Courses

This course explores the theology and influence of key figures that have shaped the Protestant and theological tradition from Luther, Calvin, and the early Anabaptists to Karl Barth, Reinhold Niebuhr, and Lesslie Newbigin. It also looks at the key theological issues that animate the Protestant and evangelical theological tradition—e.g., justification, atonement, and Scripture. Although a theology course, it considers how theological issues shape our understanding of Christian spirituality and ministry.

Knowing

• Know the major strands of Protestant thought and practice in both their historical development and current forms.
• Know the distinct historical-cultural contexts of Protestant and evangelical theologies and how those contexts shaped the formation and development of those theologies.
• Know the underlying logic shaping this tradition from its inception to its present state.

Being

• Appreciate that theology is a dynamic and contextual effort to discern appropriate ways to embody the redemption revealed in Jesus Christ.
• Embrace a deeper sense of your Christian identity vis-à-vis the diverse trajectories of Protestant theology.
• Reflect on how an alternative theological and spiritual Protestant trajectory can positively contribute to your process of spiritual formation—How can a Calvinist learn                             from an Anabaptist and vice versa?
• Become a critical and constructive leader in theology.

Doing

• Develop the ability to present informative presentations and facilitate student discussions.
• Research and present original research on a substantial topic in missional theology and significant for your research topic.
• Hone critical reading skills in primary literature.
• Develop the ability to analyze secondary scholarship in light of primary texts.