CH 321 Course at a Glance (2026)
Church in the Modern Age
Lectures By: Drs. Todd Rester and Peter Lillback
4 Credits
Course Description
This course explores paradigmatic shifts in expressions of Christian faith and witness that have occurred since the Westminster Assembly. Together we will situate key texts and figures—both the familiar and more obscure—in Puritanism, Enlightenment, the Great Awakenings, early American Presbyterianism, Vatican Councils, Old Princeton, German higher criticism, and the modern missionary movement in settings of mass migration, political, economic, and cultural upheaval. We’ll look for theological frameworks behind these movements and practice historically nuanced theological retrieval and critique. Throughout, you will be equipped to translate the insights you gain for the edification of people in your congregation.
Books to Purchase
The books listed below are required readings which students should acquire by the start of the term. Additional required readings will be listed in the course syllabus and available electronically in Canvas.
Estimated Workload
The estimated workload is still being calculated for this course. This will be made available shortly.
| Lectures | Readings | Assignments |
| ~2-3 | ~100-200 | ~2-3 |
| Hours Per Week | Pages Per Week | Hours Per Week |
Course Assignments
The assignments listed below are provided for general guidance for students to reference as they plan and register. Please reach out to support@wts.edu if you have any questions.
- Live Class Meetings (4 - 1 Hr Long Class Meetings)
- Knowledge Checks (3 - 20 questions/1 Hr - Exams)
- Church Newsletters (4 - 1-2 page church newsletter articles)
- CH 321 Research Paper (10-12 Pages, with 3 check-points for the development of the paper throughout the term)
Synchronous Meeting Times
The Following Meeting Times are for the Spring 2026 Term:
- Live Class Meeting 1: Thursday, February 19, 7:30-8:30 PM ET
- Live Class Meeting 2: Thursday, March 5, 7:30-8:30 PM ET
- Live Class Meeting 3: Thursday, April 9, 7:30-8:30 PM ET
- Live Class Meeting 4: Thursday, April 23, 7:30-8:30 PM ET