Course Description:
For good or for bad, philosophy has played a pivotal role in the development of theology and culture. In this course, learners examine the major trends in contemporary theological thought in light of their philosophical contexts. The course begins with a review of the major developments in Western thought prior to Hegel, and then explores the theologies of Hegel, Kierkegaard, Barth, Bultmann, and Tillich. The course culminates in the "Death of God" theologies of Paul Van Buren and Thomas Altizer. The course enables learners to evaluate contemporary, non-evangelical theologies and to recognize their impact on everyday life.
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Know the major trends in contemporary, non-evangelical thought.
- Understand the presuppositions (philosophical and otherwise) that generate such modern theologies.
- Recognize and defend against such views.
- Better comprehend orthodox positions through analysis of errant views.
- Apply Old Testament theology to life and ministry.
Course Texts:
Bretall, Robert, ed. A Kierkegaard Anthology. Princeton: Princeton University Press,
1973.
Kierkegaard, Soren. Fear and Trembling. Princeton: Princeton University Press,
1983.
Lowrie, Walter. A Short Life of Kierkegaard. Princeton: Princeton University Press,
1942.
Students will also acquire various other texts from a library.
