The Theology of Catherine Booth in its Historical and Contemporary Contexts (CT3298B)

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.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

Students require a pre-requisite of at least 36 points in Church History or 36 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 the 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