Instructor(s)

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION

Historic development of the Protestant Reformation from the 16^th century to its impact on the world and the church today. The course examines the lives and teachings of leading Reformers including, Luther, Zwingli, Calvin and Knox. And traces the Reformation movements in various nations. Attention will also be given to the rise of the major Protestant movements (Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anabaptism and Puritanism). The aim of the course is to apply the Reformation ideas of faith alone, grace alone and Christ alone to the Christian life and ministry.

II. COURSE OBJECTIVE

Upon completion of the course the student will be able to:

1.     Understand the origin, history and doctrines of the Protestant Reformation

2.     Interpret the state of the Western world and the church today

3.     Examine the impact of the reformation on Christianity in Africa

4.     Identify and evaluate the dangers that have faced the church in order not to repeat past mistakes.

III. COURSE OUTLINE

Topic

1.     Background to the Reformation

2.     Intellectual setting: The renaissance

3.     Martin Luther

4.     Reactions to Luther

5.     Ulrich Zwingli

6.     Anabaptism

7.     John Calvin

8.     The Roman Catholic Reformation (The Counter-Reformation).

9.     The Council of Trent and justification

10.  The reformation in England and Scotland

11.  The Reformation and the emergence of Missionary Societies

12.  The Impact of the Reformation in Africa

IV. MODE OF DELIVERY

Through lectures, seminars, class interaction, group discussion, reading and assignments.

V. READING MATERIALS

1.     Bromley, G.W., ed. (1953). Zwingli and Bullinger. The Library Classics, Ichthus edition. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press.

2.     Calvin, John. (1960). Institutes of the Christian Religion. 2 vol. Edited by J. T. McNeill. Translated by Ford Lewis Battles. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press.

3.     Luther, Martin. (1990). Bondage of the Will. Translated by J.I. Packer and O.R. Johnson. Grand Rapids: Fleming H. Revell.

4.     Schaff, P. (2002). History of the Christian Church. Vols. 5 and 7. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson.

5.     Spitz, L. (1987). Renaissance and Reformation Movements. vol 2. Chicago: St Louis: Concordia Publishing House.