Course Description

A survey of popular Christian readings highlighting contemporary Christian theological debates and their relationships to historical Christian doctrine.

Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will complete an additional research paper on a topic chosen in consultation with the professor and will be responsible for leading one day of class discussion.

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Athena Title

Readings in Popular Theology

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Prerequisite

Junior or senior standing or permission of department

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Semester Course Offered

Offered fall

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Grading System

A - F (Traditional)

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Course Objectives

This course is designed to help students: (1) gain an understanding of contemporary, popular theological debates and their relationship to historical Christian doctrine; (2) learn to engage in critical thinking; (3) develop strong writing and analytical skills through the completion of course assignments.

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Topical Outline

Sample outline: I. Introduction to Contemporary and Popular Christian Theology II. N.T. Wright and Marcus Borg: Christology III. Peter Enns: Theology of Scripture IV. Matthew Vines: Theology of Sexuality V. Rob Bell: Soteriology VI. William Paul Young: Trinitarian Theology VII. Rachel Held Evans: Theology and Gender VIII. Tim LaHaye: Eschatology

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