ALLIANCE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
IC 603 Doing Theology in Context
Spring 2011
Thursday 2pm – 5pm
Room:TBA
Instructors: Stephen Bailey
John Ellenberger
Tel# 845-770-5755 (Bailey)
E-mail: Stephen.Bailey@Nyack.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to help students understand and begin to use methods for doing theology in
context. It wrestles with the tension between the call to biblically authentic interpretations of the gospel
and the call to understand the gospel in social-cultural contexts. The focus of this class is on method. It is
concerned with methods of theologizing in context in order to communicate the gospel and disciple new
believers.
LEARNING GOALS
1. Students will learn some methods for doing theology in various social-cultural contexts.
2. Students will acquire skill in using some methodological tools of doing theology in context.
3. Students will gain theological insight for the incarnational nature of God’s communication with
humanity.
4. Information Literacy Goal: Students will learn to evaluate information and its sources critically
and be able to incorporate selected information into his or her knowledge base and value system.
REQUIRED TEXT BOOKS
Vincent Donovan. Christianity Rediscovered. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books. 2003 edition. ISBN: 10:
1570754624
William A. Dyrness. Invitation to Cross-Cultural Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing
House. 1992. Pp.196. ISBN: 10-3105-3581-6.
John Middleton. The Lugbara of Uganda. (2nd Edition) Thomson South-Western Publisher. 2003.
ISBN: 10: 0534968953.
Other assigned readings are listed in the class schedule and can be found either on reserve in the library
or on the I Drive in a PDF file or both.
ASSESSMENT RESULTS
ATS may use assignments that are assessed for this course for program evaluation purposes. Individual
results may be used as exemplars but will only be available to the program reviewers and not made
public. Results of assessments will be used to show program effectiveness and program improvement.
NYACK CORE GOALS ADDRESSED
Socially Relevant -- Preparing students to serve in ministerial, educational, healing and
community-building professions.
Academically Excellent -- Pursuing academic excellence in the spirit of grace and humility.
Globally Engaged -- Fostering a global perspective within a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural
Christian academic community.
1
Intentionally Diverse -- Providing educational access and support to motivated students from
diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
MAIC Program Goal Addressed
D. The student will gain an appreciation for people from other ethnic and cultural backgrounds
and for the unique way God incarnates His message among the diverse people groups of our
world.
MDiv Program Goals Addressed
B. Students will gain knowledge and be able to apply methodology in biblical studies, theology
and cultural understandings.
REQUIREMENTS/GRADING
1. The instructor expects that students in this course will be in attendance at all class sessions
and will participate in the discussions scheduled for consideration in each class. There are
normally no excused absences. Learning Goals 1, 2 & 3. 25% of the grade.
2. Students will complete 10 of the 12 reflection papers (3-4 pages) for each week’s reading
that is listed in the class schedule. Late papers will be marked down 10 points. Papers must
be handed in at the end of class and students must be present for the class period to avoid
having their paper marked late. Learning Goals 1, 2, 3 &4. 30% of the grade.
Grading Rubric is as follows:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Summarize the key arguments / ideas. (2 pages)
Critique the contextual method used.
Raise questions bring them to class.
Formatting and Writing
60pts
20pts
10pts
10pts
3. Each student will lead a discussion on the reading for the day. A very brief summary of the reading
should be accomplished and key questions should be prepared for discussion in the seminar.
Learning Goal 2. 10% of the grade.
Grading Rubric is as follows:
3.1 Ability to hold the interest of the class
25pts
3.2 Clarity and organization of presentation
25pts
3.3 Creativity of the presentation
10pts
3.4 Thoroughness of the Summary
40pts
4. Students will write a contextual theology for the Lugbara of Uganda based on the text book
assigned on this people group. It should be between 12-15 pages not including the bibliography.
Drawing on the readings, class sessions and ethnography on the Lugbara discuss how you would
expect the gospel to affirm, challenge and be illuminated by the Lugbara worldview. Do not spend a
lot of time summarizing the ethnographic data from the book. This is to be a theological essay that
addresses the various levels of contextualization. You should give about half the paper to outlining
what you think would likely be the themes and emphasizes in Lugbara theology of the gospel. The
rest of the paper can be split up between your best estimate as to what the contextual form of
communication of the gospel would look like and what the church might look like in terms of
theology, worship/rituals, and leadership. Use footnotes. The paper should have a thesis or purpose
statement that clearly states what you intend to accomplish in the paper. You may have sub-points or
objectives that describe the steps to accomplishing your thesis / purpose. Prepare an outline of the
paper and get feedback on it from the professor before you write. Use the outline to create the
headings and sub-headings. Learning Goals 2, 3 & 4. 30% of the grade.
2
Grading Rubric follows:
4.1 Use A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and
Dissertations by Kate L. Turabian to format the paper.
4.2 Write clearly and logically
4.3 Cultural relevance and biblical integrity of contextual insights and forms
EVALUATION
Class Attendance and Participation
Research Paper
Lead Class Discussion
25%
30%
10%
10 Reflection Papers
Scholar’s Symposium
10%
30%
60%
30%
5%
GRADING SCALE
Grades are assigned based on your competency in performing the assignments in this syllabus.
