Introduction to Christianity A
| Course Purpose |
|---|
| Kwansei Gakuin was founded in 1889 by Rev. Walter Russell Lambuth, a missionary of the Southern Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States. Ever since its founding, Kwansei Gakuin has educated the young based on the principles of Christianity. Throughout its history, the introductory courses in Christianity form the basis of our education. The main purpose of “an introduction to Christianity A” is therefore, to provide students, specifically for students with little or no exposure to Christianity, with the world view and the value system of Christianity through studying the Bible and the history of Christianity. Also, this course explores the spirit and ideals of establishing Kwansei Gakuin and its history. |
| Learning Goals |
| (1) Students acquire the comprehensive knowledge of Christianity, especially its Scripture, history, world view and value-system. (2) Students explain the spirit and ideals of Kwansei Gakuin and discuss what Kwansei Gakuin should be in the present and in the future. (3) Students analyze and discuss the moral and social issues of today on the basis of their comprehensive knowledge of Christianity. |
| Topic | |
|---|---|
| Session 1 | 【Purpose】 1) Learn the purpose and goals of this lecture. 2) Learn the meaning of learning Christianity at Kwansei Gakuin. 3) Learn the outline of the thought and history of Kwansei Gakuin based on "shining freedom". 【Learning Goals】 1) Understand and explain the purpose and goals of this lecture. 2) Explain why you study Christianity at Kwansei Gakuin. 3) Explain the idea and history of Kwansei Gakuin with reference to "Shining Freedom". |
| Session 2 | 【Purpose】 1) Learn about Jesus' passion story. 【Learning Goals】 1) To be able to explain the synopsis of the passion story. 2) Can give a deeper explanation of the main points of the story of suffering. |
| Session 3 | 【Purpose】 1) Study the resurrection story of Jesus. 【Learning Goals】 1) Explain the outline of the resurrection story. 2) To be able to explain the ideological significance of “resurrection”. |
| Session 4 | 【Purpose】 1) Learn about the work of Jesus' disciples. 【Learning Goals】 1) To be able to give an overview of Jesus' disciples. 2) To be able to explain the activities of the disciples. |
| Session 5 | 【Purpose】 1) Learn about Jesus' ministry, especially his motives. 【Learning Goals】 1) To be able to explain the background to why Jesus started his ministry. 2) Describe the forerunners of Jesus. 3) To be able to explain the historical background of Jesus. |
| Session 6 | 【Purpose】 1) Learn about Jesus' missionary activities, especially the "Kingdom of God" idea. 【Learning Goals】 1) To be able to explain the outline of the "Kingdom of God" as claimed by Jesus. 2) To be able to explain the relationship between the "Kingdom of God" and people. |
| Session 7 | 【Purpose】 1) Learn about Jesus' ministry, especially his teachings and parables. 【Learning Goals】 1) Explain the main teachings of Jesus. 2) To be able to explain the main parables of Jesus. 3) To be able to explain the significance of parables. |
| Session 8 | 【Purpose】 1) Learn about Jesus' ministry, especially miracle stories. 【Learning Goals】 1) To be able to explain the significance of miracle stories. 2) To describe the major miracles attributed to Jesus. |
| Session 9 | 【Purpose】 1) Learn about the Last Supper. 【Learning Goals】 1) To be able to explain the institute of the sacrament by Jesus. 2) Explain the relationship between the Last Supper and the Eucharist. |
| Session 10 | 【Purpose】 1) Learn about the formation of the church. 2) Learn about Pentecost. 3) Learn about the "Holy Spirit" idea. 【Learning Goals】 1) Explain the events of Pentecost. 2) To be able to explain the thoughts surrounding the "Holy Spirit". |
| Session 11 | 【Purpose】 1) Learn about the earliest Christian missionary activities. 2) Learn about Paul's life and thought. 【Learning Goals】 1) To be able to explain the missionary activities of the disciples. 2) To be able to explain Paul's activities and thoughts. |
| Session 12 | 【Purpose】 1) Study the subjects of the Early Church. 【Learning Goals】 1) To be able to explain the outline of the terminal delay problem. 2) Be able to explain the relationship with the Roman Empire. 3) Be able to explain the relationship with Judaism. |
| Session 13 | 【Purpose】 1) Learn the formation process of Christian theology. 2) Learn the outline and significance of the Church Fathers. 3) Learn about the formation process of the New Testament. 【Learning Goals】 1) Explain the outline of Christian theology. 2) Explain the significance of the Church Fathers. 3) Be able to explain the formation process of the New Testament. |
| Session 14 | In-class exam (taken during class time) |