Church & Society

Course Descriptions

CS102 Church History: AD30 to AD590
CS103 Church History: AD590 to AD1517

A historical and theological survey of the developments of the Christian churches from the time of the apostles to the developments of the Christian churches during the Medieval period. Special attention to the expansion of Christianity to Asia is also given. Other topics include the beginning of the Roman Catholic system, the spread of Christianity to Africa and Europe, the establishment and the early expansion of the Church, how the Church responded to growth and met challenges, Christian piety and the rise of monasticism, the rise of the Empire and Latin Teutonic Christianity, crusades, scholasticism, and Renaissance.

CS112 Church History: AD30 to AD1500

This course is designed to be a survey of the history of Christianity from about AD 30 up to AD 1517. It covers the period called the Early Church and the Middle Ages. The growth and spread of the Church to Europe, Asia and Africa, as well as the important theological and ecclesiastical developments during this time will be examined. Important personalities that have had a great impact on Christianity will also be studied. It will examine the impact of Christianity on society and vice versa, as well as the challenges it encountered. The beginnings and the crystallisation of the Roman Catholic system, worship life and piety, monasticism, the rise of the Holy Roman Empire, the Greek Orthodox Church, the crusades, scholasticism and the Renaissance are topics included.

CS201 Church History: AD1517 to AD1648
CS202 Church History: AD1648 to Present Day

A historical and theological survey of the development of the principal events, personalities, doctrinal and physical growth of the Christian churches from the time of Reformation to the Present Day. Topics include Reformation and Counter Reformation. Special emphasis will be given to the development and characteristics of churches in the non-Western world. Attention will be given to the development of Rationalism, Revivalism, Denominationalism, Missions, Modernism, and how the Church responds to modern thought, theological developments, and movements of renewal and reform.

CS211 Church History: AD1500 to Present Time

This course is designed to be a survey of the history of Christianity from about AD 1517 to the present day. It will look at the factors that triggered the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Reformation. Principal events, influential personalities, and doctrinal development from this period to the present day will be studied. Due attention will be given to the growth of Christianity in the non-Western world and its distinct characteristics. Other topics include Revivalism, Denominationalism, Missions, Modernism and how the Church responds to modern thought, theological developments, movements of renewal and reform.

CS301 Malaysian Church History

This course seeks to explore the origin, growth, and development of the Christian Churches in Malaysia with reference to the ministry and mission of the mission bodies and the response of the local churches towards autonomy, witness and outreach and ecumenical cooperation. The broader canvas of the historical processes within and without the country that impinge on the life and work of the Malaysian Church will be examined to see how the mission bodies and their local churches responded to the socio-economic and political realities of the country.

CS401 Anglicanism

The focus of this study is on Anglicanism. It is essential that Anglican students should acquaint themselves with the heritage and distinctiveness of their denomination in preparation for ministry. One’s sense of identity and sense of belonging to the church are built upon the foundation of such understanding and appreciation. The study will cover special historical, administrative/organisational (policy and constitution), theological, and liturgical aspects of a particular denominational church in general with particular emphasis on the Malaysian church. This course briefly covers the area of the particular denominational Church history.

CS402 Lutheranism

The focus of this study is on Lutheranism. It is essential that Lutheran students should acquaint themselves with the heritage and distinctiveness of their denomination in preparation for ministry. One’s sense of identity and sense of belonging to the church are built upon the foundation of such understanding and appreciation. The study will cover special historical, administrative/organisational (policy and constitution), theological, and liturgical aspects of a particular denominational church in general with particular emphasis on the Malaysian church. This course briefly covers the area of the particular denominational Church history.

CS403 Methodism

The focus of this study is on Methodism. It is essential that Methodist students should acquaint themselves with the heritage and distinctiveness of their denomination in preparation for ministry. One’s sense of identity and sense of belonging to the church are built upon the foundation of such understanding and appreciation. The study will cover special historical, administrative/organisational (policy and constitution), theological, and liturgical aspects of a particular denominational church in general with particular emphasis on the Malaysian church. This course briefly covers the area of the particular denominational Church history.

CS404 Presbyterianism

The focus of this study is on Presbyterianism. It is essential that Presbyterian students should acquaint themselves with the heritage and distinctiveness of their denomination in preparation for ministry. One’s sense of identity and sense of belonging to the church are built upon the foundation of such understanding and appreciation. The study will cover special historical, administrative/organisational (policy and constitution), theological, and liturgical aspects of a particular denominational church in general with particular emphasis on the Malaysian church. This course briefly covers the area of the particular denominational Church history.

CS601 Ecumenics

This course provides a general survey of the ecumenical movement in the Christian Church. It includes: the biblical and theological dimensions of ecumenism; the concerns and movements for church unity and mission; the modern movement in the World Council of Churches; the Roman Catholic Church’s new role since Vatican II; and the evangelical response and reactions.

CS701 Asian Church History

This course seeks to provide an overview of the growth and struggles of churches in Asia. Topics include: the struggles of the indigenous Syrian speaking church under the Persians and Arabs; the relations of the church with the Tang Dynasty and Mongol emperors; the early Jesuit missions work and theology in China, and the return of Christianity to Asia under the protection and power of western imperialism. Students are required to study a specific region or country.

CS803 Interfaith Dialogue

This course deals with issues and problems involved in inter-religious dialogue. It includes a study of the origins and history, development, influence, and literature. The aim of the course is to introduce students to some of the important foundational documents and practises of inter-religious dialogue. Aspects of inter-religious dialogue in the modern world (with special reference to Malaysia) and factors affecting relations between the various religious communities will also be considered. The theological implications of inter-religious dialogue in the Malaysian context will be critically explored.

CS811 Religions 1

In our multi-religious society, it is important for Christians to have some understanding of what others believe so as not to offend people unnecessarily and to be able to have meaningful dialogue with them. This course introduces the dominant religious traditions and trends in our society today. It seeks to introduce the beliefs and practises of indigenous peoples in Malaysia within the framework of the various theories of the study of religions within a tribal context; the religious and social aspects of Chinese culture and society, including a survey of the origin and development of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism in China and the local religious expressions of such among the Chinese in Malaysia; and the religious and social aspects of Indian culture and society, including a survey of the basic beliefs of Hinduism, Sikhs and Buddhism and the local religious expressions of such among the Indians in Malaysia.

CS812 Religions 2

This course deals with one of the dominant religious traditions in the Malaysian context. It includes a study of its origins and history, development, influence, and literature. The aim of the course is to introduce students to some of the important foundational beliefs and practises of the Islamic faith, Qur’anic study, and the development of Islamic theology. Aspects of Islam in the modern world (with special reference to Malaysia) and factors affecting Christian-Muslim relations will also be considered.

CS911 Malaysian Studies

This course provides an introduction to some major historical, social, economic, and political features of Malaysian society. It will also include an overview of some dominant issues prevalent in contemporary Malaysian society. Social sciences such as sociology, social psychology, and anthropology may be introduced. On completion of this course, the student will have had the opportunity to gain some deeper insight into the nature and characteristics of Malaysian society that will assist him/her in developing skills and gaining wider knowledge/understanding for meaningful pastoral ministry.