Associated Canadian Theological Schools

Associated Canadian Theological Schools of Trinity Western University

HIS 745: Christianity and Canadian Culture

Professor: Bruce L. Guenther, Ph.D. E-mail: [email protected] Fall Term 2017, 3 credit hours Phone: (604) 513-2133 October 23-26, 2017; 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Office Hours: Drop-in or by appointment

DESCRIPTION

Canada’s reputation as a secularized, multicultural “post-Christian” society often obscures the fact that the history of this country has been inextricably bound up with the activity and expansion of its churches. Unclear also for many are the features that differentiate the story of Christianity in Canada and its neighbour to the south. This course traces the unique story of Christianity in Canada, and its impact on Canadian culture from the beginnings of European settlement through to the present. In order to understand the relationship between Christianity and Canadian culture, the course explores both Christianity’s historical role in forging the nation, and the way in which major political events and significant cultural and social changes have, in turn, given shape to the various expressions of Christianity in Canada. The course will emphasize particularly those developments within Christianity that have been of particular relevance to the political, economic, cultural and social life of various regions and of the country.

Relevance for ministry: Vital for ministry within any region or country is an understanding of local history and culture. An understanding of the unique relationship between various denominations and the Canadian experience serves as a springboard for reflection and discussions about the prospects of ministry in Canada in the twenty-first century. Identifying the models of ministry used by Christians in the past, together with an analysis of both their successes and failures and the ongoing legacy of influence of these models, lays the foundation for strategic, creative and contextual responses to a rapidly changing, increasingly pluralistic, postmodern Canadian culture.

Method: The course will be taught by using lectures, media and groups discussions augmented by readings from textbooks and primary source documents. While the textbooks will provide a chronological survey of persons, events and movements important during this period, the lectures and discussion of readings will permit a more detailed examination of select topics.

OBJECTIVES

The course will help students:

* identify and critically evaluate both the unique influences that have shaped the development of Christianity in Canada and the role of churches in influencing and shaping the culture of Canada. * understand how the complex interplay of spiritual, intellectual, moral, cultural and economic forces have shaped the various expressions of Christianity in Canada.

* gain a greater sensitivity to, and appreciation for, the historical context of religion in modern Canada, and for the similarities and differences between Christianity in Canada and in the United States and other parts of the world.

* understand change and continuity within Canadian religion by exploring subjects such as the causes of growth and decline within various Christian denominations, changes within the more established denominations, and the impact of new denominations and religions.

* become knowledgeable about the state of contemporary research in Canadian Christianity, and historically informed and sensitive interpreters of past and contemporary religious and social issues in Canada.

* become skilled readers of historical literature who are able to identify and evaluate different historiographical perspectives, and who are able to think historically, developing skills of historical interpretation through, careful, contextual readings of documents and events.

* obtain a deeper interest in, and appreciation for, those who have given of themselves to help the church in Canada, as well as stimulate a passion and a commitment to ministry and outreach in Canada.

* identify and respond to some of the contemporary issues and cultural challenges facing evangelical Protestant churches in Canada.

* utilize an understanding of the historical development of Canadian Christianity and cultural analysis as a basis and inspiration for personal and congregational renewal.

TEXTBOOKS

Required

Choquette, Robert. Canada’s Religions: An Historical Introduction. Ottawa: University of Ottawa Press, 2004.

Rawlyk, George A., ed. The Canadian Protestant Experience, 1760-1990. Montreal: McGill- Queens University Press, 1990.

One book of your choice from the list included as part of the monograph review assignment.

ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING

* Note: Evaluation of student performance in this course intentionally does not include knowledge-based exams. Instead, projects have been designed that will help participants build a solid base of historical knowledge as well as develop analytical, applicational and integrative skills.

1. Reading Reports and Class Participation The reading responses for the course are comprised of several components and will be submitted in several stages. Please give careful attention to the following details.

