Fall History, Theology, Ethics courses at AMBS
Anabaptist History and Theology HTE520
Annual — Three hours — Jamie Pitts
A descriptive and analytic study of the settings, ideas, and personalities that shaped Anabaptism within the context of early sixteenth-century church and society. Bearing in mind the social and political setting, the course will highlight doctrine, ethics, mission, sacramental life, and spirituality in various streams of Anabaptism, noting their common and contrasting characteristics. The relevance of this heritage for contemporary ecumenical, doctrinal, congregational, and personal life will be assessed.
Christian Theology 1 HTE527
Annual — Three hours — Jamie Pitts
This course will begin with the canonical portraits of Jesus, the doctrines concerning him that arose in the early church, and the centrality of the reign of God in his life and teaching. From there we will move into the development of Trinitarian thought. In this light, the course will explore revelation and the Bible, creation, human nature, and salvation.
Creation Care: Theology, Ethics, and Spirituality HTE531
Biennial – Three hours – Ted Koontz and Luke Gascho
Students will engage in understanding their connection to God and creation through four major themes: (1) the intersection of place and spirituality, (2) the theological context of creation care, (3) the ethical and economic frameworks of eco-justice, and (4) creation care practices in the church. The course includes participation in Goshen College’s Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center festival in Wolf Lake, Ind., September 20-21.
Peace Colloquium HTE535
Each semester — One hour — Ted Koontz
This colloquium is for MAPS and other students interested in peace and justice issues. It provides a setting for sharing information and concerns; for encouraging the integration of action, reflection, and prayer; and for nurturing a corporate identity. Meetings are primarily presentations and discussions of interest to participants. The colloquium serves as a forum for the research projects of advanced MAPS students. (It may run jointly with the Mission Colloquium.)
Global Mennonite History HTE602
Biennial — Three hours — TBA
Students will examine the story of seeking to live out initial Anabaptist-Mennonite visions and developing distinct patterns as a churchly tradition; then how new influences enriched it, tested it, and what role Mennonites play within Christianity today. We will rethink Mennonite history (migrations, mission, ethics, theology, spirituality, ethnicity, and national adaptation) by reviewing recent interpretations, using nontraditional sources, and constructing a new interpretive frame-work for understanding Mennonite issues from a global perspective.
Theology and Religious Pluralism HTE624
Occasional — Three hours — Gayle Gerber Koontz
How should Christians respond to those who have other religious faiths? How should we assess the theological view known as “religious pluralism”? In addition to exploring one contemporary religious stance divergent from their own, students will seek to develop a theology of religions that takes Christian revelation and other religious experience seriously and that pro-vides a basis for encounters with people whose beliefs and commitments are different from their own.
Christian Attitudes Toward War, Peace, and Revolution HTE644
Annual — Three hours — Ted Koontz
A historical survey of the variety of ways of perceiving God’s will concerning war from the biblical times to the present. Special attention is given to common logical attitudes recurring in diverse cultural settings, to pacifist groups, and to the originality and implications of Jesus’ ministry.