A (4.0) 93-100
A- (3.7) 90-92
B+ (3.3) 88-89
B (3.0) 83-87
B- (2.7) 80-82
C+ (2.3) 78-79
C (2.0) 73-77
C- (1.7) 70-72
D+ (1.3) 68-69
D (1.0) 63-67
D- (0.7) 60-62
F (0.0) Below 60
LATE WORK
All written work is due by the beginning of class on the date assigned. Work will be accepted up to one
week late, but grades are lowered 10 points once an assignment is late. Extensions will not be given
except in the case of serious illness or emergency.
IMPORTANT NOTES
1. Any student eligible for and requesting academic accommodations due to a disability, is required
to provide a letter of accommodation from the Office of Disabilities Support Services within the
first six weeks of the beginning of classes.
2. Paper should be double spaced with one inch margins at the left, right, top and bottom of the
page. Use only Times New Roman, size 12 font. Be sure your name and campus PO Box # are
on the paper. Staple your papers. Do not use paper clips or plastic covers. All written assignments
should use A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations by Kate L. Turabian.
A summary of these rules is available on the campus I Drive under the Bailey folder.
3. All assignments are due at the start of class, on the date indicated in the class schedule below
unless otherwise indicated by the professor in class.
4. Students should keep copies of all handed in assignments and keep track of their own grades
throughout the semester.
5. Class notes will be on the I: Drive under the Bailey folder. You may access the I (Instructional)
Drive online at www.my.nyack.edu with your login name (last name followed by first letter of
you first name) and your password (last four digits of your SS#).
CLASS CALENDAR
Session 1 / January 20
1) Reading Due: None
2) Class Syllabus
3) Assignments for Student led class discussions in weeks to come
4) Subject: Issues in Doing Theology in Context - Bailey
3
Session 2 / January 27
1) Reading Due:
a. Charles Kraft. “Meaning Equivalence Contextualization” in Appropriate Christianity.
William Carey Library. 2005. Pp. 155 – 168.
b. Paul Hiebert. “Critical Contextualization.” in Anthropological Reflections on
Missiological Issues. Pp.75-103.
2) Reflection Paper #1 Due
3) Subject: Charles Kraft – Theoretical Foundations: Dynamic Equivalent Meaning and
Critical Contextualization - Bailey
Session 3 / February 3
1) Reading Due:
a. Paul Hiebert. “Metatheology:The Step beyond Contextualization.” in
Anthropological Reflections on Missiological Issues. Pp.93-103.
b. Thai Doctrinal Statement
c. Stephen Bailey. “The Miracle of Meaning”
d. Herbert Hoefer. “Proclaiming a Theologyless Christ” in International Journal of
Frontier Missions. Vol. 22. No. 3. Fall 2005. Pp.97-100.
e. Charles Kraft. “Response to Herbert Hoefer’s Proclaiming a ‘Theologyless Christ.’”
in International Journal of Frontier Missions. Vol. 22. No. 3. Fall 2005. Pp.101.
2) Reflection Paper #2 Due
3) Subject: Theoretical Foundations: Meta-Theology, Incarnational Theology and
Translation in Christian Missions – Bailey
AGSM Retreat February 4 – 6
Session 4 / Feb. 10
1) Reading Due –
a. Brown, Rick. “Muslim Worldviews and the Bible: Bridges and Barriers.”
International Journal of Frontier Missions. Vol. 23, no. 1, Spring 2006. Pp. 5-12.
b. Michal Solomon Vasnthakumar. “An Exploration of the Book of Ecclesiastes in the
Light of Buddha’s Four Noble Truths.” in Sharing Jesus Holistically with the
Buddhist World. David Lim and Steve Spaulding eds. William Carey Library. 2005.
Pp.147 – 177.
c. Ram Gidoomal. “Christ My Bodhisattva.” Christianity Today. May 2007. Pp. 34 –
37.
d. Dean C. Halverson and Natun Bhattacharya. “Witnessing to Hindus.” Christian
Research Institute. Online: http://www.equip.org/articles/witnessing-to-hindus
Accessed November 19, 2010.
2) Reflection Paper #3 Due
3) Subject: - Theological Bridges in Contextualization
Session 5 / February 17
1) Reading Due
a. William A. Dyrness. Invitation to Cross-Cultural Theology. Read Chapters 1, 5 & 7.
b. Olowola, Cornelius. “An Introduction to African Independent Churches” in Issues in
African Christian Theology. Samuel Ngewa, Mark Shaw, and Tite Tienou eds. East
African Educational Publishers. 1998. Pp.286 – 305.
2) Reflection Paper # 4
3) Subject: Church Vernacular Theology Case Studies
4
Session 6 / Feb 24
1) Reading Due:
a. Christianity Rediscovered, Vincent Donovan, pp. 14-27 and 81-128.
2) Reflection Paper # 5
3) Subject: Contextualization of Relationships Session 7 / March 3
1) Reading Due:
a. Joshua Massey. “His Ways Are Not Our Ways.” Evangelical Missionary Quarterly.
