MD527
Dr.
Sebastian Kim, Visiting Professor of International Development
Summer 2007
DESCRIPTION:
By employing various methodologies – biblical,
historical, theological and socio-political – of the recent discourse of
‘public theology’, this course will examine how Christian mission is able to
make an impact on public life in contemporary society. In particular,
multi-religious and multi-cultural situations require Christian mission to
actively engage in ethical issues in the public sphere. Topics to be covered
include the following: evangelism and conversion; conflicts and Christian peace
making; ecological crisis and affirming God’s creation; globalization and
economic justice; and religious communities in secular contexts.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course students will be able
to:
1. Reflect
biblically and theologically on the relationship between mission, ethics and
public life.
2. Discuss
the methodology of public theology with reference to specific contexts and
academic disciplines.
3. Demonstrate
a critical awareness of the relationship between Christian mission and
particular ethical issues in the socio-political, cultural, economic and
religious spheres.
4. Apply
skills of critical interpretation and analysis to various public issues
relating to Christian mission.
COURSE
FORMAT:
The class will meet for 7 hours per day for a
one-week intensive. Each day students will learn
through lectures, group discussion and interaction with the instructor. Because
the class is a one-week intensive, each student must attend all of every class
session and must participate through discussion, questions, and interaction.
REQUIRED
Read 1200 pages from the required reading and
the bibliography. 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.
1. Budziszewski, J. Evangelicals
in the
2. de Gruchy, John
W. Reconciliation:
Restoring Justice.
3. Kim, Sebastian C.H. In Search of Identity: Debates on Religious
Conversion in
4. Newbigin, Lesslie. The Gospel in a Pluralist Society.
5. Storkey,
Alan. Jesus and Politics: Confronting the
Powers.
6. Storrar, William
and Andrew Morton (eds), Public Theology for the 21st
Century.
7. Stott, John. Issues Facing Christians Today, 4th Edit.
RECOMMENDED
1.
Carter, Craig A. The Politics of the Cross: The Theology and Social
Ethics of John Howard Yoder. Grand Rapid:
2. Hallman, David. (ed),
Ecotheology: Voices from South and North.
3. Herbert, David. Religion and Civil Society: Rethinking Public Religion in the
Contemporary World.
4.
Hicks, Douglas A. Religion and the
Workplace: Pluralism, Spirituality, Leadership.
5. Liechty,
Joseph and Cecelia Clegg, Moving Beyond
Sectarianism: Religion, Conflict and Reconciliation in
6. Moltmann, Jürgen. God for a
Secular Society: The Public Relevance of Theology.
7.
Stackhouse, Max L. Public Theology
and Political Economy: Christian Stewardship in Modern Society.
ASSIGNMENTS:
1.
Five 500-word (two-page) critical book reviews from required
or recommended readings.
2. Submit a 3750 words (15 pages) paper
on a topic on a specific public issue in mission in a particular context,
employing a methodology you learnt either in the class or from other sources.
The paper needs to demonstrate critical analysis and assessment of the issue
and context, application of methods of public theology, and practical
suggestions.
3. ThM. Students
additional assignment: A reading report
of 1200 words on an issue in public ethics; to be based on at least four books
from the list of required or recommended readings.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.
PREREQUISITE: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
Last Date Edited: 15 April 2007