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Objectives: The purpose of this course is to provide a brief overview of Brethren history, polity, and
theology from its roots in the early 18th century German States to the present day. Class members are expected
to meet the following criteria to successfully complete the course:
- Be able to briefly trace the development of the Church of the Brethren from its origin to the present day.
- Understand several of the religious and social-economic factors that helped shape the Brethren.
- Be able to identify, discuss, and participate/lead in the ordinances of the Church of the Brethren.
- Understand how Brethren heritage affects the contribution and mission of the church today.
TEXTS: Required texts for the course include (click on the book picture and you will go to Brethren
Press)
EFSM / TRIM Participants: You will be required to submit a 10-12 page paper in academic style (well written,
double spaced, footnotes or endnotes, bibliography) by June 4, without exception. Get your topic pre-approved.
Topics such as the following would be acceptable: complementary elements of Anabaptism and Piety in early Brethren
history, interrelationships between the Brethren, Friends and Mennonites, the Sauer Family in the American Revolution,
a famous Brethren leader and their ministry, the Ephrata movement, schisms of the 1880s or 1918, any of the Brethren
foreign missions, the impact of the Social Gospel on the Brethren, issues and possible solutions in the PSWD, or
Brethren evangelism in the 21st century.
Schedule:
| Friday, March 27 6pm-9pm |
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I.
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Background of the Brethren |
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16th Century political, economic, and religious issues
preparation: Pp. 1-70 Fruit of the Vine |
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II.
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Ordinance of Baptism |
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Discussion/Demonstration
preparation: Pp. 73-82 Texts in Transit II |
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III.
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Video: By Water and the Word |
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preparation: Pp. 93-102 Texts in Transit II |
| Saturday, March 28 9pm-4pm |
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IV.
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Brethren in a New World |
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Migration, Expansion, and Evangelism
preparation: Pp. 71-102, and Pp.191-218 Fruit of the Vine |
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V.
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Early Worship and Polity of the Brethren |
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Discipline, Ordinances, Dress, and Music
preparation: Pp. 103-125 Fruit of the Vine;
preparation: Pp. 43-49, Pp. 139-147 and Pp. 209-216 Texts in Transit II |
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VI.
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Colonial Revolution through the Civil War |
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Brethren response to Revolutionary and Civil War
preparation: Pp. 143-163 and Pp. 265-290 Fruit of the Vine;
preparation: Pp. 15-21, Pp. 23-32, and Pp. 53-62 Texts in Transit II |
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VII.
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Ordinance of Love Feast |
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Washing feet, Love Feast, Holy Kiss, Communion
Discussion/Demonstration
preparation: Pp. 103-112, Pp. 113-122, and Pp. 149-157 Texts in Transit II |
| Friday, May 7 6pm-9pm |
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VIII.
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Divisions in the Church of the Brethren |
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Old German Baptist Brethren, Brethren, Church of the Brethren, Dunkard Brethren, Grace Brethren
Simulation/Discussion
preparation: Pp. 290-315 Fruit of the Vine;
preparation: Pp. 5-14, Pp., 33-42 and Pp.169-178 Texts in Transit II |
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IX.
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Increased Prosperity, Missions, and Social Ministries |
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Modernism, Foreign Missions, Outreach of the Church
preparation: Pp. 317-412 Fruit of the Vine;
preparation: Pp. 63-72 and Pp. 217-225 Texts in Transit II |
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X.
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Video: Journey in Jesus' Way: All War is Sin |
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preparation: Pp. 413-436, Pp. 459-476 and 477-496 Fruit of the Vine |
| Saturday, May 8 9am-4pm |
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XI.
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Church of the Brethren Structure and Polity |
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Church structure, organizations, and polity
preparation: Pp. 497-529 Fruit of the Vine;
preparation: Pp. 199-208 Texts in Transit II |
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XII.
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The Post-Modern Church |
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preparation: Pp. 531-593 Fruit of the Vine;
preparation: Pp. 189-198 Texts in Transit II |
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XIII.
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History and Mission in the Pacific Southwest District |
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Settlement on the Pacific Slope, Structure, Current Issues
preparation: Bring a PSWD Directory! |
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XIV.
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Video: Journey in Jesus' Way: Anointing for Healing |
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Discussion/Demonstration
preparation: Pp. 227-235 Texts in Transit II |
Related reading:
- Carl F. Bowman, Brethren Society,
Johns Hopkins, 1995. A must read in terms of interrelating Brethren history and sociology.
- Church of the Brethren Manual of Organization
and Polity. Brethren, 2001. Basic Resource on congregational, district, and denominational polity.
- Donald F. Durnbaugh, ed, The Brethren Encyclopedia,
3 vols. (Upcoming supplement). Brethren Encyclopedia, Inc., 1983-84. A treasure chest of historical accounts and
information.
- James Lehman, The Old Brethren,1976.
Accounts of the pioneer Brethren in the 19th century.
- William Eberly, ed, The complete Writings
of Alexander Mack. Brethren, 1991. Fascinating reading.
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-- last updated 5/11/2004