(a) Text-book Response (15% of final grade): DUE DATE: October 22, 2017 Read the two required textbooks and write a short (no more than two pages single-spaced) report in which you itemize in an organized way some of your observations about the two books. Do NOT attempt to summarize the content, but concentrate instead on answering questions that reflect your capacity to identify and consider implications, e.g., What did you find interesting, memorable, entertaining, instructive? Why? What surprised you most? With what did you agree or disagree? Why? How did the book affect you? How have your opinions about various topics changed? Feel free to address additional questions that you think are pertinent.

(b) Reflective Journal and class participation (10% of final grade): DUE DATE: October 27, 2017 Some additional preparatory readings will be assigned each day to augment lectures, and to form the basis for class discussions. Students will be expected to come to class having completed these readings. The mark for this assignment will consider evidence that readings have been done through the submission of a short, reflective reading journal, patterns of attendance, regular attempts to be involved through contributions to discussions and the raising of questions, the quality of contributions (i.e., indications of careful reading, thought, insight and interest in issues). The entries in the daily reflective journal should be short (no more than one page single- spaced per day) – use no more than a sentence or two to describe a reading, and focus instead on identifying new insights, implications, critique, etc.

3. Statistical Research Mini-Conference Presentation (20% of final grade): DUE DATE: October 26, 2017

The statistical data on religion in Canada has increased significantly in the past two decades. Such data, especially when interpreted within a particular cultural context, adds to our understanding of religion in Canada. This assignment will help you get acquainted with some of this statistical data, and give you an opportunity to explore it in some depth. Using the list of sources for statistics on religion in Canada included below as a starting point, pick a question or topic that is pertinent to the relationship between Christianity and Canadian culture, but that is focussed narrowly enough to be examined in some detail in a short project.

Prepare a short – no longer than 15 minutes – in-class presentation that features your subject. It should include (a) a brief description of the subject and its supporting data, (b) your critical analysis of the subject and supporting data, and (c) some reflection on the implications of the data for a particular group of Christians in Canada (e.g., your denomination, Chinese Christians, Catholics living outside of Quebec, millennials, etc.). Be sure to bring a one-page outline of your presentation as a hand-out for your fellow students. Try also to be as creative in your presentation as possible.

The manuscript, or detailed presentation notes, will be handed in to the professor after the presentation. Presentations will be graded both by the members of your group, as well as by the professor.

Selected Sources for Statistical Research on Religion in Canada

1. Statistics Canada (a useful, but complicated site). The following are examples: Guide to Sources of Data on Religion Religions in Canada: 2001 Census Highlight Tables National Household Survey 2011: Data Tables

2. Centre for Research on Canadian Evangelicalism (an exceedingly useful source)

3. Angus Reid, a non-profit foundation involved in research - see e.g., http://angusreid.org/faith-in-canada, http://angusreid.org/religious-trends-2017, or http://angusreid.org/religion-in-canada-150/

4. Outreach Canada Ministries (see Resources link)

5. Pew Research Center - see e.g., http://www.pewforum.org/2013/06/27/canadas-changing-religious-landscape

6. Browse the work of Canadian sociologists of religion such as Reginald W. Bibby, Sam Reimer, Kurt Bowen, Michael Wilkinson, Peter Beyer and others. If they cite secondary sources try to find the studies on which the book or article is based.

7. www.adherents.com - a unique compilation of statistical sources. It’s probably best to start by using the Religion by Location Index

3. Monograph Review (15% of final grade): DUE DATE: November 22, 2017 Write a thoughtful and evaluative book review (approx. 1000 words) featuring one of the following books. A part of the review should provide a clear, succinct summary of the main argument(s) or theme(s) of the book. A greater portion of the review should critically evaluate and assess the key issues presented – try to connect the insights of the monograph to the larger themes provided in the textbooks. A short, concluding section of the review should offer some reflection on how an understanding of the argument or themes in the book might be relevant for the life of your church or denomination (e.g., what does one learn about engaging Canadian society? What, if any, implications are there for mission in Canada?). Students will not be expected to be experts on the subject of the selected book, but will be evaluated on the basis of their thoughtful comments and insights. Probing questions are an acceptable part of evaluation.

