MH505: Issues in Mission History (4 units)

Jehu J. Hanciles, Associate Professor of Mission History and Globalization
Winter 2004 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

This course serves as a core competency or foundational module for mission studies and introduces the student to historical methods and research (including mission historiography). It focuses on the significance of history as a dimension of human experience, a primary component in theological reflection, and a functional element in study of missions. While its content provides an overview of the last five hundred years of mission history—roughly 1500 to the present—the main focus will be on assessing the formation, structures and impact of the modern missionary movement (both Roman Catholic and Protestant). Close attention will be paid to regional patterns of growth, key players and thinkers, principal mission theories and strategies, as well as the transformational role of Christian missions in the making of the present world order.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Gain a working historical knowledge and missiological understanding of the growth of the Christian church into a worldwide phenomenon
• Foster habits of mind and study that include the critical examination of data, objective analysis of events, trends, etc. (in the public domain), and the ability to evaluate contemporary challenges in mission and the ministry of the Church.

COURSE FORMAT:

Class meets twice a week for two hours. At least thirty minutes of each session will be devoted to class discussion of recommended readings and/or student presentations.

REQUIRED READING:

Goodpasture, H. McKennie, Cross and Sword: An Eyewitness History…. Orbis, 1989
Martin, David, Pentecostalism: The World Their Parish. Blackwell Publishers, 2002.
Neil, Stephen, A History of Christian Missions. Penguin, 1990.
Shenk, Wilbert (ed.), Enlarging the Story: Perspectives on Writing World Christian History. Orbis, 2002.
Walls, Andrew F., The Cross-Cultural Process in Christian History. Orbis, 2002.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Hanciles, Jehu J., Euthanasia of a Mission. Praeger, 2002.
Hastings, Adrian, A World History of Christianity. Eerdmans, 1999.
Hastings, Adrian, The Church in Africa, 1450-1950. Clarendon Press, 1994.
Poewe, K. (ed.), Charismatic Christianity as a Global Culture. Univ. of S. Carolina Press, 1994.
Robert, Dana L. (ed.), Gospel Bearers, Gender Barriers. Orbis, 2002.
Ross, Andrew C., A Vision Betrayed: The Jesuits in Japan and China, 1542-1742. Orbis, 2003 (reprint).
Shenk, Wilbert, Changing Frontiers of Mission. Orbis, 1999.

ASSIGNMENTS:

Write and submit two reflection papers (3 to 4 pages) and one book review (maximum 4 pages) by stipulated deadlines. 1,450 pages of reading expected. Research and write a 5,000-word paper (maximum 25 pages, excluding bibliography) making use of primary or archival material such as available in the McAllister Library. The paper should treat one of the following: a) the life and contribution of a major figure to missionary thinking and strategy; b) a biographical account highlighting the significance of a major missionary figure (indigenous or cross-cultural); c) a study of emergence and growth of a specific Christian community or denomination in relation to missionary expansion; d) a critical examination of the impact of a particular of missionary movement.

Th.M students will be required to submit an additional book review and write a 6,000-word paper demonstrating greater intellectual critique and analytical depth.

PREREQUISITES: 3 years of cross-cultural ministry experience or MH500.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Core course for MA-ICS.

FINAL EXAM: None

Date Last Edited: November 6, 2003