DESCRIPTION:

This class is a survey of events, persons, and ideas that have most influenced the Christian tradition during the modern period, beginning with the post-reformation religious landscape of Western Europe and concluding with the most significant trends of Christian thought and life in the twentieth century.

It is important in our increasingly secular age that leaders of the church be well informed about the leading themes of the modern church, in order to critically evaluate the ideas and assumptions of modern culture, and interpret the gospel tradition anew for each generation with vigor, clarity and hope. Moreover, an understanding of modern church history will often encourage a sympathetic awareness of other Christian traditions and beliefs, thus fostering virtues of humility, tolerance, wisdom, and mutual respect, while at the same time leading to a deeper loyalty and appreciation of one's own tradition.

This class will meet twice weekly for five weeks of four-hour sessions of lecture and discussion.

Latourette, Kenneth S. A History of Christianity, volume 2. Revised edition. Harper & Row, 1975.

An assortment of primary readings available on reserve through the library.

Cross, F. L. and E. A Livingstone. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 3rd ed. Oxford, 1997.

Gonzalez, Justo L. A History of Christian Thought, volumes 2 and 3. Abingdon, 1987.

Harley, Van A. A Handbook of Theological Terms. Macmillan, 1964.

1. Assigned readings to be completed as preparation for lectures.

2. A mid-term exam and final examination.

3. Two 3-5 page papers providing critical analysis of selected primary readings.

None.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in Church History "C" (CHC).

Yes.