Airhart, Phyllis D. A Church with the Soul of a Nation: Making & Remaking the United Church of Canada. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2014.

Banack, Clark. God’s Province: Evangelical Christianity, Political Thought, and Conservatism in Alberta. Montreal: McGill-Queens University Press, 2016.

Bowen, Kurt. Christians in a Secular World: The Canadian Experience. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2005.

Burkinshaw, Robert, Pilgrims in Lotus Land: Conservative Protestantism in British Columbia, 1917-1981. Montreal: McGill-Queens University Press, 1995.

Christie, Nancy and Michael Gauvreau. A Full-Orbed Christianity: The Protestant Churches and Social Welfare in Canada, 1900-1940. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1996. Crouse, Eric. Revival in the City: The Impact of American Evangelists in Canada, 1884-1914. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2005.

Cook, Ramsay. The Regenerators: Social Criticism in Late Victorian English Canada. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1985.

Gauvreau, Michael. The Evangelical Century: College and Creed in English Canada from the Great Revival to the Great Depression. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1991.

Gauvreau, Michael. Catholic Origins of Quebec’s Quiet Revolution, 1931-1970. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2006.

Grant, John Webster. Moon of Wintertime: Missionaries and the Indians of Canada in Encounter Since 1534. Toronto: University of Toronto, 1984.

Marshall, David B. Secularizing the Faith: Canadian Protestant Clergy and the Crisis of Belief, 1850-1940. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1992.

Miedema, Gary. For Canada’s Sake: Public Religion, Centennial Celebrations, and the Re- making of Canada in the 1960s. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2005.

Neylan, Susan. “The Heavens are Changing”: Nineteenth-Century Protestant Missions and Tsimshian Christianity. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2002.

Kee, Kevin. Revivalists: Marketing the Gospel in English Canada, 1884-1957. Montreal: McGill- Queen’s University Press, 2006.

Reimer, Sam and Michael Wilkinson. A Culture of Faith: Evangelical Congregations in Canada. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2015.

Reimer, Sam. Evangelicals and the Continental Divide: The Conservative Protestant Subculture in Canada and the United States. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2003.

Thiessen, Joel. The Meaning of Sunday: The Practice of Belief in a Secular Age. Montreal: McGill- Queen’s University Press, 2015.

Westfall, William. Two Worlds: The Protestant Culture of Nineteenth-Century Ontario. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1989.

4. Research Essay (40% of final grade): DUE DATE: December 12, 2017 Write a research essay of approximately 2,500-3,000 words on a subject pertinent to the history and influence of Christianity in Canada. Each essay must have a title page, followed by a page containing an outline along with a 1-2 sentence thesis statement – essays without such a page will not be accepted for grading.

The essay may feature an individual, institution, movement, document, religious practice or issue, but the subject should be concise enough to be investigated in some detail. In addition to key secondary sources try also to use primary sources in your analysis. Your aim in the essay must be to analyze and explain the historical development and significance of your subject. Carefully avoid conducting a theological critique or merely describing a sequence of historical events! Every section of the essay needs to relate to the central argument.

This assignment represents a significant proportion of the final grade indicating the level of research and general quality expected. Begin work on this project as soon as possible by selecting a topic and assembling resources. It is generally a good idea to discuss your essay topic in advance with either the professor or teaching assistant. Students may wish to obtain a preliminary assessment of their ideas by submitting a one-page outline along with a proposed thesis statement.

Please Note: An essay grading rubric, which outlines the specific criteria used for evaluating research essays, will be posted on the course Moodle site. The grade for this assignment will be based on the following criteria:

(1) Clarity and Force of Argument (plausible thesis, sound logic, evidence supports thesis, etc.) (2) Quality of Research (depth and breadth, evidence of discerning analysis, etc.) (3) Organization (effectively organized, sections support main thesis, smooth transitions, etc.) (4) Writing style (eloquent, proper grammar, format, etc.)

