Baptist Identity (CH9004W)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit introduces students to the main features of the history and theology of the Baptist movement from the 17th century to the present day. Students will examine Baptist origins, the development of Baptist convictions in various historical contexts and consider the implications for contemporary faith and practice.

Unit code: CH9004W

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Church History

Proposing College: Whitley College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Identify the main political, social and cultural factors that gave rise to the Baptist movement;
2.

Outline key features of the Baptist heritage and trace their historical development throughout the world;
3.

Critique some of the reasons for diversity among Baptists in Britain, North America, Australia and other selected parts of the world;
4.

Critically evaluate factors leading to controversies among modern Baptists and assess their impact upon selected Baptist communities;
5.

Analyse the influence of Baptist history and belief upon personal and professional life;

6.

Respond critically and constructively to historical and theological themes identified in the unit.

Pedagogy

Lectures, tutorials, videos, online forums

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bebbington, David W. Baptists Through the Centuries. Waco: Baylor University Press, 2010. (recommended for purchase)
  • Chute, Anthony L. et al. The Baptist Story: From English Sect to Global Movement. Nashville: B&H Publishing, 2015.
  • Cupit, Tony et al. ‘From Five Barley Loaves’: Australian Baptists in Global Mission 1864–2010. Preston: Mosaic Press, 2013.
  • Ellis, Christopher. Gathering: A Theology and Spirituality of Worship in Free Church Tradition. London: SCM, 2004.
  • Fiddes, Paul S. Tracks and Traces: Baptist Identity in Church and Theology. Carlisle: Paternoster, 2003.
  • Johnson, Robert E. A Global Introduction to Baptist Churches. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2010.
  • Holmes, Stephen R. Baptist Theology. London: T&T Clark, 2012.
  • Leonard, Bill J. Baptist Ways: A History. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 2003.
  • Manley, Ken R. From Woolloomooloo to ‘Eternity’. 2 Vols. Carlisle: Paternoster, 2006.
  • Rees, Frank (ed.). Baptist Identity into the Twenty-first Century. Parkville: Whitley College, 2016.
  • Wright, Nigel G. Free Church, Free State: The Positive Baptist Vision. Milton Keynes: Paternoster, 2005.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

Essay of 4,000 words

 4000 50.0
Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper

Tutorial paper of 2,000 words

 2000 30.0
Forum

Seven online forum posts (2000 words total)

 2000 20.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 14 Sep, 2022

Unit record last updated: 2022-09-14 09:49:58 +1000