History, Theology and Ethics Courses (Fall 2011)

History of Christianity I (HTE501)

Three hours — Alan Kreider
A study of Christianity from its development in the context of Jewish and Graeco-Roman worlds to A.D. 1400. The course will give attention to doctrine, organization, worship, and spirituality, but it will concentrate on changing patterns of mission and the inculturation of Christianity into varied societies. It will attempt to study Christianity, not simply as a Western phenomenon, but in its many manifestations in Asia and Africa as well as Europe.

Mennonites in Mission (HTE511)

Three hours — Walter Sawatsky   Cross listed with CHM560
This course seeks to offer comparative historical surveys, to familiarize the student with the best accessible bibliography, plus present a missiological analysis of the phases or stages of development of mission theory. It will necessarily have a stronger focus on the north American work of Mennonites and Brethren in Christ, including MCC and the smaller conferences, but will also devote units to comparing and contrasting Russian and west European Mennonite mission and service programs, and ending with the issues and vision for the newly established Global Mission Council of Mennonite World Conference.

Anabaptist History and Theology (HTE520)

Three hours — Lois Barrett­
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)

Three hours — John Rempel
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 is will move into the development of Trinitarian thought. In this light, the course will explore revelation and the Bible, creation, human nature and salvation. Students who have taken Theology of the Church should take Christian Theology 1 to fulfill the Systematic Theology requirement

Creation Care: Theology, Ethics, and Spirituality (HTE531)

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.

Social Theory for Christian Peacemakers (HTE533E online) 

Three hours — N. Gerald Shenk

This course offers an overview of theoretical resources in social science approaches to religion in cultural context, to equip Christian activists who work for justice and peace in developing their own conceptual framework for social and historical analysis. With an online format, participants will bring life experience and direct observations from the frontlines of activism into conversation with the theological convictions and social theory constructs that inform public witness today.

Peace Colloquium (HTE535)

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.)

Contemporary Theology (HTE625)

Three hours — Gayle Gerber Koontz
A descriptive and evaluative review of selected Protestant theologians and theological trends in the last 100 years. Attention will be given to the historical and cultural contexts, as well as to the methodological commitments that have shaped contemporary Christian thought, from the theology of the social gospel, neo-orthodoxy, and evangelicalism to narrative, liberation, and postmodern theologies.

Seminar in Theology: Faith, Film and Fiction (HTE634E online)

Three hours — Gayle Gerber Koontz
Explore the role of story, image, and imagination in Christian theology and contemporary culture. Through conversation about works of fiction and film students will 1) identify why Christian ministers and teachers should give attention to these works; 2) evaluate how artists address theological issues and present religious people in fiction and film, assessing depictions of Jesus and subsidiary savior figures; 3) formulate ways in which their Christian faith has been deepened through creative work in film and fiction.

Ethics and Practice of Forgiveness (HTE657)

Three house — Joe Kotva
Forgiveness plays a central, though poorly understood, role in the New Testament. There is also increasing interest in the topic of “forgiveness” -- recently appearing everywhere from superficial self-help books to serious studies of international relations. But what is forgiveness? How does it differ from forgetfulness or indulgence? To whom is forgiveness due? Must we always forgive, even if there is no repentance from the offender? Are Christian notions of forgiveness unrealistic? Perhaps even immoral or unjust? Or do Christian notions of forgiveness offer something unique to the world?

Peace and Justice Practicum (HTE680)

Three hours — Daniel Schipani
Private service agencies, prisons, and local congregations are among the settings for student involvement in peace and justice ministries in the larger community. The objective of the practicum is to integrate field experience and academic study through individual and, when possible, peer group supervision. For students in the dual-degree MAPS and MSW program, the practicum is combined with the MSW field placement.