Details for History of Christian Expansion

Acknowledging the central role of missions in the theology and practice of Christianity, this unit provides students with an overview of Christian missionary motivation and historical endeavour both from the perspective of institutions, and in terms of the cultural/globalising impulse of Christianity. It explores scriptural foundations, as well as the historical expansion of the Christian church and its impact on church and society over the centuries, including political and cultural challenges, as well as new technological opportunities. This study enables students to critically explore the nature of missions, integrating it within their own contexts.

Quick Info

Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
Course code: HIS208
Credit points: 10
Subject coordinator: Mark Hutchinson

Prerequisites

The following courses are prerequisites:

HIS101—History of Christianity or 40 credit points

Awards offering History of Christian Expansion

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

This unit seeks to provide students with an overview of Christian missionary motivation and historical endeavour both from the perspective of institutions, and in terms of the cultural/globalising impulse of Christianity.

Outcomes

Students should be able to:

Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the spread of Christianity in the apostolic age and the rise of ‘ecclesiastical missions’;
Analyse the practices, institutions and cultural expressions of Christian expansion;
Critically assess the importance of Christian missions and indigenous church growth in modern Christian expansion;
Illustrate an appreciation of the relationship of Christian expansion to intercultural communication and social engagement;
Apply knowledge of Christian expansion history to critical assessments of present practice;
Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of global ‘discipling’ approaches and ‘glocal’ innovations in contemporary Christian expansion.

Subject Content

30-500 AD The Apostolic Era
500-1750 AD The era of Ecclesiastical Missions
1750-1900 AD The Church Growth era: William Carey, Henry Venn et al.
1900-1990 AD The Global Mission era.
1990- present The Global Discipling era

This course may be offered in the following formats

Lectures, class presentations, discussion, tutorials, web-based interaction, distance learning material

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

Minor Essay 30% (1500 words)
Major Essay 50% (2500 words)
Critical Reflection Paper 20% (1000 words)

Prescribed Text

Primary readings provided