TI002E  HISTORICAL SHIFTS IN MISSION (A.Y. 2026/2027)

Objectives : The course explores the historical journey of the missionary Church through a theological reading of historiography, grounded in the missio Dei , highlighting decisive turning points in evangelization that have reshaped missionary meaning and practice, particularly in the light of Vatican II and the modern era.

Learning outcomes : By the end of the course, students will be able to: (1) critically reinterpret mission not only as a set of theological ideas but as historically embodied within concrete cultural and ecclesial contexts; and (2) interpret mission history as a living witness manifested in missionary figures, practices, and experiences.

Contents : The course examines key breakthroughs in evangelization in the modern era through three integrated stages: (1) the analysis of selected emblematic cases of evangelization; (2) the identification of missiological turning points, with particular attention to creative paradigms and the hermeneutics of continuity and discontinuity; and (3) the evaluation of their significance for the missionary reform of the Church in the present historical context. Mission history is studied from a missiological perspective in dialogue with historical methods, without adherence to a single historiographical framework.

Methodology : In addition to the presentation of core themes, the course includes structured moments for critical questioning and shared reflection, fostering intercultural dialogue.

Means of evaluation : At the end of the course, students will be required to write a paper.

Information

  • Semester: 2° Semestre
  • ECTS: 3

Teachers

Andrew RECEPCION
Andrew RECEPCION

Lesson schedule/Room

Lessons schedule not available

Bibliography

  • Koschorke , K. – Frieder , L. – Delgado , M., ed., A History of Christianity in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, 1450–1990: A Documentary Sourcebook , Eerdmans, Cambridge 2007; Schurhammer , G., Francis Xavier: His Life, His Times , vol. II–IV, Jesuit Historical Institute, Rome 1977; Bihlmeyer K. – Tuechle , H., Storia della Chiesa . Vol. 4 L’epoca moderna , Morcelliana, Brescia 2007; Baker , D.P. , «The Use of History: Aspects of the Role of History in Missiology», in International Journal of Frontier Missiology 33/1 (2016) 33–40.