2. Explore significant influences upon Bonhoeffer s theological development.

Transcription

1 Course Outline: 2019 Dietrich Bonhoeffer: An Introduction to his Life and Thought Location: Renison University College (Renison Institute of Ministry) Day(s): Jan 26, Feb 23, Mar 23, Apr 27 Time: 10 am 3.00 pm Instructor: Rev d Dr. Patrick Patterson Contact info: pat_48@sympatico.ca Course Description Dietrich Bonhoeffer ( ) is one of the most prominent and contested modern theologians. His courageous involvement in the German resistance to Hitler and consequent execution, combined with the penetrating insight of his writings have contributed to a widespread and sustained interest in his work. This course will give some attention to Bonhoeffer s life, including his visits to America, his leadership in the Confessing Church, and his anti-nazi activities in wartime Germany. The greater part of the course will be devoted to an appreciation of Bonhoeffer s theology through selective reading of certain primary texts. Course Objectives 1. Locate Bonhoeffer s life and thought within the theological, ecclesial, and political landscape of the first half of the 20 th Century. 2. Explore significant influences upon Bonhoeffer s theological development. 3. Describe the major themes in Bonhoeffer s writings, their relationship to one another, and any shifts in definition or emphasis. 4. Consider Bonhoeffer s insistence on the inseparable connection between theology and preaching, pastoral ministry, spirituality, and social and political ethics. 5. Develop our resources for responding to contemporary challenges in the Church and the world. 6. Enhance our skills in scriptural and theological reading, reasoning, and reflection. Set Text Timely and thorough reading of assigned reading materials is essential. Class discussion is closely integrated with the readings. The Bonhoeffer Reader. Edited by Clifford J. Green and Michael P. DeJonge. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, [BR] 1 P a g e

2 Assignments Non-credit students are expected to complete the readings prior to each sessions and participate in discussion. They have the option of completing any combination of assignments #3 to 5. No marks will be assigned. Licentiate in Theology (LTh) students are required to complete the readings prior to each session and participate in discussion (#1). They are also required to complete any two of assignments #2, 3, and Discussion/Participation - 40% 2. Any two 3000 word essays: Biographical Study, Reading Assignment, Personal Appropriation - 30% each Method of Evaluation and Criteria for Grading (LTh students only) 1. Consistent Attendance and Constructive Participation in Class 40%. Students are expected to attend all classes prepared to participate in discussion with their fellow classmates and instructor. 2. Biographical Study (not more than 3000 words) 30% Select what you believe to be 10 of the most significant persons, experiences, or events in Bonhoeffer s life. Write a paragraph describing each item. You may find it helpful to treat them in chronological order. 3. Reading Assignment (not more than 3000 words) 30% Select one of Bonhoeffer s writings from the set text for the course (The Bonhoeffer Reader). Provide an exposition of the text: its main point(s); an outline of the argument(s); key theological themes; etc. The purpose of the paper is to demonstrate your ability to read, understand, and summarise a text. Do not quote the text. Say it in your own words. 4. Personal Appropriation (not more than 3000 words) 30% Identify aspects of Bonhoeffer s person, story, and/or theology which have most impressed you. Describe them in some detail. Then explain their impact upon you: (i) your thinking about the Gospel and its theological/ethical implications; and/or (ii) your life of discipleship in Christ. It is assumed that you will select more than one aspect; it is entirely acceptable for you to devote the entire paper to only one aspect. It may also be that one or more of the aspects you identify has impressed you negatively; in which case, describe it in some detail, and then explain your reservations about it. Criteria for Grading 3000 Word Essays Demonstrated determination to offer a fair, respectful, and careful description and explanation of Bonhoeffer s life and/or theology Reference to course readings (paraphrased in your own words, no quotations) Where appropriate, reference to class discussions Additional research beyond course materials Bibliography of all research and sources Writing quality: organization, composition, style, grammar, spelling, etc. 2 P a g e

