98986 - Global Christianity in the Modern and Contemporary Age (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, students understand the historical-critical methods and socio-anthropological contributions to analyze texts of the history of global Christendom in the Contemporary Age. They critically evaluate the socio-cultural matrix of the main religious traditions and history of at least one of the great world religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism) and of contemporary religions. They are able to critically examine materials, bibliographic and documentary sources of different types, in order to conduct historical-religious investigations. They focus attention on the socio-political implications of the interaction among groups in complex societies, such as those of the contemporary world aand apply research methods to address issues relevant to the discipline. They explain and communicate the contents learned and formulate valid judgments in the historical field and are able to give form to the results of their own research in the field of Contemporary Christianity, documenting accurately the information on which they base their conclusions and giving an account of the methodologies of investigation used. They know how to apply the tools of communication and digital data in the editorial and publishing field.

Course contents

With this course, students acquire a thorough knowledge of the major stages in the evolution of Christianity from the mid-twentieth century to the present by reading its most characteristic dynamics within the globalization phenomenon of recent history. They are aware of the impact of the globalization processes of contemporary history on Christianity considered in its different dimensions (institutional, doctrinal, practical), as well as the contribution and/or reactions of Christianity itself to these more general global processes.

The course will retrace the salient stages in the evolution of the main Christian confessional families from the second half of the twentieth century to the present, paying particular attention to the ways in which Christianity and its main institutions have adapted to the changes induced by the changing global scenario, the variations in the distribution of Christians on a planetary level, in other words, by the transformation of Christianity from a “European” religion to a series of World Christianities.

During the course, particular subjects of study will be primarily:

- the periodizing role of the Second Vatican Council;

- the dynamics induced by the “explosion” of ecumenism, to be understood both as a tension towards unity among Christian churches and as a movement with European origins but with global impact and developments;

- the growing diffusion, especially in the so-called Global South, of a Pentecostal, charismatic and evangelical Christianity;

- Global Orthodoxy in light of the recent geopolitical deflagration in the Orthodox world.

Readings/Bibliography

Syllabus for attending students (students who attend at least 75% of the lessons are considered to be attending)

Attending students shall study:

> Chapters 5-8 of the volume: Storia del cristianesimo, vol. IV, L’età contemporanea (secoli XIX-XXI), a cura di G. Vian, Carocci editori, Frecce, Roma 2015, pp. 245-455

> One text chosen from:

- J. Ernesti, Breve storia dell’ecumenismo. Dal cristianesimo diviso alle Chiese in dialogo, EDB, Bologna 2010

- F. Ferrario, P. Gajewski, Il protestantesimo contemporaneo. Storia e attualità, Carocci, Quality Paperbacks, Roma 2007

- L’Ortodossia nella nuova Europa. Dinamiche storiche e prospettive, a cura di A. Pacini, Edizioni della Fondazione Giovanni Agnelli, Torino 2003 (fino a p. 319)

- E. Pace, A. Butticci, Le religioni pentecostali, Carocci, Quality Paperbacks, Roma 2010, 140 pp.

> two essays chosen from the first and/or second volume of L’unità dei cristiani. Storia di un desiderio XIX-XXI secolo, diretta da A. Melloni, a cura di L. Ferracci, Il Mulino, I vol., Bologna 2021, II vol., Bologna 2023 (also available in English edition, Brill, Leiden 2021 e 2023)

Non-attending students shall also study two articles published in the monographic section Una Global Christianity, ed. by G. Vian, «Rivista di storia del cristianesimo», vol. 13 (2016)/2, or two other articles or volume contributions to be agreed with the professor

Teaching methods

Frontal and seminar lectures, also with spaces dedicated to discussion with some specialists of the topics covered in particular depth. Attendance is not necessary, but it will be helpful in assimilating the contents that will later be the subject of examination and it is presupposed (in the calculation of CFUs).

Assessment methods

The examination will take place in an oral mode at the end of the course. Specific knowledge of the history of Christianity for the period under consideration, mastery of specific vocabulary, and the ability to discuss and deepen the topics addressed will be assessed.

Assessment scale

Excellent, i.e. 30 and 30L: the attainment of an organic vision of the issues presented during the lessons and their critical use that demonstrates a mastery of content and technical vocabulary.

Average, i.e. 25-29: Mnemonic knowledge and only partially accurate use of technical vocabulary.

Sufficient, i.e. 18-24: Minimal knowledge of the issues (dates and names), without serious errors.

Insufficient: absence of minimum requirements of “sufficient” assessment.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Scatena