Church and Society

Transformational Conversations

Viv Grigg

Course Description

Examines biblical, historical and theological responses of the community of faith to the society which forms its context. The aim is to critically examine such responses with a view to shaping the church's interaction with contemporary societies, particularly New Zealand. Some attention is given to the examination and critique of Pakeha culture. The course will develop from stories of national transformation and from key leaders involved in change in areas of Kiwi society.

Content

Date	Theology, History and Anthropology	Kiwi Kulture	Models	Readings
July 22	Introductions Kagawa : Introductory Case Study The Nature of Contextual Missions Theology Diachronic or Synchronic Theology? Global or Local Theology? Mission Theology: Cross-fertilization of Theology, Church History, and Missions Anthropology? Ways we Don't Think			Van Engen: Newbiggen: 12, 15
	Foundations Six Fulcrum for Theology Gen 1: Creation Mandate, Social Mandate, Theologies of Time, Change, Rest and Land Is the World Good or Bad? Unity of the Bible, Covenants and Kingdom as Integrating Themes Three/ Five Models of Church and Society God of History as Locus of Theology	Kiwi Church: Kiwi Nation Christendom Never Quite Got Here Cankerwork in the Church Emergent Flowers: New Waves of Church Life	Discussion of Projects and Assignments	George Bryant: The Church on Trial, chs 1,2 Hathaway: Select a chapter. Webber: The Secular Saint
July 27	O.T. Interventions A People of God Create a Society Covenant tribes Monarchy of Light: Nature and Limitations of Government The Poor People of God under Oppression of Their Leaders Prophets inside and outside of the Structures	Kiwis Create a Society Kiwi Covenant Tribes The Silent Christian and the Expansive State Kiwi Responses to International Colonialism and Post-Colonial Internationalism Emergence of the Prophetic Kiwi Impact of Kiwi Theological Dependence		Webster & Perry, pp 3-23 Davidson , chs 10,11, 15
Aug 5	New Testament Models Mission - God's Central Structure: Jesus' Mission Band Outcomes: Community of the Separated Servants The Kingdom of God as Integrating Theme Come Structure and Go Structures in Mission Bottom up Mission , Top Down Transformation	Critique of recent Kiwi attempts at committed community, alternative community, simplicity, alternative lifestyles, industrial mission	Models of Churches involved in Transformation of Kiwi Communities	Winters: Two Structures of God's Mission Grigg: Companion Mellis:Committed Communities
Aug 12	History Repeats Three Models Institutionisation: The Constantinian Cultural Controls Revitalization through Isolation: the monastics and ascetics The Preaching Friars: Servants of the Victims, Prophets to the Elites, the Incarnational Model Reformation: Three models again		A Vision for the Transforming the Soul of a Nation Baptists: The Public Questions Committees - Vivienne Boyd	Bolitho: Meet the Baptists chs 7,10
Aug 19	The Modern Period Revival and Evangelical Social Transformations The Liberal Consensus on the Social Question - Kagawa as successful case study Impact of Industrialisation, Urbanism, Pluralism Modernism to Postmodernism: Church on the Edges	Kiwi Crusades: Grandma and the Temperance movement A Heated Rugby Conflict Murder of the Children Pornographic Television	Education - Bev Norsworthy Law - Warren Brookbanks	Newbiggen: ch1,2 Kraybill: The Upside Down Kingdom
Aug 26	Recent Theological Formulations Sojourners/ Sider/Anabaptist Reformulations Kraft and the Missiologists: Christ in Culture Meyers: Christ Against Culture The Liberal Consensus Reconstructionism: The New American Right Pentecostalism: Dealing with Dark Angels Liberation Theology: Failed Latin Experience	Recent Kiwi Evangelical Approaches Tom Marshall, Kingdom Seminars, Vision NZ, Present Outbreaks, & Retreats Bishops and Activists Believable Futures	Christian Corporate Management - John Skeates Politics - David Hay	Dorrien: Soul in Society, ch 1 Grimstead: The Christian Worldview Documents .
Sept 16	Present Evangelical Social Involvement Case Study: Emerging an Evangelical Theology of Ministry Among the Poor The Linkage of Evangelism and Social Action Laussanne, Manila, GCOWE Transformation as Aceptable Terminology How Movements Emerge The Global Evangelical and Pentecostal Momentum Church styles and cultural relevance: leadership, structure, spirituality, worship	Treaty, Land and Soveriegnty - Monte	Movements in Business - Win Fountain	The Laussanne Covenant Grigg: Companion to the Poor. Peterson: Not by Might... Wheaton 83 Statement on Transformation
Sep 23	To be determined or Some theological polarities considered Biblical Theologies of Revolution, Gradual Social Change or Revival? The Goal: Shalom or Evangelism? Justice - what is it? is it the goal? Anthropologists and multiple worldviews, Calvinists and THE Christian Worldview Prayer is THE Answer: Instant Societal Change Through Revival Jesus is the Answer: is the gospel holistic or only its outworkings? Theology of Development , Liberation or Transformation?	Biblical responses to Kiwi Kulture Individualism vs Community egalitarianism vs Status differentiation Gender Prerceptions Materialism Apathy and Anomie Leadership Styles etc.	Media - Julie Belding Abortion - Anita Moran
Sep 30	Components of the Post-Christian Worldview naturalism, dualism, scientism, technicism, narcissim, pluralism			Windsor: A Tree, A Cliff, A Lens
Oct 7	Class Presentations	Class Presentations	Christian Kiwi Economics - Randerson	Randerson: Hearts and Minds Church Leaders Social Justice Initiative: Social Justice for Our Times
Oct 14	Gurus That Lead the Way Schaeffer Newbiggen Harold Turner Polyani, Sociologist Berger, Ethicist Ellul
Oct 20	Class Presentations	Finale: A Vision for New Zealand 20/20	Class Presentations

