Christianity in Culture
The relationship of Christians in North America (and elsewhere) to culture is often complicated and variegated, prompting the late Tim Keller to comment that “the relationship of Christians to culture is the singular current crisis point for the church.” This course helps Christians understand and interpret culture better so that, as disciples of Jesus Christ, they can make more faithful choices in everyday life, and be more confident and aware agents of reconciliation both in the church and within society at large. The course provides a biblical, theological and historical foundation for a Christian understanding of culture, an introduction to conceptual tools and methods for “exegeting” culture, along with a few more practical explorations of specific spheres of culture. The course includes an interdisciplinary range of lectures, readings, forum discussions, and research/writing assignments.
THS 680 is offered through these academic partnerships:
Bruce Guenther
Professor of Church History and Mennonite Studies
Much of Bruce’s scholarly expertise has to do with aspects of Canadian history, culture, and Christianity. As a professor, he is passionate about helping students to think critically about their faith experience without becoming cynical, to historicize their church tradition without discrediting it, and to recognize the symbiotic relationships between cultural forces, human actions, and the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church.