3 Course Plan DAY I January 26 WITH BONHOEFFER THE MAN: HIS LIFE-STORY Handouts Bethge Portrait Chronology of a Life with Commentary BR Who Am I? DAY II February 23 WITH BONHOEFFER IN CHRIST With Bonhoeffer Justified by Faith BR Community in Christ BR Positive Christology With Bonhoeffer at Prayer BR Praying the Psalms BR 532(bot)-6 The Day Together Prayer BR 558(bot)-60(top) The Day Alone Intercessory Prayer Handouts The Enemies Sermon on a Psalm of Vengeance Psalm 58 (1937) DAY III March 23 WITH BONHOEFFER IN THE CHURCH With Bonhoeffer in the Scriptures Handouts Sermon Exodus 32, A Church of the World or a Church of the Word? 1933 Letter to Rüdiger Schleicher April 8, 1936 BR pp. 536(bot)-40(mid) The Day Together Scripture Reading Handout Bonhoeffer, in Holy Scripture: A Dogmatic Sketch, John Webster, BR Contemporising New Testament Texts BR What Should a Student of Theology Do Today? 3 P a g e

4 With Bonhoeffer in the Pulpit Handouts Excerpts from Lectures on Preaching (1937/38/39) Sermon Isaiah The Government Upon the Shoulders of the Child (1940) Sermon 1 Cor Christus Victor (1939) BR 245(top)-250 Creation and Fall: The Pious Question ; Sicut Deus [Like God] DAY IV April 27 WITH BONHOEFFER IN, WITH, AND FOR THE WORLD With Bonhoeffer the Ethicist BR Ethics: Christ, Reality, and Good. Christ, Church, and World BR Ethics: The Concrete Commandment and the Divine Mandates The Commandment of God in the Church BR Christ and Peace (1932) BR 676(bot)-84 Ethics: The Ethical and the Christian as a Topic With Bonhoeffer the worldly, religionless Christian BR pp ; Letters and Papers from Prison Bibliography Primary Sources Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works. Edited by Victoria J. Barnett, Wayne Witson Floyd Jr., and Barbara Wojhoski. 17 Vols. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, The Bonhoeffer Reader. Edited by Clifford J. Green and Michael P. DeJonge. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, [BR] Select Biographies (My recommendations marked with *) *Bethge, Eberhard. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Theologian, Christian, Man of his Times. Rev. ed. Revised and Edited by Victoria J. Barnett. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, Bethge, Renate. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, A Brief Life. Translated by K. C. Hanson. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, Metaxas, Eric. Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2011) *Schlingensiepen, Ferdinand. Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Martyr, Thinker, Man of Resistance. Translated by Isabel Best. London: T&T Clark, **Tietz, Christiane. Theologian of Resistance: The Life and Thought of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Translated by Victoria J. Barnett. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, P a g e

5 Wind, Renate. Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Spoke in the Wheel. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Zimmerman, Wolf-Dieter and Ronald Gregor Smith, eds. I Knew Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Translated by Käthe Gregor Smith. London: Collins, Additional Statements 1. Statement on Use of Electronic Devices during Tests and Exams It is not appropriate to use technology (such as, but not limited, to laptops, PDAs, cell phones) in the classroom for non-classroom activities. Such activity is disruptive and is distracting to other students and to the instructor, and can inhibit learning. Students are expected to respect the classroom environment and to refrain from inappropriate use of technology and other electronic devices in class. 2. Statement on Academic Offences: Scholastic offences are taken seriously and students are directed to read the appropriate policy, specifically, the definition of what constitutes a Scholastic Offence, at the following web site: ttps://uwaterloo.ca/arts/sites/ca.arts/files/uploads/files/policy71.pdf 3. Support Services: Marilyn Malton, Director, Renison Institute of Ministry, Renison University College: mmalton@uwaterloo.ca, ext Janet Anstead, Coordinator of Continuing Education and Non-Degree Programs, Huron University College: jmanstead@rogers.com, ext P a g e