연세대학교 GIT

Dear students,

Please refer to the following information regarding upcoming two classes of Prof. Chammah for 2020 Spring semester.

Interdisciplinary Discourses on Pentecostalism: Theology, Philosophy and Science  (GIT)

Theology, philosophy and science are three endeavours that shape and inform how human beings think and live in the world. Pentecostal theologians have begun to explore how Pentecostal systems of thought can make a distinctive contribution in these fields of human inquiry. This module will engage current interdisciplinary discussions among leading Pentecostal theologians in the fields of theology, philosophy and science. Through interrogating key theological issues - philosophical approaches - scientific theological imaginations, students will develop logical acumen and analytical skills, and critical positions on emerging Pentecostal shaped theologies around the world.


World Christianity: Themes and Developments (UGST/GIT)

The academic field of World Christianity is organized around critical awareness of postcolonial imaginations that interrogate the dark side of global modernity. Various terminologies are employed by scholars such as ‘Global Christianity’ (Philip Jenkins), or ‘World Christianity’ (Lamin Sanneh). Lamin Sanneh, a leading scholar in the field, argues that ‘Global Christianity’ perpetuates the idea of exportation and imposition of Europe cultural informed Christianity through the mechanisms of economic globalization and colonization. On the contrary, ‘World Christianity,’ an older term which emerged in the ecumenical and mission contexts, reflects and affirms polycentrism, multiculturality and indignity in which indigenous agency and creativity through translation of the gospel into the host cultures is radically affirmed. Scholars stress that through the process of translation the beliefs and styles of expression of Christianity have changed to such an extent that its prudent to regard ‘Christianity’ as an umbrella term of various ‘faiths’ with the same name but different beliefs and practices (Stephen hunt). In other words, Christianity has transitioned from Christendom to a polycentric and multicultural religious force with strongest centres in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and Asia (Brain Stanley).

This module will take an interdisciplinary approach to examine religio-cultural and historical developments and discourses within World Christianity. It will also give critical attention to selected themes and postcolonial theologies which scholars consider central for understanding shifts in global contours of World Christianity.