Courses

This course looks at the key moments in the history of Christian theology, emphasizing the influential figures, controversies, and contexts that shaped Christian doctrine and tradition, with an eye toward understand its relevancy for contemporary Christian thought, life, and ministry. Our objective is to consider the theology behind: early patristic controversies; movements such as monasticism, the Protestant Reformation, the revivals of the nineteenth and early twentieth century—Great Awakenings, Holiness and Pentecostal revivals; and the rise of new theological movements in the church.

Specializations: Church and Culture; Christian History and Worldview; Pastoral Studies

Knowing

• Know the significant persons & theological developments in the history of Christian theology.
• Know the important Protestant Reformation theological trajectories and figures.
• Know the issues related to Modernist, Liberal and Postmodern theologies.
• Know the theological and philosophical issues related to Fundamentalism, Evangelicalism, and Post-conservative evangelical theology.
• Be familiar with several important trends in contemporary theology.

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 own Christian identity vis-à-vis significant historic Christian theological traditions and contemporary Christian theology and postmodern culture.

Doing

• Develop analytical and synthetic skills in theological reflection.
• Hone your critical abilities for reading texts in historical theology.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the development and trajectories of Christian theology.
• Engage in the process of constructive and generative theological reflection and writing.