EV552/852
Peace
EV552/852: CONVERSION. Richard Peace.
DESCRIPTION:
- An advanced seminar which examines the phenomenon of conversion
from seven different vantage points: the biblical, theological, historical,
psychological, sociological, anthropological, and experiential (personal
documents). The aim of the course is to better understand the process of
Christian transformation by using the experience of conversion as an extended
case study.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- Conversion is a prime example of the transformational process. It
is important to understand how and why transformation takes place in the lives
of men and women in a Christian context. In understanding conversion in depth
new insight is gained into the process of evangelism (where conversion is the
aim) and into the dynamic of Christian formation (in which continued growth is
the goal).
COURSE FORMAT:
- This is an advanced seminar for Th.M. and Ph.D. students into which
a limited number of M.A. and M.Div. students will be admitted. The class will
consist of some lecture, student presentations by the Th.M./Ph.D. students,
discussion, case studies, and interactive dialogue.
REQUIRED READING:
- Gaventa, Beverly. From Darkness to Light: Aspects of Conversion
in the New Testament. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1986.
- Kerr, Hugh and John Mulder. Conversions: The Christian Experience.
Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1983.
- Rambo, Lewis. Understanding Religious Conversion. New Haven: Yale
University Press, 1993.
- Readings in Conversion: A Collection of Articles and Papers
(Bookstore).
- Toon, Peter. Born Again: A Biblical and Theological Study of
Regeneration. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1987.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- It is expected that each student will read the materials and be
prepared to participate in the classroom discussion and exercises. In addition,
a 20-page research paper is required as well as two short reflection papers (2
pages each).
PREREQUISITES:
- Permission from the Instructor is necessary in order to enroll in
this course.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- None.