God & Caesar: The Ancient & Modern Clash
With Dr. James Wallace and Tim Castner
Winter/Spring 2011
Religion and politics have clashed throughout history in divergent societies, in wars, in policymaking, and in constitutional debates. God & Caesar will examine the core issues and questions arising from this “ancient modern clash”. The course will be firmly rooted in the Bible and Christian theology, but it will also draw from history, political science, and international relations in an effort to provide students with a broad understanding of the issues. The ultimate goal of the course is to help students develop biblical and practical tools for understanding the complexities of these two great hubs of power.
Week 1: Render unto Caesar: Introduction and an Old Testament Perspective (Part I)
Week 2: Render unto Caesar: An Old Testament Perspective (Part 2)
Week 2 Slides
Week 2 Handout
Week 2 Supplemental Charts
Week 3: Render unto Caesar: A New Testament Perspective - The Gospels
Week 4: Render unto Caesar: A New Testament Perspective - Paul and the Epistles
Week 5: Religion in America (Part 1): From John Winthrop to James Madison
Week 6: Religion in America (Part 2): The Massachusetts Exception
Week 7: Religion in America (Part 3): From Civil Religion to Prophetic Critique
Week 8: Religion in America (Part 4): The Supreme Court Wrestles with Religion
Panel Discussion: God & Caesar in Today's Globalized World (Part 1)
Panel Discussion: God & Caesar in Today's Globalized World (Part 2)
Week 9: State Religion, Separation, and Secularism: Varieties of Church-State Accomodation (Pt 1)
Week 10: State Religion, Separation, and Secularism: Varieties of Church-State Accomodation (Pt 2)
Week 11: International Relations and Religion: The New Challenge since 9/11 (Part 1)
Week 12: International Relations and Religion: The New Challenge since 9/11 (Part 2)
Week 12 Slides
Week 12 Handout
Week 12 Supplemental Handout
Week 13: The Crucible of the Middle East: The Enduring Struggle of the Sons of Abraham (Part 1)
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