Content

In this unit, students will be introduced to the concept of contextual theology and read examples from Africa, Australia and other contexts. They will explore its significance for mission theory and practice. This will allow them to develop skills to implement a missional theory and practice appropriate to their environment.

Unit code: DM9500T

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Missiology

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Trinity College Theological School

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Learning outcomes

1.

Define the concept of contextual theology

2.

Reflect critically on the role of context in historic Christian missional thinking and practice

3.

Identify and engage proactively with the cultural contexts of their own environments

4.

Evaluate missional environments of contemporary Australia

5.

Develop a missional theory and praxis appropriate to particular contexts

Unit sequence

CT8010T/9T or equivalent

Pedagogy

Lectures and class discussion; assignments

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bevans, Stephen B. Models of Contextual Theology. Rev’d and Expanded. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2002.
  • Bosch, David J. Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission. Maryknoll NY: Orbis, 1998.
  • Cronshaw, Darren & Dewerse, Rosemary (eds), We Are Pilgrims: Mission from, in and with the Margins of our Diverse World. Dandenong: UNOH, 2015.
  • Gallagher, Robert L. & Hertig, Paul (eds), Landmark Essays in Mission and World Christianity. Maryknoll NY: Orbis, 2009.
  • Legrand, Lucien. The Bible on Culture. Maryknoll NY: Orbis, 2000.
  • Ott, Craig, Strauss, Stephen J. & Tennent, Timothy C. Encountering Theology of Mission: Biblical Foundations, Historical Developments and Contemporary Issues. Grand Rapids MI: Baker Academic, 2010.
  • Sanneh, Lamin. Translating the Message: The Missionary Impact on Culture. 2nd ed. Maryknoll NY: Orbis, 2009.
  • Stinton, Diane (ed), African Theology on the Way: Current Conversations. ISG 46. London: SPCK, 2010
  • Tanner, Kathryn. Theories of Culture: A New Agenda for Theology. Minneapolis MN: Fortress, 1997.
  • Wessels, Anton. Europe: Was it Ever Really Christian? London: SCM, 1994.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Case Study

Essay (methodological) 3000 words

3000 40.0
Document Study

Article review – 1000 words

1000 20.0
Essay

Essay (methodological) 3000 words

3000 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 27 Sep, 2019

Unit record last updated: 2019-10-16 09:10:00 +1100