CH563/863
Bradley/Johnston
CH563/863: EVANGELICAL THEOLOGY AND HISTORY. James E. Bradley and Robert K.
Johnston.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course will explore the changing face of Evangelical identity,
probing in particular issues that surround the evolving nature of Evangelical
theology. Multi-disciplinary in design, the class will draw upon recent studies
in theology, history, philosophy, and sociology, with the aim of informing
students' understanding of American Evangelicalism, including its past
achievements and future potential within church and culture. Methodologically,
the course will explore the ways in which a variety of scholarly disciplines
can be integrated to suggest creative new directions for the future of
Christian thought and practice.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- The seminar is designed specifically for students wishing to pursue
a career in teaching ministry. Developments in contemporary philosophy and
culture have forced Christian thinkers to reconsider the viability of
Evangelical theology and propose new ways of envisioning the appropriate tasks
of theology. The course seeks to equip students to confront these new
challenges.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The seminar will meet three hours a week for discussion.
REQUIRED READING:
- Dayton, Donald. Discovering an Evangelical Heritage. Harper
& Row, 1976.
- Dayton, Donald W. and Robert K. Johnston. The Variety of American
Evangelicalism. University of Tennessee, 1991.
- Fackre, Gabriel. Ecumenical Faith in Evangelical Perspective.
Eerdmans, 1993.
- Grenz, Stanley. Revisioning Evangelical Theology. InterVarsity
Press, 1993.
- Hunter, James Davison. Evangelicalism: The Coming Generation.
University of Chicago, 1987.
- Okholm, Dennis and Timothy Phillips. The Nature of Confession.
InterVarsity Press, 1995.
- McGrath, Alistair. Evangelicalism & the Future of Christianity.
InterVarsity Press, 1995.
- Marsden, George. Reforming Fundamentalism. Eerdmans, 1987.
- _________. Understanding Fundamentalism and Evangelicalism.
Eerdmans, 1991.
- Marsden, George and Bradley Longfield, eds. The Secularization of the
Academy. Oxford, 1992.
- Murphy, Nancey. Beyond Liberalism and Fundamentalism. Trinity,
1996.
- Wuthnow, Robert. The Struggle for America's Soul. Eerdmans, 1989.
- Selected Articles.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Completion of required reading, attendance and discussion in class
are to be observed by all students. Those enrolled in the 800 section will
prepare a 20-30 page research paper on a topic chosen in consultation with one
of the professors and written in conformity with the methodological guidelines
discussed in class. Those enrolled in the 500 section will write a 10 page
paper on Evangelical identity making use of the readings and
discussion.
PREREQUISITES:
- For M.A./M. Div. students, permission of one of the
professors.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Elective. This course is offered in tandem with the Graduate
Seminar, Evangelical Theology and History.
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- None.