MO515: The Church as a Healing Community: Integration, Consolation, and Reconciliation (4 units)

Pablo A. Deiros, Professor of History of Mission
Summer 2005 Pasadena

 

 

DESCRIPCION:

In a world torn apart by hatred, prejudice, pain, discrimination, and alienation, we Christians have a message of hope and healing to share. This course should enable students better to understand and interpret the nature and mission of the local church as a community of integration, consolation, and reconciliation. This course will stimulate reflection and creativity in seeking means by which the Church, as a therapeutic community, may in fact fulfill the mission that has been entrusted. Participants will be asked to think creatively concerning the Christian ministries of mental, psycho-social and social healing.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

· Introduce the biblical-theological foundations to the ministries of integration, consolation, and reconciliation.
· Conceptualize in Christian terms the meaning of healing in the mental, psycho-social and social 
spheres, as essential aspects of the mission of the Church.
· Develop missiological insights that will be applicable in the fulfillment of the ministries of integration, consolation and reconciliation by the local church.

 

COURSE FORMAT:

This is an intensive course meeting daily for three hours. Class sessions will include lectures, basic research projects, extensive readings, and class discussions.

 

REQUIRED READING:  If you have read any of the required texts for another course, please select an alternative text from the recommended reading list or a book approved by the instructor.

Chetkow-Yanoov, Benyamin. Celebrating Diversity. New York: Haworth Press, 1999.
Collie, Robert M. The Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. New York: The Haworth Press, 1999.
Enroth, Ronald. Churches That Abuse. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 1992.
Govig, Stewart D. In the Shadow of Our Steeples. New York: The Haworth Press, 1999.
Johnson, William L. The Pastor’s Guide to Psychiatric Disorders and Mental Health Resources. New 
York: The Haworth Press, 2000.
Lawrenz, Mel and Daniel Green. Overcoming Grief and Trauma. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1998.
Koenig, Harold G. Is Religion Good for Your Health? New York: The Haworth Press, 1997.
Roukema, Richard. The Soul in Distress. New York: Haworth Press, 1997.
Sande, Ken. The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict. 2d ed. Grand Rapids, MI: 
Baker, 1998.
Sinclair, Duncan N. Horrific Traumata. New York: Haworth Press, 1993.

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

Course requirements include 1,500 pages of reading from the required and other texts, and a 5000 to 6250 word paper, double-spaced and typed, on any of the issues suggested by the professor and listed in the Syllabus. The deadline for the reading reports and the papers is September 9, 2005. These materials should be submitted to the SIS Academic Advising Office.

 

PREREQUISITES: None.

 

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

 

FINAL EXAM: None.

 

Last Date Edited: March 21, 2005