MO507: Power Encounter  (4 units)

Charles Kraft, Sun-Hee Kwak Professor of Anthropology and Intercultural Communication
Winter 2005 Pasadena

 

 

DESCRIPTION:

Study of “power encounter” (as defined by Tippett) in the extension and growth of the people of God. In both Old and New Testaments, God's activity in the world is presented in a context of the opposition between His Kingdom and that of evil spiritual powers. That encounter has been and continues to be a major factor in contemporary Christianity. The course will focus on the biblical validity and contemporary relevance of spiritual power encounters in the extension of the Kingdom of God. Topics treated will include: western worldviews and spiritual power, power encounter defined, power encounters in the Bible, power encounters in the historical extension of Christianity, relationships between power encounters and allegiance and truth encounters, collective and individual power encounters, etc.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Understand the nature of power encounters and their place in God’s activity in the world
• Understand the relationships between power encounters and spiritual warfare
• Understand the activities of Satan and demons in the contemporary world and what to do about them
• Observe and perhaps experience ministry to individuals that involve power encounters

 

COURSE FORMAT: Class will meet once a week, with an optional ministry session from 5-6:30 each evening (excluding the first evening). The ministry sessions offer opportunity to receive and observe ministry. Class sessions will consist of lecture and discussion.

 

REQUIRED READING:

Kraft, C.H. MO507 Syllabus (includes several required readings.)
Kraft, C.H. Confronting Powerless Christianity, Grand Rapids: Chosen Books, 2002.
Kraft, C.H. I Give you Authority. Grand Rapids: Chosen Books, 1997.
Kraft, C.H. Defeating Dark Angels. Ann Arbor: Vine Books, 1992.
Rommen, E., ed. Spiritual Power and Missions. Pasadena ,CA: Wm. Carey Library, 1995.
Wagner, C. Peter. Warfare Prayer. Regal Books, 1992.

 

RECOMMENDED READING: None.

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

• Required Reading totaling 1,000 pages in the required books and others.
• Term paper: M.A. students—3750-5000 words; Th.M. students—6250-7500 words.
• Observation of 5 ministry sessions and written report on one.

 

PREREQUISITES: None. M0506 recommended.

 

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

 

FINAL EXAM: None.

 

Last Date Edited: September 21, 2004