MT510: Doing Theology in Context (4 units)

MT510: Doing Theology in Context (4 units)

Dean S. Gilliland, Senior Professor of Contextualization and African Studies
Winter 2004 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

This course assumes that theology is not the same as the gospel. Rather, theology is the way we reflect upon and explain the gospel. Therefore, just as the Bible reveals God's word in a specific time and place and among particular people, so our theology must be constructed in context. The aim of the course is to examine both the cultural and biblical realities in order to find models for theology that analyze and communicate the truth of the gospel. Attention will be given both to general theory and to particular issues arising in a variety of contexts.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Gain knowledge of the purposes and objectives of contextualization and how approaches can be made through models and cases.
• Learn how culture and worldview can be integrated with scripture to communicate and teach the gospel.
• Demonstrate, through a required project, how contextualization can be carried out in diverse mission situations.

COURSE FORMAT:

This course is in three parts. First six weeks: Introduction to contextualization through lecture and discussion. Models of contextualization will be reviewed with case studies. Week seven: Each student has decided what his/her project will be. This project is a real issue/problem/theme arising from the student's own context. The class will decide if there will be a regular class or if students will meet individually with the professor and the teaching assistant to develop their projects/papers. Weeks eight to ten: A sharing of the results. Each student will present a summary of the project before the class. The purpose is to demonstrate as many varieties of approaches to contextual issues as possible.

REQUIRED READING:

If you have read any of the required texts for another course, please select an alternative text from the recommended reading list or a book approved by the instructor.

Bevans, Stephen B., Models of Contextual Theology. New York: Orbis, 1994.
Kraft, Charles, Appropriate Christianity. Unpublished text.
Gilliland, D.S., The Word Among Us. Dallas: Word, 1989.
Gilliland, D.S., Class Syllabus.