Students who are unfamiliar with writing research essays in history should consult Heath, Doing Church History (2008), or introductory guides such as Anthony Brundage, Going to the Sources: A Guide to Historical Research and Writing, 3rd ed. (Wheeling, IL: Harlan Davidson, 2002); Mary Lynn Rampollo, A Pocket Guide to Writing History, 5th ed. (Boston: Bedford Books, 2006); or William Kelleher, and Helen Towser Jones, Writing History: A Guide for Canadian Students, 2nd ed. (Oxford University Press, 2007). Some of the following websites might also prove useful: Boston University Guide: http://www.bu.edu/history/files/2011/01/writing_guide.pdf Suggestions on Essay Writing: http://www.westmont.edu/~work/material/writing.html History Commandments: http://personal2.stthomas.edu/gwschlabach/courses/10commnd.htm For suggestions on how to improve one’s writing style consult works such as Strunk and White’s famous The Elements of Style, Joanne Buckley, Fit to Print, or Steward and Smelstor, Writing in the Social Sciences.

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES and POLICIES

1. Assignment Format All written work must be type-written, double-spaced and submitted on clear print on white paper. Font size of the body of the paper must not be less than 11 pt. Page-bottom footnotes are preferred (but not mandatory). Bibliographies with complete citations must be attached at the end of each paper. The style guide of choice at ACTS Seminaries is Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses and Dissertations, 8th ed. Grades will be reduced if the Turabian style format is not used (take special care with bibliographies and footnotes). Students may find the following website helpful: http://www.press.uchicago.edu/books/turabian/turabian_citationguide.html

E-file Assignment Submission Assignments may be submitted electronically either directly to the professor or uploaded to the Moodle site. When submitting assignments in electronic form, please be sure to include your last name and the assignment in the file name (e.g., Guenther - Research Essay.docx). Inclusive Language Develop the habit of using inclusive language. Failure to do so in writing or in public speaking is considered offensive in North America, and it is impossible to publish material without using inclusive language. It is therefore a useful habit to develop during graduate studies.

Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty Students are expected to be familiar with the ACTS Seminaries policy concerning plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Plagiarism will be treated as a serious offense and will result in the failure of the specific assignment and possibly also in a failing grade in the course. Every instance of plagiarism without exception (even minimal plagiarism) will be reported both to the registrar and the Academic Success Committee of ACTS Seminaries, and will result in a letter included in your permanent student record. Further details about this subject can be found in the ACTS Seminaries Student Handbook.

Assistance of Tutors Students who use the the assistance of tutors must indicate that they have done so, must describe the nature of the assistance, and must include full contact information of the tutor. Failure to disclose the assistance of a tutor will result in the rejection of assignment, and may also result in having the assignment categorized as plagiarism. Students will be exempt from this disclosure requirement if they use the TWU Writing Centre.

MEANING OF LETTER GRADES

Grade Letter Grade Definition Point A+ 4.30 Outstanding A 4.00 Excellent A- 3.70 B+ Proficient 3.30 B Good 3.00 B- Average 2.70 C+ Adequate 2.30 C Acceptable 2.00 C- Marginal 1.70 F Inadequate 0.00 His 745: Christianity and Canadian Culture ... Page 8

CLASS LECTURE and READING SCHEDULE (Not yet complete) To facilitate easy access, as many as possible of the daily readings identified below will be available on the course Moodle site, or through links to documents available on the internet.

Monday, October 23 - First Things

Monday, October 23 - Natives and Newcomers

Tuesday, October 24 - Colonial Christianity and the French Regime

Tuesday, October 24 - The Establishment Principle and Revivalism in the British Era

Wednesday, October 25 - “His Dominion”: Designing a Christian Nation

Wednesday, October 25 - Developments within Canadian Catholicism

Thursday, October 26 - New Expressions of Protestantism

Thursday, October 26 - What Happened to Christian Canada? Secularization, Religious Freedom and Modern Canada

Friday, October 26 - Contemporary Evangelical Protestantism

Friday, October 26 - Current Trends and Challenges