24.00 [269 pp.].
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
REQUIRED reading of 1,200 pages and critical reading response (5-6 pages) [20%].
Ecclesiology research paper (8-9 pages) [30%].
Eschatology research paper (8-9 pages) [30%].
Visit to a religious site and theological reflective paper, (5 pages) [20%].
PREREQUISITES: None. Yet, at least one course in biblical studies and in historical theology/church history as well as philosophical theology, are strongly recommended.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Systematic Theology “C” (STC).
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.