Content

The unit explores understandings and realities of the meeting between cultures and the Gospel. Past and more recent examples from Africa, Australia and the South Pacific are examined. By examining selected texts, such as Thomas Grenham’s writings on theological inculturation, the students are challenged to move towards a ‘process’ rather than static based approach to, and description of Gospel contextualisation, by becoming more attuned to the developing understandings of both ‘Mission’ and ‘Culture’. Unit content draws on the understanding and experience of the student while aiming to describe a spirituality for mission in today’s inter-religious and inter-cultural world.

Unit code: DM9016Y

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Missiology

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Yarra Theological Union

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Learning outcomes

1.

Describe understandings and theories of culture in human life

2.

Explore aspects of cultural anthropology and of church teaching and practice that related to mission historically

3.

Identify biblical and theological texts which provide key learning for missionary spirituality

4.

Present a critical reflection on a selected aspect of ‘liberating mission’

5.

Evaluate situations and experiences of intercultural dialogue and gospel inculturation

6.

Demonstrate an ability for personal critical reflection in terms of a spirituality for mission in today’s world

Unit sequence

DT8330Y Introduction to the Theology of Mission or equivalent

Pedagogy

The ‘information, formation and transformation’ model underpins this Unit. Pedagogy for the unit is informed, framed and modified in relation to the religious and cultural experience and context of students. The teaching methodology fosters dialogue and critical reflection skills.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Adeney, Frances. Women and Christian Mission: Ways of Knowing and Doing Theology. Eugene, Oregon: Pickwick Publications, 2015.
  • Andraos, Michael, Bernadeth Caero Bustillos, Geraldo de Mori, eds. Christianity and Indigenous People, London: SCM Press, 2019.
  • Stephen Bevans and Katalina Tahaafe-Williams, eds. Contextual Theology for the Twenty-First Century. Eugene, OR: Pickwick, 2011.
  • Brazal, Agnes M., Theology of Southeast Asia: Liberation-Postcolonial Ethics in the Philippines. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2019.
  • Gallagher, Robert L., and Paul Hertig, eds., Landmark Essays in Mission and World Christianity, Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2009.
  • Gittins, Anthony J. Living Mission Interculturally: Faith, Culture and the renewal of Praxis. Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press, 2006.
  • Grenham, Thomas, G. The Unknown God: Religious and Theological Inculturation. Oxford: Peter Lang, 2005.
  • Hall, Gerald, and Joan Hendriks, eds. Dreaming a New Earth. Melbourne: Mosaic Press, 2012.
  • Oborji, Francis A. Concepts of Mission: The Evolution of Contemporary Missiology. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2006.
  • Pocock, M. The Changing Faces of World Missions: Engaging Contemporary Issues and Trends. Grand Rapids MI: Baker Academic, 2005.
  • Ross, Cathy and Stephen B. Bevans, Mission on the Road to Emmaus: Constants, Context and Prophetic Dialogue, Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2015.
  • Schreiter, Robert J. and Knud Jorgensen, eds., Mission as Ministry of Reconciliation, Eugene:Wipf & Stock, 2013.
  • Tan, Jonathan Y. Christian Mission among the Peoples of Asia. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2014.
  • Tanner, Kathryn. Theories of Culture:A New Agenda for Theology. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1997.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper 2000 30.0
Essay 5000 70.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 23 Sep, 2020

Unit record last updated: 2021-06-07 08:43:50 +1000