ADTH1471 · Advancing Studies

The Church in Asia

ADV

In this course, students will explore the major historical and theological moments for the maturation of Christianity in Asia as part of its relationship with the West. We will construct an overview of colonialism in Asia starting with the arrival of Christianity as 15th-century Spanish ships landed on Filipino shores. With that historical overview, the course will engage in frank conversation on the work and legacies of Christian missionaries from colonialism until today. We will identify the most urgent cultural, economic, political, and ecclesial concerns within Asian contexts, and examine the contemporary churchs response. We will also look at how Christian thinkers have engaged other the great religions of East Asia. While privileging a Catholic theological lens for assessment, the course is designed to bring all students worldviews into critical and constructive conversation.