Spring semester 2018

Large cities experience dilemmas caused by segregation, cultural tensions, and high mobility. What does it mean to be a church in a city environment – in the multi-cultural and multi-religious suburbs as well as in the commercialized city centers? This course is grounded in the daily reality in which the churches live and carry out their mission, a reality that poses significant challenges for city-based churches today. The students identify and analyze such contexts, using theological and sociological theories and methods in a way which is both critical and constructive.

At the end of the course, the student is expected to (master's level):

• be able to identify and interpret the presence and manifestations of Christian communities in urban settings from different perspectives, such as socio-political, segregation analysis, gender, religious pluralism and dialogue
• display considerable insight and improved skills in using theological and sociological theories in the analysis of the life and mission of churches in an urban context
• demonstrate competence in undertaking research on churches’ relationship to urban populations and cultures
• reflect critically on community leadership in pastoral and social missions in an urban context.   

For application enquiries, please contact the Study Counselor:
marianne.kallberg@ths.se