DE 5630  Missionary Encounter with World Religions

Lecturer: Harvie Conn

Course Description

An introduction to the theology of religions. A biblical theology of religions is developed, against the background of extensive study of current models of approach. Using major religious systems as examples, five characteristics of all religions are sketched. Some practical suggestions for evangelistic approach are proposed. Three hours.

Course Objectives

1. Appreciate the need for skill in encountering world religions.
2. Understand major concepts in religious encounter, including:
3. The concept of elenctics.
• The qualities of a biblical missionary encounter.
• Various definitions of "religion."
• The background of contemporary models of encounter.
• Contemporary models of encounter.
• A basic biblical theology of religions
• The five magnetic points of religions.
4. Evaluate contemporary models of religious encounter.
5. Develop a biblical theology of religions.
6. Associate significant persons with their models of religious encounter.
7. Analyze religions according to their five magnetic points.

Course Materials

All required course materials can be purchased through the TEDS bookstore (800.456.7323 | 847.317.6800).

• Conn, Harvie M. The Missionary Encounter with World Religions, Audio Lecture Tapes and Interactive Learning Guide. Grand Rapids, MI: Institute of Theological Studies, a division of Outreach, Inc., 1997.

Included with the purchase of the lecture tapes and the Interactive Learning Guide will be the following items:

1. Hick, John and Brian Hebbelthwaite, eds. Christianity and Other Religions. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1980.
2. Bosch, David. "The Church in Dialogue: From Self-Delusion to Vulnerability." Missiology, Vol. XVI, No. 2 (April, 1988): 131-47.
3. DeRidder, Richard R. "God and the Gods: Reviewing the Biblical Roots." Missiology, Vol. VI, No. 1 (January, 1978): 11-28.
4. Schrotenboer, Paul. "Inter-Religious Dialogue." Evangelical Review of Theology, Vol 12, No. 3 (July, 1988): 208-25.

• Anderson, Sir Norman, ed. The World's Religions. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, rev. 1975, 1994. Out-of-print -- Please acquire from a theological library or purchase independently.
• Bavinck, J. H. An Introduction to the Science of Missions. Phillipsburg, N.J.: Presbyterian and Reformed Publ. Co., 1960.
• Knitter, Paul. No Other Name? A Critical Survey of Christian Attitudes Toward the World Religions. Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis Books, 1985.
• DE 563 Coursepack (the following materials comprise a coursepack that can be purchased through the TEDS bookstore):
  1. "Guidelines on Dialogue with People of Living Faiths and Ideologies." Occasional Bulletin of Missionary Research, Vol. 3, No. 4 (October, 1979): 160-62.
  2. Wright, Christopher J.H. "The Christian and Other Religions: The Biblical Evidence." Themelios, Vol. 9, No. 2 (January, 1984): 4-15.

Resources 

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