Being Baptist: Polity & Politics, Race & Culture, Theology & Practice

HDS 2950 Subject & Catalog Number

Description

Among its vast array of denominations and non-denominational members, doctrines, social, cultural, racial, political, and theological makeups and identities, “baptist” has always carried cultural assumptions, perceptions, and implications in the public sphere. This course will take a rigorous and full immersion into the broad strokes of baptist history from the bible to its ark of traditions and distinctives, geographies and regional identities, democratic/congregational governance structure and operation, liturgy and worship, ordination and contemporary ministry. We will also trace the political, cultural, and racial diversities, contentions, and beliefs among baptists. This course curriculum will fulfill area research interests, arts of ministry requirements, submissions for ordination applications, and contextual/field education for pastoral and community leaders.