History of Christianity [HC]
HC0305 History of Christianity I
An examination of how Christians have practiced, understood and given public witness to their faith from its beginnings to the Western Reformation (1517). This course pays particular attention to topics formative of Christian identity such as orthodoxy, heresy, Trinity, mission, culture, and politics. This course considers the challenges of confessing the Christian faith in religiously pluralistic societies in Asia, Africa and Europe.
Full course
HC0307 History of Christianity II
This course is a survey of major events, movements, and figures that have influenced the history of Christianity and its mission since the Reformation to the present. This course inquires into the roots of present day Christianity in the Reformation and Renaissance, Luther and the Lutheran Reformation, various Protestant and Roman Catholic reforming movements, and other efforts for Christian witness in the early modern period through the eras of enlightenment and Evangelical revivals to the present. The course examines how these traditions of reform and renewal continue to shape how Christians today understand their faith.
Prerequisite: HC0305 History of Christianity I (for MDIV and Academic MA)
Full course
HC1327 History of Lutherans in North America
A study of Lutherans in North America, focusing the transplantation and development of distinctive Lutheran traditions, and on the interaction of Lutherans with North American religious life. Students will have opportunity for directed research within the subject matter of this course.
Half course
HC1340 Mission and Ministry in the American Context
Religion in the United States is distinctive and complex, oriented toward freedom, pluralism, and religious entrepreneurship. Using historical and social scientific research methods, students will examine how this distinctive context has evolved over time, how it functions in contemporary society, and how students will define their mission and ministry as Christian leaders. By use of analysis and projects, they will develop understandings and strategies to become familiar with, and successful in this American religious context.
Full course
HC1350: Christianity and Politics
This course studies aspects of conflict and convergence between Christian interpretations of society and secular political thoughts. Special attention will be paid to the Lutheran doctrine of the two kingdoms and other contributions from the Reformation, the modern concept of revolution, critics of the Christian state, and how Christianity functions under different types of political systems.
Full Course
HC1354 The Mission Impulse in Modern Christianity
Christianity has grown greatly since 1800, not only in terms of its geographical reach, but also in the scope of its impact on society. New definitions of mission efforts within the wider society (social and benevolent missions) have pushed the boundaries of the Christian presence in the world. This course examines this mission impulse and its impact, which involves both the growth of Christianity in the North Atlantic world, as well as the establishment and reform of Christianity in areas of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It also explores the lives of individual women and men who have heard this calling and have taken it into their lives.
Full course
HC1365 Luther Studies
An orientation in the historical methods and sources in Luther scholarship, featuring some biographical work as well as consideration of controversial issues in research.
Full course
HC1377 American Theology in the Twentieth Century
A study of religious thinkers in American culture and society, especially during the tumultuous period between 1935 and 1970. Special attention is given to the critical examination of the liberal tradition in American politics and religious thought.
Full or half course
HC1623 The Anglican Tradition
A course exploring the doctrine, history, polity and ethos of Anglicanism, from its roots in the English Reformation to today’s global Communion. A particular focus is given to Anglican history in North America, including the Episcopal Church.
Full course
HC1624 United Methodist Church History
An investigation of historical roots and growth of the Wesleyan movement and Methodist churches in England and America, including their doctrinal expression, cultural conflicts, and ecclesial developments. Students will learn from the positive and negative examples and teaching of Wesley and the Methodist churches how better to fulfill our vocation in the church and world today.
Full course
HC2332 The Bible in Modern Culture
An examination of the Bible and its understanding of its authority in church and culture. The course explores pre-critical methods and the development of historical-critical method, in their cultural contexts. Special attention to the understanding of the authority of scripture in confessional theology and fundamentalism.
Full course
HC2336 Augustine of Hippo
A close study of the writings of Augustine of Hippo, the founder of Western theology as well as a major source of Martin Luther’s theology. An overview of his life and work through the extensive reading of primary sources. Special attention will be given to his philosophical presuppositions, and topics such as the growing place of grace in his theology, the question of good and evil, free will, and predestination.
Full or half course
HC 2635 Comparative Confessions
An examination of doctrinal agreement and disagreement among various representatives of the Christian tradition (Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed) through comparison of their confessional documents. The course also examines the significance of these diverse theological understandings for pastoral practice in pluralistic communities and ecumenical cooperation.
