ST540
Begbie
ST540: THEOLOGY THROUGH THE ARTS. Jeremy S. Begbie.
DESCRIPTION:
- This is a new venture--a course in systematic theology, using the
arts as the major tool to open up the richness and excitement of Christian
orthodoxy. The main aim of the course is to discover how Christian doctrine can
be explored fruitfully through the arts. In the process, the participant will
find fresh ways in which doctrine can be communicated. It will be seen that the
arts can be much more than ornamental and dispensable illustrations for
theology--the arts can reveal and articulate theological truths in unique ways.
In addition, it will be shown how unfamiliar themes in doctrine can be opened
up quickly, familiar themes seen in fresh ways, distortions of theological
truth avoided and even corrected.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- For all involved in Christian ministry, a grasp of Christian
doctrine is essential. Satisfactory completion of this course should enable the
student to gain a deeper grasp of some key doctrines of the Christian faith and
their potential impact in the contemporary world.
- For most of Christian history the arts have been central to the life and
mission of the Church. Many Christians have received their doctrinal tutoring
mainly through music, literary fiction, poetry, drama, film, dance,
architecture, and technology-based art. This course will enable students to use
the arts more responsibly in the Church, for understanding and communicating
the Gospel.
COURSE FORMAT:
- An intensive course meeting April 13-24, Monday-Friday, 7-9:50 p.m.
The course will consist of lectures (including hundreds of examples of
art--slides, recorded material, musical performance). Substantial time will
also be given to input from participants, and exploring together the
implications of specific doctrines for the Church's worship and mission.
Various readings will be assigned which the student is expected to prepare
before certain lectures. The course will include opportunity to take part in a
collaborative group project, which will make a presentation on the last day of
the course. The course will draw on the expertise of artists in the Los Angeles
area. It will have close links with the Fuller Arts Festival, which will run
during the second week of the course.
REQUIRED READING:
- Begbie, Jeremy. "Theology and the Arts: Music." In D. Ford, ed.
The Modern Theologians: An Introduction to Christian Theology in the
Twentieth Century. Oxford: Blackwell, 1997, pp. 686-99.
- ______. Voicing Creation's Praise: Towards a Theology of the Arts.
Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1991.
- Lundin, Roger. The Culture of Interpretation, Grand Rapids:
Eerdmans, 1993.
- Nouwen, H. The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming.
New York: Continuum, 1995.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Begbie, Jeremy. Music in God's Purposes. Edinburgh: Handsel
Press, 1989.
- Dyrness, William. Rouault: A Vision of Suffering and Salvation.
Eerdmans, 1971.
- Fiddes, Paul. Freedom and Limit: A Dialogue between Literature and
Christian Doctrine. Basingstoke: Macmillan, 1991.
- Pattison, George. Art, Modernity and Faith. Basingstoke: Macmillan,
1991.
- Veith, Gene Edward. State of the Arts: From Bezalel to Mapplethorpe.
Crossway, 1991.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Course grade depends on (1) class attendance and participation; (2)
reading of assignments; (3) either participation in a collaborative
project presented the last day of the course, or a 20-page paper due May 8; and
(4) one 25-page research paper due May 29.
PREREQUISITES:
- None. Practical artistic expertise is not required; but the course
will draw on the gifts of those who have such skills as fully as
possible.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.