MH500/600: Global Evangelical Movement (4 units)

Jehu J. Hanciles, Associate Professor of Mission History and Globalization

Winter 2008 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

The evangelical movement has been the main engine of the modern missionary movement and has contributed directly to the globalization of the Christian faith. This course will examine the historical and theological roots of contemporary evangelicalism as well as the socio-economic and political factors, which have shaped its expressions and impact in a variety of contexts. Special attention will also be paid to characteristic features of evangelicalism worldwide, including its inner tensions, internal debates, and traditional proclivity for anti-intellectualism. Its prospects in the twenty-first century (notably in its Pentecostal/Charismatic forms) will also be assessed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students should expect to

1. become acquainted with the origins and significance of a range of expressions of evangelical faith.
2. be introduced to ways of evaluating the challenges churches are experiencing in local and global contexts.
3. begin to grapple with the intellectual task facing evangelical Christians in the contemporary societies.

COURSE FORMAT:

Each class session will include a lecture and class discussion.

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. Anderson, Allan, An Introduction to Pentecostalism: Global Charismatic Christianity. Cambridge, 2004.
2. Anderson, Allan, Spreading Fires: The Missionary nature of Early Pentecostalism. Orbis, 2007.
3. Bebbington, D.W. Evangelicalism in Modern Britain. Routledge, 1989.
4. Carpenter, Joel A., Revive Us Again: The Reawakening of American Fundamentalism. Oxford, 1997.
5. Lewis, Donald M. (ed.) Christianity Reborn: the Global Expansion of Evangelicalism. Eerdmans, 2004.
6. Synan, Vinson, The Holiness-Pentecostal Tradition. Eerdmans, 1997.

RECOMMENDED READING:

1. Anderson, Alan & Tang, Edmond (eds.), Asian and Pentecostal: The Charismatic Face of Christianity in Asia. Regnum Books, 2005.
2. Freston, Paul. Evangelicals and Politics in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Cambridge, 2001.
3. Cox, Harvey, Fire from Heaven: The Rise of Pentecostal Spirituality…. Perseus, 1995.
4. Noll, Mark, The Rise of Evangelicalism: The Age of Edwards, Whitefield and the Wesleys. InterVarsity, 2004.
5. Poewe, Karla (ed.), Charismatic Christianity as a Global Culture. University of South Carolina, 1994.
6. Schrieter, Robert J., Missions in the Third Millennium. Orbis, 2001.
7. Wolffe, John (ed.), Evangelical Faith and Public Zeal. SPCK, 1995.

ASSIGNMENTS**:

Read at least 1200 pages from required and recommended books.

1. Write and submit six (1-page) reflection papers based on stipulated readings as required.
2. Write and submit two (3-4 pages) research papers by stipulated deadlines.
3. Submit one (2-3 pages) final paper proposal with a focus on pertinent themes, issues, movement, etc.
4. Write a 15-20 page 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 20-25 page final paper).

** Students are advised that the details of these assignments are subject to last minute change.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Foundation course. Required in MA CCS program.

FINAL EXAM: None.

Note: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design, but is subject to modification. Last Date Edited: 30 October 2007