April 1999. Pp. 188 – 197.
b. John Travis. “Messianic Muslim Followers of Isa: A Closer Look at C5 Believers
and Congregations.” International Journal of Frontier Missions. Vol. 17, no. 1,
Spring 2000. Pp. 53-59.
c. Herbert Hoefer. Churchless Christianity. Section 4. Pp. 208-264. [On Lib Reserve]
d. Timoth Tennett “The Challenge of Churchless Christianity: An Evangelical
Assessment.” in International Bulletin of Missionary Research. October 2005. Vol.
29. No.4. Pp.171-177.
2) Reflection Paper # 6
3) Subject: Contextualization of Conversion: Insider Movements and C5 Contextualization
Session 8 / March 10
1) Reading:
a. Gustavo Gutierrez A Theology of Liberation Pp.29-57 (chapters 3-6).
2) Reflection Paper #7
3) Subject: Contextualization as Praxis for Liberation / Social Justice
SPRING BREAK No Class March 17
Session 9 / March 24
1) Reading Due:
a. Jack Colgate. “Relational Bible Storying and Scripture Use in Oral Muslim
Contexts.” International Journal for Frontier Missions. July – September, 2008. Pp.
135 – 142.
b. Herbert Klem. “The Bible as Oral Literature in Oral Societies.” International Review
of Mission. Vol. 67, No. 268, October 1978, Pp.479-486.
c. Go to http://www.lausanneworldpulse.com/10-2006 and read
i. “Tools for Reaching Oral Learners” By Durk Meijer and
ii. “Story and Song in Kpele-Dafo: An Innovative Church Planting Model
Among an Oral Culture of Togo” By Jim and Carla Bowman
2) Reflection Paper # 8
3) Subject: Contextualization Through Story Telling
a. Nyab Siab Zoo “The Good-Hearted Daughter” [in Hmong]
b. Larry Mud – Pauley the Wise Guy
c. New Tribes Missions: Chronological Story Telling Evangelism (Video)
Session 10 / March 31
1) Reading Due:
a. Ubolwan Mejudhon. “The Ritual of Reconciliation in Thai Culture”
b. A. H. Zahniser. “Ritual Process and Christian Discipling: Contextualizing a Buddhist
Rite of Passage” Missiology : An International Review. Vol. 19, no. 1. January 1991.
Pp. 3-19.
2) Reflection Paper # 9
3) Contextualization of Ritual and Worship – Lao Communion Video
5
Session 11 / April 7
2) Reading Due:
a. Amanze, James N. “Christianity and Ancestor Veneration in Botswana.” Studies in
World Christianity, Vol. 9, No. 1, 2003, Pp. 43-59.
b. Koruma, Naoko. “Christianity and Ancestor Worship in Japan.” Studies in World
Christianity, Vol. 9, No. 1, 2003, Pp. 60-68.
c. Smith, Henry N. “Christianity and Ancestor Practices in Hong Kong: Toward A
Contextual Strategy. Missiology, Vol. 17, No. 1, January 1989, Pp 27-38.
3) Scholar’s Symposium Paper #10 Due
4) Subject: Subject: Contextualization of Local Customs: Ancestor Worship
a. Case Study: Taiwan and Samuel Harris
Session 12 / April 14
1) Reading Due:
a. Ubolwan Mejudhon. “Life-Exegesis” SEANET Presentation, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
2005. Pp. 1-25.
b. Dora R. Mbuwayesango. “Childlessness And Woman-To-Woman Relationships in
Genesis and in African Patriarcal Society: Sarah And Hagar From A Zimbabwean
Woman's Perspective (Gen 16:1-16; 21:8-21).” in Semeia. No. 78, January 1997. Pp.
27 – 36.
c. James C. Okoye. “Sarah and Hagar: Genesis 16 and 21.” in Journal for the Study of
the Old Testament. Vol.32, No. 2, 2007. Pp. 163 – 175.
2) Reflection Paper # 11
3) Subject: Contextualization of Biblical Interpretation / Hermeneutics
Session 13 / April 21
1) Assignment: Finish Writing Your Draft of the Contextual Theology Paper for the
Lugbara of Uganda !!! Bring a draft to class – no exceptions!
2) Class Discussion on a Contextual Theology for the Lugbara
Session 14 / April 28
1) Reading Due:
a. Lamin Sanneh. “Familiarity Breeds Faith.” In Translating the Message: The
Missionary Impact On Culture. Orbis Books (1989), 2nd Edition 2009. Chapter 7,
Pp.229 – 25.
b. Harriet Hill. “The Effects of Using Local and Non-local Terms in Mother-Tongue
Scirpture.” Missiology: An International Review. Vol. XXXV, no. 4, October 2007.
Pp.383 – 396.
2) Reflection Paper # 11
3) Subject: Contextualization of Translation and Christian Literature - John Ellenberger
Translation Challenges http://www.wycliffe.org/Resources/Videos.aspx
4) Class Evaluation
6