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online The Global Context of Theology course at Canyon College

COURSE SYLLABUS: The Global Context of Theology


Course Title:
Department:
Instructor:
Prerequisites:
The Global Context of Theology
Theology
Gerald FitzGerald, BD, MDiv, DMin, Phd Theology CandidateE-Mail -- Vita
Introduction to Theology


PURPOSE OF THE COURSE

We are not alone! September 11, 2001 made us painfully aware of that fact. Far too many people in the West have lived as if there was no other religion in the world except Christianity or at least as if Christianity is the only true and major religion on the world's stage. Now, we have become aware of the obvious – there are many more religions in the world than Christianity and many of those religions have adherents who possess a passion about their religion that equals, if not surpasses, that of Christians. How do we get along with those other religions? How do we sit together at the same table without fighting among ourselves? Is there a way we can work together for the good of the earth without destroying it and ourselves? Can we live together and work together without trying to convert each other to what we think is the true religion? These are a few of the questions with which this course is concerned.

This course is an exploration of religious pluralism and some possible ways of addressing the problems and opportunities presented by it. We also examine proposals for moving humanity toward a world religion. This study is undertaken in full view of the baggage we bring as Christians believing in a monotheistic God who has been revealed to us in the life and person of Jesus of Nazareth.

By the conclusion of our journey through the readings and discussions of this course, students should have an understanding of the global context of theology and be cognizant of the opportunities and challenges presented by that context.

INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE

Students should strive to use inclusive language in their writings. By inclusive language is meant language that is not gender specific and which attempts to include as many people as possible. For instance, instead of writing that "God wills that every man obeys His will," inclusive language would suggest that we write, "God wills that everyone obeys God's will."

REQUIREMENTS
  1. Readings. The required texts are: Online Bookstore
  1. Cobb, John B., Jr., Transforming Christianity and the World: A Way beyond Absolutism and Relativism. New York: Orbis Books, 1999, soft-cover ("Cobb").
  2. Hick, John, A Christian Theology of Religions. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1995, soft-cover. ("Hick").
  3. Hick, John and Paul F. Knitter, eds. The Myth of Christian Uniqueness: Toward a Pluralistic Theology of Religions. New York: Orbis Books, 1987, soft-cover. ("Hick/Knitter")
  4. Newbigin, Lesslie, The Gospel In A Pluralistic Society. Grand Rapids, Mich.:Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1989, soft-cover. ("Newbigin")
  1. Conferences. Students may schedule up to two Internet conferences between the student and the professor. Of course, students may ask questions of the professor at any time by sending an E-mail to the address at the link above or by posting them to the bulletin board.
  1. Exams. There will be one exam which will be a mid-term examination. The exam will cover the assigned readings and will be taken at the end of the third week.
  1. Papers. There will be a short paper of no less than two single-spaced pages or 1,250 words, due at the end of each week's readings in which students will answer the discussion questions and give a reaction to their readings; and, a final paper due at the end of the sixth week of study of between 10 and 15 double-spaced pages in which the student answers one of the questions below:
  1. Can Christians be involved in ecumenism and interfaith dialogue while obeying the Great Commission? If not, why not? If yes, then explain how they may be so involved.
  1. Theology is a Christian enterprise. Can Christians ever hope for a global theology when there are many religions in the world who either don't believe in the Christian God or who believe in many gods, or who don't believe in a god as their ultimate reality?
  1. Put Hick and Cobb in dialogue with one another. Who in your view makes the more effective/ persuasive argument? Why? Do agree?
The final paper is due by the end of the sixth week. These papers are to be e-mailed to the professor. Those who do not feel comfortable with e-mailing the papers can contact the professor for a mailing address. Students should include a word count with the heading of their papers and should use at least seven sources, other than textbooks, to support their arguments.

  1. Grades. Course work will be weighted as follows:
Papers
Final Paper
Mid-term exam 		30%
40%
30%
  1. Grading Scale.
90-100%
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
59% or below 		A Excellent
B Above Average
C Average
D Below Average
F Failing Grade


A = Clearly stands out as excellent performance. Has unusually sharp insight into material and initiates thoughtful questions. Sees many sides of an issue. Articulates well and writes logically and clearly. Integrates ideas previously learned from this and other disciplines. Anticipates next steps in progression of ideas.

B = Grasps subject matter at a level considered to be good to very good. Is an active listener and participant in chats, message boards, e-mails and conferences. Speaks and writes well. Accomplishes more than the minimum requirements. Work is of high quality.

C = Demonstrates a satisfactory comprehension of the subject matter. Accomplishes only the minimum requirements, and displays little or no initiative. Communicates at an acceptable level for a college student. Has a generally acceptable understanding of all basic concepts.

D = Quality and quantity of work is below average and barely acceptable.

F = Quality and quantity of work is unacceptable.

WEEK 1

Read Newbigin pages 1-80 and 155-197.

Discussion Questions:
  1. Write a summary of your readings this week. What most impressed you? Least?
  2. What question(s) would you ask Newbigin if you could?
WEEK 2

Read Hick pages 1-81.

Discussion Questions:
  1. What is Hick's "Pluralistic Hypothesis?
  2. Do you agree or disagree with Hick's hypothesis?
  3. Do all religious paths lead equally to the ‘Real'?
WEEK 3

Read Hick pages 82-150.

Discussion Questions:
  1. Do an outline of this week's readings.
  2. How would you summarize each of the readings you read this week?
  3. Hick says on page 123 that he is not advocating a single global religion. Do you agree with Hick's answer? Why or why not?
PLEASE TAKE THE MID-TERM EXAMINATION BY THE END OF THIS WEEK.
WEEK 4

Read Hick/Knitter pages vii - 116.

Discussion Questions:
  1. Write a summary of each of the articles.
  2. Why do some of the authors seem to struggle with Jesus Christ?
  3. Which of the arguments persuaded you to agree or disagree with it.
WEEK 5

Read Hick/Knitter pages 117-218.

Discussion Questions:
  1. Summarize each of the articles.
  2. How would you explain the title of the Hick/Knitter book?
  3. Is there anything really unique about Christians/Christianity?
WEEK 6

Read all of Cobb.

Discussion Questions:
  1. Does Cobb affirm Christian uniqueness? If so, in what way(s)?
  2. Cobb says at page 87, "We need to join the Jews in their longing for the coming of the Messiah and the messianic age. What does Cobb mean by this statement? Do you agree or disagree? Why?
  3. Should we abandon the word religion? Theology?
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT YOUR FINAL PAPER IS DUE BY THE END OF THIS WEEK.