An investigation into the academic, professional, and
spiritual calling of the theologian, within the larger context of the mission
of the Church, the worship of the Triune God, and the Christian life. The
course considers historical, philosophical, practical, and theological
perspectives upon our calling from God as Christian scholars. Full course.
Course Objectives
-To deal thoroughly and critically with the question of what it means to be a theologian in the church, the academy, and other public settings.
-To reflect upon and increase understanding of the vocation of the theologian within the larger context of the vocation of being a Christian.
-To create a company of scholars dedicated to doing theological work, broadly conceived, in a collaborative manner as a step along the way to facilitate one’s entry into the larger company of theologians at work beyond graduate studies.
-To sharpen one’s skills in discourse (both speaking and listening) across the branches of theological study.
-To continue sharpening one’s skills in representing the work of others with precision, engaging it, and expressing critique.
-To gain an awareness of methodological approaches across the theological curriculum.
-To deepen one’s knowledge of issues in theological education.
Required Books
Douglas John
Hall, Bound and Free: A Theologian’s
Journey (
Jürgen Moltmann, A Broad Place: An Autobiography (
Charles M. Wood, An Invitation to Theological Study (Valley Forge: Trinity Press International, 1994)
Course Procedures
The expectations
of each participant are as follows:
-Attend all class sessions, being prepared for discussion and any other responsibilities.
-Complete all common readings prior to the time that they are to be discussed.
-Make at least one presentation from the Common Reading or Related Reading, as assigned.
-Make a presentation based on the first draft of a Major Paper.
-Make a presentation on “A Theological Journey: Retrospectives, Perspectives, and Prospects,” containing a theological autobiography and discussion of current interests and hopes.
The course, as
designed here, is a seminar.
Each class session (weeks two through five) will consist of three main activities: (1) one or more presentations related to the Common Reading for the week (or, depending on class enrollment, Related Readings for the week), followed by discussion; (2) one or more presentations of Theological Journeys during weeks two and three; and (3) one or more presentations of Major Papers (based on first drafts) during weeks four and five. A schedule of presentations will be prepared early in the course.
Presentations on the Common Reading or Related Readings will take place on two or three days, consisting of different angles of vision on the readings. Collaboration among presenters is encouraged.
Specifications for
the various assignments:
Presentations from the Common Reading (or Related Readings) are to be written and submitted to the instructor at the close of the class session they are made. The presentation should be about 10 pages in length and consist of three parts: a discussion of selected topics within the reading assignment, critique, and the lifting up of issues for discussion.
The “Theological Journey” should be 6 to 10 pages in length. It is due on the day of presentation.
The Major Paper should be 15-20 pages in length. It is due in final form no later than Wednesday, February 6, 2008. An earlier draft will be presented in class, according to a schedule to be determined.
Examples of Topics for a Major Paper:
Analysis of a Major Book
Study of a “Practitioner”
Theology as an Academic Discipline
Theology as a Calling within the Church
Theology as a Calling within the University
Goals in the Teaching of Theology (in the Church, College, Theological Seminary, or University)
An Analysis of Models Used in Ecumenical Theological Work (Faith & Order papers, bilaterals, etc.)
Use of the Bible in Theology and/or Ethics
Note: Midwinter Convocation is Wednesday—Friday, January 9-11, 2008. The only conflict with this course is a lecture on the first of the three days (11:30-12:30, Professor Diane Jacobson, “Opening Up Scripture to Open Up Lives: Convictions and Challenges”). We can accommodate that by adjourning just prior to 11:30 a.m. that day. Other lectures are in the afternoon or on Thursday (when we do not meet anyway).
Course Schedule
Week One (January
4): Organization, Assignments.
January 4: Discussion of Objectives, Schedule, and Assignments.
Week Two (January
7, 9, 11)
Topic: Being a Theologian
as a Vocation
Common
Congregation for
the Doctrine of the Faith, Instruction on
the Ecclesial Vocation of the Theologian.
Jürgen Moltmann, A Broad Place: An Autobiography (
Seminar Sessions: Presentation on the vocation of the theologian in the Roman Catholic Church; Presentation and Discussion of Moltmann; Journey Papers.
Week Three
(January 14, 16, 18)
Topic: The
Theologian in the Church and in the Academy
Common
Douglas John
Hall, Bound and Free: A Theologian’s
Journey (
Karlfried Froehlich, “Luther on Vocation,” Lutheran Quarterly 13 (1999): 195-207 (on e-reserve).
Seminar Sessions: Presentation and Discussion of Hall and Froehlich; Journey Papers.
Week Four (January
23, 25; January 21 is Martin Luther King Day):
Topic: The Use of Scripture in Theological and Ethical Discourse
Common
Kathryn A. Kleinhans, “The Word Made Words: A Lutheran Perspective on the Authority and Use of the Scriptures,” Word &World 26 (2006): 402-11 (on e-reserve).
Seminar Sessions: Presentation and Discussion of Jodock and Kleinhans; Major Papers.
Week Five (January
28, 30):
Topic: Theological
Education
Common
Charles M. Wood, An Invitation to Theological Study (Valley Forge: Trinity Press International, 1994)
Seminar Sessions: Presentation and Discussion of Wood; Major Papers.
Other Related Readings:
Edward Farley, Theologia: The Fragmentation and Unity of Theological Education (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1983)
John Macquarrie, On Being a Theologian: Reflections at Eighty (London: SCM Press, 1999)
Elisabeth Moltmann-Wendel, Autobiography (London: SCM Press, 1997)