MH500: Global Evangelical Movement (4 units)

Jehu J. Hanciles, Associate Professor of Mission History and Globalization
Winter 2005 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

• become acquainted with the origins and significance of a range of expressions of evangelical faith
• be introduced to ways of evaluating the challenges churches are experiencing in local and global contexts
• 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:

Anderson, Allan, An Introduction to Pentecostalism: Global Charismatic Christianity (2004)
Carpenter, Joel A., Revive Us Again: The Reawakening of American Fundamentalism (1997)
Donald M. Lewis, Christianity Reborn: the Global Expansion of Evangelicalism in the Twentieth Century (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 2004)
Noll, Mark, The Rise of Evangelicalism: The Age of Edwards, Whitefield and the Wesleys (2004)
Synan, Vinson, The Holiness-Pentecostal Tradition (1997)

RECOMMENDED READING:

Bebbington, D.W. Evangelicalism in Modern Britain (1989)
Blumhofer E. & Balmer R., Modern Christian Revivals (1993)
Freston, P. Evangelicals and Politics in Asia, Africa and Latin America (2001)
Marsden, G.M. Fundamentalism and American Culture (1980)
Noll, Mark, The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind (1995)
Noll/Bebbington/Rawlyk, Evangelicalism: Comparative Studies of Popular Protestantism (1994)
Poewe, Karla (ed.), Charismatic Christianity as a Global Culture (1994)

ASSIGNMENTS:

• Read 1500 pages from required and recommended books.
• Write and submit three (3-4 pages) reflection papers by stipulated deadlines. .
• Write a 4,000 word research paper (excluding bibliography) on a theme arising from course lectures and reading.
Th.M. students will write a review of a book related to the course and a 5,000 word research paper.

PREREQUISITES: None.

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

FINAL EXAM: None.

Last Date Edited: September 13, 2004