ETHM 530 Worship and Culture
Course Description
A study of worship as observed in biblical examples. Scriptural principles regarding worship are applied to the life of the individual and to individual responsibility in the corporate worship experience. Emphasis is on building a theological orientation for interculturality by understanding the nature of worship as the foundation for building interdependent relationships in the kingdom of God.
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.
Course Guide
View this course’s outcomes, policies, schedule, and more.*
*The information contained in our Course Guides is provided as a sample. Specific course curriculum and requirements for each course are provided by individual instructors each semester. Students should not use Course Guides to find and complete assignments, class prerequisites, or order books.
Rationale
This course is designed to establish biblical principles for worship that are eternal and universal, while recognizing the great diversity within the various world cultures that are demographic in nature. The purpose is to provide for critical contextualization in the use of indigenous music for worship, discipleship, and evangelism.
Course Assignment
Textbook readings and lecture presentations
No details available.
Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
Discussions (4)
Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each forum. Each thread must be at least 500 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. The thread must be supported by 2 scriptural citations. In addition to the thread, the student must also submit 2 replies to other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 250 words and supported with 1 scriptural citation. The student must identify the translation used for citations and adhere to Turabian format. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)
Reflection Paper Assignments (3)
Each student will complete 3 reflection papers based on the instructions provided within the course. Topics covered in these papers include: an attribute of God, the student’s understanding of God’s response to unacceptable worship, and the student’s understanding of God’s response to acceptable worship. Each reflection paper must be 900-1000 words, contain at least four scholarly or scriptural references, and comply with current Turabian format. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)
The student will visit two church services different from their regular experiences of church (different denomination, different style, maybe different people group, etc.), and evaluate each of the elements listed in the “Worship Abroad Handbook” provided with permission from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship.
The student will fill out the Worship Abroad Handbook form for both services, and once at his/her own church. In current Turabian format, the student will then write a 500–800 word reflection paper about his/her thoughts, feelings, and observations having taken part in these church visits. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)
Final Project Assignment
Each student will write a position paper on how he/she might use the course materials in teaching principles that are eternal and universal, biblically based, and provide for the use of music in worship, discipleship, and evangelism. This paper consists of 2 parts, each requiring 900-1,000 words, for a total of 1,800-2,000 words.
In Part 1, the student must define and describe examples of false and true worship, as shown in scripture, and the implications of each for followers of Jesus. In Part 2, the student will define contextualization, showcasing an understanding of the assigned Learn items. The student will develop a case in support of contextualization as a means of using indigenous arts in worship, discipleship, and evangelism. This paper must be in current Turabian format and substantiated with at least four sources using only the Bible, assigned course readings, and presentations from this course. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)

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