Assignments for the Course

1. Essay (30%): Develop an aspect of a Biblical theology of societal transformation in a 1500 word essay related to an issue in Auckland or New Zealand.

Included in this to be a reading log (the total to cover 750 pages during the first half of the course, the majority from the titles listed above). This would include the title of each book , article or chapter read, its author, date etc. in normal footnote style, plus a 1-6 line summary or quote or interaction with each chapter (or boo if you are browsing a whole book).

2. Project (40%): The project should link a theology of mission in society with a practical issue in some way, producing a useful practical tool or paper along with a short theological analysis. Included in this to be a reading log (the total to cover 750 pages during the second half of the course, the majority from the titles listed above). Each student will have four minutes for a class presentation of the results. Choose one of the options below:

a. Select a useful research project currently needed within the city linked to the Vision for Auckland or Vision NZ from the following (best done in pairs or teams).

Video on the Church in Auckland (as it is and trends).
Work with a Vision task force of Christian leaders in a major sector of society to summarise their visions , their theological foci and common theologies and strategic goals to which they can commit for the year 2001.
A Video, wall presentation or overhead graphics presentation to assist one of these Vision task forces.
Identification and analysis of the major secular power players in the city in some societal area, and present points of Christian influence in that sector.
A 3 minute audio or video clip to introduce each lecture of this course.
Graphics presentations for some lectures of this course
Analyse some emerging theological themes of social impact in terms of their sources into NZ, their impact on sectors of the church, and their potential influence.
Formats for these could be for overhead presentations (Freelance, Powerpoint are good), backed up by research paper summaries.

or b. Creatively develop a scrapbook, audio-visual, computer presentation, or media presentation on an issue in the city or nation and theological or strategic responses.

or c. A project could include identification of significant Christian players in a sector of Auckland society (names, addresses, organisation, roles in the movement), interviews of significant Kiwi leaders dealing with the issues, a summary of 5 articles related to the issue, linkage of theology and the practical approaches being used to develop this issue.

3. Presentations (30%): Projects will be presented to the class during the last 4 weeks of the course. Each student will have 4 minutes for the presentation and be ranked on content, style and preparation. Included in the grading should be a 2 page handout sheet or equivalent so that the whole class end up with summaries of each presentation. This handout to be given to the lecturer a week before for copying.

Teams working together will be graded separately and are asked to document the contribution of each one, and each to participate equally in the presentation.

4. For discussion: should the class be in agreement, a copy of most of the projects will be kept and added to the class reader in the library on Kiwi Church and Society. To give balance in the grading, these presentations will be graded by myself with assistance from three others, should the class be in agreement.

READINGS

Required:
Theological Integration
Newbiggen, L., (1989) The Gospel in a Pluralist Society. Grand Rapids Eerdmans.

On NZ Issues
Patrick, Bruce, ed. (1997) Vision New Zealand Congress 1997. Vision New Zealand, chs. 5,6,11-13,20-23

A national model reflecting successful implementation of two major theological approaches to societal change.
Davies, Cyril, (1960) Kagawa of Japan. Abingdon. Reproduced copies will be available for purchase in class

Multiple models and theories:
A class reader of significant articles will be available for sale in the class.

Recommended

A Kiwi Church-based Model
Hathaway, Brian, (1990) Beyond Renewal. Word.

On Kiwi Pakeha Identity
Bell, Claudia (1996) Inventing New Zealand: Everyday Myths of Pakeha Identity Penguin.

Davidson, Allan, (1991) Christianity in Aoteoroa: A History of Church and Society in New Zealand. Education for Ministry, Wellington.

King, Micheal, ed.,(1991) Pakeha: The Quest for Identity. Auckland: Penguin.

Newbiggen, Lesslie, (1989) The Gospel in a Pluralist Society. Eerdmans.

Wink, Walter, (1992) Engaging the Powers: Discernment and Resistance in a World of Domination. Minneapolis: Fortress Press.

NZQA Requirements

MS201 Church and Society

Purpose: To develop students awareness of the issues surrounding the interface between Christian community and their societal context.

Unit Description: This unit includes an overview of biblical, historical and theological responses of the community of faith to the society which forms its context: critical examination of such responses; contemporary models of societal interaction; study of New Zealand society and Pakeha culture.

Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit students should be able to :

Demonstrate an awareness of various historical responses of the church to society

Recognise and evaluate broad models of response by the church to society
- Identify and critique the major aspects of contemporary New Zealand culture and Pakeha society.
Develop a theological framework to undergird ecclesial initiatives within a given context.
Length of Course: 12 weeks of 3 hours/wk

Level: 6

Assessment :
- One 1500 word essay
One 750 word tutorial paper
- One project style examination of an issue.
  Prerequisites: MS102
  
  Credit 18 points

Select Reading List

Davidson, Allan
1991 Christianity in Aoteoroa: A History of Church and Society in New Zealand. Education for Ministry, Wellington.

King, Micheal, ed.
1991 Pakeha: The Quest for Identity. Auckland: Penguin.

Newbiggen, Lesslie
1989 The Gospel in a Pluralist Society. Eerdmans.

Wink, Walter
1992 Engaging the Powers: Discernment and Resistance in a World of Domination. Minneapolis: Fortress Press.

Select Bibliography

Hathaway, Brian
1990 Beyond Renewal. Word.

Bell, Claudia
1996 Inventing New Zealand: Everyday Myths of Pakeha Identity Penguin.

Brueggemann, Walter.
1978. The Prophetic Imagination. Philadelphia: Fortress.
1993 The Bible and Postmodern Imagination: Texts under Negotiation. London: SCM.

Colless, Brian, and Peter Donovan, eds.
1980. Religion in New Zealand Society. Edinburgh: T&T Clark.

Crawshaw, J., and W. Kirkland, eds.
1994. New Zealand Made: Perspectives on Mission in Aotearoa. Wellington: Signpost.

Davidson, Allan
1991. Christianity in Aotearoa. Wellington: Education for Ministry.

Drane, John.
1991. What is the New Age Saying to the Church? London: Marshall Pickering.
1994. Evangelism for a New Age: Creating Churches for the Next Century. London: Marshall Pickering.

Dulles, Avery.
1976. Models of the Church: A Critical Assessment of the Church in all its Aspects. Dublin: Gill and Macmillan.

Ell, Sarah, ed.
1993. The Lives of Pioneer Women in New Zealand: From their Letters, Diaries and Reminiscences. Auckland: The Bush Press.

Fitzgerald, G.P.
1990. Christ in the Culture of Aotearoa New Zealand. Dunedin: Otago University Press.

Gilkey, Langdon.
1981. Society and the Sacred: Toward a Theology of Culture in Decline. New York: Crossroad.

Gold, Hyam, ed.
1985. New Zealand Politics in Perspective. Auckland: Longman Paul.

James, Colin.
1992. New Territory: The Transformation of New Zealand 1984-97. Wellington: Bridget Williams.

Jay, Eric G.
1977. The Church: Its Changing Image Through Twenty Centuries. 2 vols. Vol. 1. London: SPCK.

King, Michael, ed.
1988. One of the Boys? Changing Views of Masculinity in New Zealand. Auckland: Heinemann.
1991. Pakeha: The Quest for Identity in New Zealand. Auckland: Penguin.

McLauchlan, Gordon.
1976. The Passionless People: New Zealanders in the 1970s. Auckland: Cassell.
1992. The Big Con: The Death of the Kiwi Dream. Wellington: GP Publications.

Metz, Johann Baptist.
1981. The Emergent Church: The Future of Christianity in a Postbourgeois World. Translated by Peter Mann. London: SCM.

Moltmann, Jurgen.
1978. The Open Church: Invitation to a Messianic Lifestyle. Translated by M. Douglas Meeks. London: SCM Press.

Newbigin, Leslie.
1989. The Gospel in a Pluralist Society. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

Newbigin, Leslie.
1991. Truth to Tell: The Gospel as Public Truth. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

Niebuhr, H. Richard.
1951. Christ and Culture. New York: Harper.

Patrick Bruce, ed.
1993. New Vision New Zealand: Calling the Whole Church to take the Whole Gospel to the Whole Nation. Auckland: Vision NZ.

Phillips, J.
1996. A Man's Country? The Image of the Pakeha Male - A History. 2nd ed. Auckland: Penguin.

Randerson, Richard.
1992. Hearts & Minds: A Place for People in a Market Economy. Wellington: SRC Books.

Robinson, Martin.
1994. The Faith of the Unbeliever: Building Innovative Relationships with the Unchurched. Crowborough: Monarch.

Sine, Tom.
1991. Wild Hope: Crises Facing the Human Community on the Threshold of the 21st Century. Dallas: Word.

Smith, Gwendoline.
1990. Will the Real Mr New Zealand Please Stand up? Auckland: Penguin.

Spoonley, Paul, David Pearson, and Ian Shirley, eds.
1990. New Zealand Society: A Sociological Introduction. Palmerston North: Dunmore Press.

Wink, Walter.
1992. Engaging the Powers: Discernment and Resistance in a World of Domination. Minneapolis: Fortress.