Dr. Henry H. "Hal" Knight
Donald and Pearl Wright Professor of Wesleyan Studies
and E. Stanley Jones Professor of EvangelismAmong the three courses I am teaching this semester isContemporary Evangelical Theology. While the course consists of reading works by and about a diverse array of professional theologians, the backdrop is of course the interdenominational movement called “evangelicalism.” The term “evangelical” now has become so politicized by media analysts that there is a debate among younger American evangelicals about whether to abandon it entirely as inherently misleading. Yet the term and the movement it designates has a rich history.
What is an evangelical Christian?
Historically evangelicalism is rooted in the eighteenth-century awakenings, and its formative theologians are John Wesley and Jonathan Edwards. In the nineteenth century evangelicals on both sides of the Atlantic engaged in a wide range of social reform movements including anti-slavery, women’s rights, concern for the poor, and temperance.Globally evangelicals can be found on all continents, practicing their faith and thinking their theology in highly diverse contexts. Demographically in America evangelicals include all races and ethnicities and cut across class and generational lines. Theologically evangelicals are committed to the salvific centrality of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the inspiration and authority of scripture, the need for a transformation of heart and life, and active discipleship in both church and world.
Informed by Diverse Sources
In the course our focus is on how postmodernity in the west, global diversity, and what might be called the “pentecostalization” of non-western Christianity, shapes theological reflection. After reading overviews evangelical theology by Gary Dorrien and “postconservative” evangelical theology by Roger Olson, we look at how theologians from Wesleyan (myself) and Reformed (Kevin Vanhoozer) traditions address postmodern issues.
We read Pentecostal (Steve Land) and Charismatic (Charles Kraft) theologians, an overview of evangelical feminism by Pamela Cochran, and a collection of over a dozen essays from diverse theologians from all continents, including ethnic minority voices from North America. This certainly expands our vision of what evangelicalism is and what it might become.
Explore Saint Paul Prospective Student EventOklahoma campus, Angie Smith Chapel
Worship, attend a class, meet faculty and students
405-208-5757, www.spst.edu/campusvisit
Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.
Kansas campus, Building C/Room C041 (lower level)
Dr. Kristen Kvam will share her research.
The forum is free and open to the public.
Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.
Kansas campus, Building C/Room 041
Dr. Randy L. Maddox, William Kellon Quick Professor of Wesleyan and Methodist Studies, Duke Divinity School.
The lecture is free and open to the public.
Wednesday, May 2, 2018, at 11:00 a.m.
Kansas campus, Building C/Student Center
Oklahoma campus, Angie Smith Chapel/Hayes Room
Free event. Light refreshments will be served.
Commemorate the service of Dr. Mike Graves and Dr. Harold Washington.
The retirement celebration will include faculty remarks and an opportunity for the community to express their appreciation for each of them.
For additional information about events, www.spst.edu/events.
4370 West 109th Street SUITE 300
Overland Park, Kansas 66211, United States
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