THC4140EN - Postmodern Theology in Context

Course description

A critical theological reflection in light of the deconstruction practices of postmodern thought. Students will identify and contrast key aspects of biblical, orthodox, and historical Christianity within the context of cultural relativism and pluralism. This course will help students name their own practical theology within this current theological reality.

How this course benefits students

Students will survey the macro-shifts in epistemology from Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance and Modern thinking and understand the context of Postmodernism within that macro-evolution. Participants will explore the modern-day reformation theology of emerging church, progressive Christianity and other thought movements on the peripheral to critically analyze their own theology for missional practice.

Why this course is important

Biblical, historic and orthodox Christianity finds itself seemingly under scrutiny as its tenets born in Modern thinking are now being widely deconstructed by Postmodern theologians. This course challenges students to explore the critical questions, assesses heretical thought and name their own theological convictions within the Postmodern context.

Credit hours
3 hours
Subject area
Contextual Theology
Educational level
Bachelor
Learning type
Instructional
Prerequisites
None
Upcoming terms
Pending
* Schedule subject to change. Please contact the Registrar's office with schedule questions.
Professor
Dr. Stephen Lim, Professor of Contextual Theology

How this course relates to missional core values

Biblically based

This course will use the book of Acts to help name the universal biblical marks of Church and theological practice in contrast to postmodern deconstructionism.

Missionally driven

This course takes seriously the idea of the mission-dei, that our Christian theology ought to reflect the timeless truth of our God and not the cultural thoughts of the modern day.

Contextually informed

Through defining norms of Postmodern thought, students will analyze their own context for the current relevance of this theological issue.

Interculturally focused

Postmodernism is largely a western hemisphere reality but through capitalism and consumerism, every culture is being exposed to this kind of deconstruction. This course will help students analyze the threat and opportunity in their context.

Practically minded

Though this course is theological in nature, students will be challenged to identify how these theological understandings play themselves out in public ministry.

Experientially transformed

Participants will be challenged to name their own practical theology while being informed of the dangers and opportunities of Postmodern thought.