Professor Terry Martin

Saint Mary's College

Religious Studies 445

"Historical Theology"

One of the most important ways of undertaking the theological task is to converse with "classic texts" from the Christian tradition. While rooted in their own times and responding to their own situations, these classics bear an "excess of meaning" which transcends their period, giving them a certain timeless character. A classic text continues to make demands on later readers, challenging them to understand their lives and their worlds in new ways. Of course, not all theological classics are well known; many are not. But if they are "classics" they will maintain the power to speak and be heard by disclosing something essential about reality and by transforming their readers' lives. The purpose of this course is to converse with selected classics in the history of the Christian tradition. Specifically, we will take a close look at those authors and texts which have helped to shape the way Christians think about their faith and the manner in which Christians regard the world around them. Our task in each case will be to read these texts against their original historical background, at the same time that we will listen attentively to the questions and answers that they deliver to our own day. Readings will include texts from antiquity, medieval works, reformation writings, and several modern pieces. This course satisfies the requirement in historical theology for Religious Studies majors; and it is appropriate for minors and other interested students who have completed their Religious Studies requirements.