Jehu J. Hanciles, Associate Professor of Mission History and Globalization
This course
examines the globalization phenomenon and its wide-ranging implications for the
contemporary church. It is divided into two parts. Part one provides a detailed
assessment of the political, economic, and cultural dimensions of globalization
with a view to unraveling myth and reality and applying biblical lenses. Part
two examines, among other things, the role of Christianity as a globalizing
force, emerging initiatives, models, and strategies of Christian missionary
engagement, and plausible responses of the church to the problems, perils, and
opportunities of the processes of globalization. Issues to be spotlighted
include a theology of the body, spirituality and technology, global processes
and localized resistance, missions and money, religious movement and economic
development, modernity and religious commitment, migration and mission.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Student
should expect to 1) gain an understanding of globalization as a powerful
transformative force that is multidirectional and profoundly paradoxical; 2)
develop an awareness of the trends and issues facing the contemporary
Christianity(ies); 3) gain insights into the nature and possible impact of
recent transformations in global Christianity.
COURSE
FORMAT: Class meets once each week for a period of three hours each session. At
least forty minutes of each session will be devoted to class discussion of
recommended readings and/or student presentations.
REQUIRED
READING: If you have previously read any of the
required texts, please select an alternative text from the recommended reading
list or a book approved by the instructor.
Brubaker, Pamela K.
Globalization at What Price? The Pilgrim Press, 2001.
Escobar, Samuel, The New Global Mission:
The Gospel from Everywhere to Everyone. IVP, 2003.
Held, D, et al, Global Transformation: Politics, Economics and
Culture. Stanford Univ. Pr, 1999.
Heslam, Peter (ed.), Globalization and
the Good. Wm B. Eerdmans, 2004.
Jenkins, Philip, The Next Christendom: The Coming of global Christianity.
Oxford, 2002.
Tiplady, Richard (ed.), One world or
many? The Impact of Globalization on Mission. Wm. Carey Library, 2003.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Berger/Huntington
(eds.), Many Globalizations: Cultural
Diversity in the Contemporary World. Oxford, 2002.
Bonk, Jonathan, Missions and Money. Orbis, 1999.
Davie, Grace, Europe: The Exceptional
Case. Darton, Longman, Todd, 2002.
Drane, John, The McDonaldization of the Church. Smyth & Helwys,
2001.
Huntington, Samuel, The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World
Order. Simon & Shuster, 1996.
Isbister, John, Promises not Kept.
Kumarian Press, 2001 (5th ed.).
Norris/Inglehart, Sacred and Secular:
Religion and Politics Worldwide. Cambridge, 2004.
• Read
at least 1200 pages from required and recommended books.
• Write and submit six
(250-word) reflection papers based on stipulated readings as required.
• Write and submit two
(750-1000 words) research papers by stipulated deadlines.
• Submit one (500-750 words) final paper proposal with
a focus on pertinent themes, issues, phenomena, etc.
• Write a 3750-5000 word final paper (excluding bibliography)
based on research proposal.
• (Th.M. students will write a review of a book
related to the course and submit a 5000-6250 page final paper).
** Students are advised that the details of these
assignments are subject to last minute change.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective. Meets GLBL
requirement for Master of Arts in Theology programs.
FINAL EXAM: None.
Last Date Edited: July 7, 2006