Full course
HC3330 The History of Christian Mysticism
This course explores the roots and the historical developments of Christian mysticism. It will examine the rich and diverse expressions of mystical thought and theology in a variety of Christian faith traditions though the writings and lived experiences of influential Christian mystics. Attention will also be paid to the impact of Christian mysticism on contemporary life.
Full course
HC4337 Diaconal Ministry— History, Formation and Spirituality
This course introduces students to the historical, theological, and social contexts in which the work of diaconal ministry has been expressed throughout the church’s history and asks how that history continues to impact the present. The course also provides significant opportunity for the development of spiritual disciplines and vocational discernment.
Full course
HC4344 History of Women in the Church
From preaching to paying the pastor’s salary, women’s contributions to the church have been varied and immensely important. This course will explore the diverse roles and experiences Christian women have had with and within the church from the early modern era until today. Topics will range from female challenges to authority, women’s commitment to missions and reform, women in leadership, and women’s roles and challenges today.
Cultural Context
Full course
HC4345 New Religious Movements in North America
An examination of traditional alternative religions, such as the Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Christian Science, as well as newer alternative religions like Scientology, New Age, Wicca, and apocalyptic groups (Waco, Jonestown). Views how these religious groups begin and develop over time, and how they form a challenge to mainline American religion.
Half course
HC4350 Christianity and the New American Immigrants
New immigrants to North America change the face of American religion. This course examines the religious aspects of recent immigration, including the impact on the immigrant community and on the wider North American religious culture. It will also consider the ways in which mainline American Protestants can assist and cooperate with the newer immigrant communities.
Half course
HC4355 The Reformations of the Sixteenth Century
This course will examine the theological and social dimensions of the Protestant reformations in the sixteenth century. Topics to be covered: Luther's break with Rome and the ensuing development of Lutheranism; the Reformed, Anglican and Anabaptist traditions; and the Roman Catholic reformation.
Full course
HC4397 Guided Reading and Research in History of Christianity
An independent study for qualified students under the personal supervision of a member of the division. Consult faculty within division.
HC6324 Studies in Early Christianity
Exploring early Christian writers and their various genres such as theological treatises and Biblical commentaries. Special attention is given to Early Christian spirituality and its relationship to the formation of Christian leaders for ministry. The course can be taken more than once with different topics.
Half course
HC6327 History of Lutherans in North America
A study of Lutherans in North America, focusing on two features: the transplantation and development of distinctive Lutheran traditions and the interaction of Lutherans with the wider currents of North American religious life. The Lutheran churches also will be examined as a distinctive tradition within a much larger, pluralistic world, but also in many ways, as a reflection of and reaction to their own North American context. Students will have the opportunity for directed research within the subject matter of this course.
Half course
HC6328 Orthodoxy and Heresy
The formation of Christian theology through the first five centuries over and against opposing heresy. The course is a study of controversies that impacted the life of early Christians, the sixteenth century reformers and the present day. Topics such as Trinitarian theology, Incarnation, salvation, creeds and topics relevant to Christian theology today are included.
Full course
HC6336 Proclamation Among Early Christians
Theology and history of preaching and Biblical interpretation as was practiced in early Christian churches. The course focuses on the context, content, and methods of various Christian writers for example, Augustin, Chrysostom, and Origen and examines themes such as spiritual practices, mystical and pastoral theology. The course can be taken more than once with different topics.
Full or half course
HC6354 The Mission Impulse in Modern Christianity
Christianity has grown greatly since 1800, not only in terms of its geographical reach, but also in the scope of its impact on society. New definitions of mission efforts within the wider society (social and benevolent missions) have pushed the boundaries of the Christian presence in the world. This course examines this mission impulse and its impact, which involves both the growth of Christianity in the North Atlantic world, as well as the establishment and reform of Christianity in areas of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It also explores the lives of individual women and men who have heard this calling and have taken it into their lives.
Full course
HC6365 Luther Studies
An orientation in the historical methods and sources in Luther scholarship, featuring some biographical work as well as consideration of controversial issues in research.
Full course
HC6398/8399 Guided Reading and Research in History of Christianity
An independent study for students in Advanced Theological Education. Consult faculty within division and Advanced Theological Education Office.