Content

This unit introduces the student to core insights of Catherine Booth’s theology and examines their influence upon the development of The Salvation Army. It explores the movement’s self-understanding in respect of the nature of the church, the scope of ministry and the place of the sacraments by reference to key figures in the movement. Attention will be given to the question of whether and to what extent Catherine Booth may be understood as a feminist. The relevance of her ideas to the identity and mission of the Church in the twenty-first century will also be explored.

Unit code: CT9298B

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: Eva Burrows College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Examine Catherine Booth’s core theological ideas and identify the major historical influences upon their development.

2.

Assess Catherine Booth’s significance as a church leader and theologian within her nineteenth century context.

3.

Appraise the impact of Booth’s insights upon The Salvation Army’s theology of church, ministry, sacraments and holiness and its practical expression.

4.

Explore the place of Catherine Booth in the received historiography of the Salvation Army and assess her relevance as a resource for feminist discourse.

5.

Critically evaluate the relevance of Catherine Booth’s ideas to the mission of the Church in the twenty-first century, with particular reference to the Salvation Army.

Unit sequence

Students require a pre-requisite of at least 24 points in Church History or 24 points Systematic Theology.

Pedagogy

The Unit engages with primary sources by, and relating to the ministry of, Catherine Booth in order to provide a resource for reflection upon The Salvation Army's present mission and identity.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bennett, David M. The Diary and the Reminiscences of Catherine Booth. Brisbane: Camp Hill, 2005.
  • Bennett, David M. The Letters of William and Catherine Booth – (Founders of the Salvation Army): Extracted from the Booth Papers in the British Library and Other Sources. Brisbane: Camp Hill, 2003.
  • Booth, Catherine. Papers on Aggressive Christianity. London: Partridge, 1881.
  • Booth, Catherine. Female Ministry: Woman's Right to Preach the Gospel. London:1859. Repr. 1975.
  • Bramwell-Booth, Catherine. Catherine Booth: The Story of Her Loves. London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1970.
  • Eason, Andrew M. and Roger J. Green. ed., Settled Views: The Shorter Writings of Catherine Booth. Lanham: Lexington Books, 2017.
  • Green, Roger J. Catherine Booth: A Biography of the Co-Founder of the Salvation Army. Crowborough: Monarch, 1997.
  • Kew, Clifford W. ed. Catherine Booth – Her Continuing Relevance: A Collection of Essays. London: The Salvation Army, 1990.
  • Read, John. Catherine Booth: Laying the Theological Foundations of a Radical Movement. Eugene Oregon: Pickwick Publications, 2013
  • The Salvation Army International Doctrine Council. Servants Together: The Ministry of the Whole People of God. London: The Salvation Army International Headquarters, Rev. ed. 2008.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Forum

200 words x 10 Forum posts

2000 30.0
Essay - Primary Source Analysis 2000 30.0
Essay 3000 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 19 Aug, 2021

Unit record last updated: 2021-08-19 16:27:29 +1000