MM504: Non-Western Perspectives on Christianity (4 units)

Daniel Jeyaraj, Visiting Professor of Mission History and World Religions

Summer 2007 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

Christianity, originally an Asian faith, has become the largest world religion. Nowadays it grows in several non-western parts of the world, and it has attracted the attention of the peoples of non-Christian religions and other ideologies. These groups of people, who generally constitute the dominant aspect of their society, constantly observe how Christians lead their lives, worship in their churches, relate to the world around them, and thus bear credible witness to Lord Jesus Christ. In this context, Christians seek to be faithful to their faith and make it relevant to their society. They need to know how to respond to certain questions that non-Christians ask; non-Western perspectives on Christianity can help God’s servants to be aware of these questions, to answer them in an informed manner that is biblically anchored and intellectually sound, and thus to be relevant to their mission. This course will, among other themes, deal with non-Western questions about the role of theological and non-theological factors in shaping Christian identities, the Bible as the Scripture, nature and consequences of religious conversion, proselytism, baptism, Eucharist, Christian ministry, the burden of West European colonialism, justice, ecology, and the like.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Students will learn how non-Western Christians tackle the questions of non-Christians in their own life and ministry settings.
2. Students will acquire skills and tools to understand historical and cultural background to identify the root causes for non-Christian questions and challenges.
3. Students will be encouraged to find ways of meaningfully relating to non-Christians in their own church or other ministerial contexts.

COURSE FORMAT: This one-week intensive course will meet daily for 8 hours and will include lectures, student presentations and discussions, audio and video aids, and written assignments. We will read several appropriate journal articles on our chosen themes, mostly written by non-Western scholars.

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.

1. Pocock, Michael, et. al. eds. The Changing Face of World Missions: Engaging Contemporary Issues and Trends. Michigan: Backer Academic, 2005.
2. Taylor, William D. Global Missiology for the 21^st Century: The Iguassu Dialogue. Michigan: Backer Academic, 2000.

RECOMMENDED READING:

1. Briggs, John, et al. (eds.) A History of the Ecumenical Movement: Vol. 3: 1968–2000. Geneva: World Council of Churches, 2004.
2. Bosch, David J. Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission, 12^th rpt. Maryknoll/NY: Orbis Books, 1997.
3. Guthrie, Stan. Missions in the Third Millennium: 21 Key Trends for the 21^st Century. Waynesboro/GA: Paternoster Press, 2000.

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Class attendance, reading of about 1500 pages, and informed class participation: 10% of the grade
2. A 750-word book review: 20% of the grade
3. 1250–1500 word academic paper on the similarities and differences between two chosen religions: 20% of the grade
4. A 3750 word final research paper: 50% of the total grade.

FINAL EXAM: None.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATION TO CURRICULUM: Elective

Last Date Edited: March 2, 2007