MT510: Doing Theology in Context (4 units)

MT510: Doing Theology in Context (4 units)

Charles H. Kraft, Sun-Hee Kwak Professor of Anthropology and Intercultural Communication
Winter 2003 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

This course assumes that theology is the way we reflect upon and explain the Bible and Christian experience. Therefore, just as the Bible reveals God’s behavior in specific times and places and among specific people, so peoples’ theological perspectives should be constructed in context. The aim of the course is to examine the ways in which cultural and biblical realities affect and inform the interpretation of the truths of the gospel. Attention will be given both to general theory and to particular issues arising from a quest for contextualization that is appropriate both to the Bible and to the cultural context.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Understand the concept of contextualization,
• Be able to evaluate the usefulness of theoretical and practical approaches to the subject,
• Describe contextually appropriate approaches to one or more theological issues in the culture in which he/she works.

COURSE FORMAT:

The class sessions will consist of lecture and discussion of the topics dealt with in the prepublication manuscript edited by the professor entitled Appropriate Contextualization plus additional relevant topics.

REQUIRED READING:

If you have previously read a required text, please substitute a book selected from the recommended reading or the bibliography included in the syllabus.
Bevans, Stephen B. Models of Contextual Theology. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1994.
Gilliland, D.S. The Word Among Us. Dallas: Word, 1989.
Kraft, C.H. ,ed., Appropriate Contextualization, prepublication ms 2002.
Kraft & Gilliland, Syllabus and Reader.