Pre-requisites

HS802.406 Introduction to Christian History

Co-requisites

None.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

• Analyse and evaluate, either a key event, person or movement of the Reformation era.

• Discuss and evaluate the theological, religious, social and political issues that arose during the Reformation era.

• Critically compare and contrast the key theological ideas and teaching of major reformers.

• Apply lesson from history to the contemporary context or situation.

Unit Description

This unit will begin by considering: the background to reformation and the pre-reformers; the life and work of Erasmus and his relationship to Luther; Luther’s role in the reformation, developing theology and split with Rome; the work of Philip Melanchthon and his consolidating of Lutheran doctrine; the life and teaching of Zwingli, particularly his doctrine of the Lord’s Supper; the Anabaptists and their theology, and the Catholic and Lutheran opposition to them; . the life and teaching of Menno Simmons and his doctrinal differences with the magisterial reformers; the life, teaching and theology of John Calvin; Calvin’s work in Geneva, including the link between church and state; Calvin’s attitude and response to Servetus; the English Reformation and the life and work of Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell, and Thomas Cranmer; Mary Tudor’s attempt to return England to Catholicism and the movement towards Protestantism under Edward and Elizabeth; the Reformation in Scotland, role of John Knox and his relationship to Mary Queen of Scots; the Catholic Reformation; new religious orders that improved the image of the Catholic Church; the Jesuits role in restoring Catholic Europe and overseas mission; the Inquisition and the Council of Trent; and the impact of war on Europe and the resultant devastation.

Throughout the unit application will be made to contemporary church situations.

Teaching Strategies

Teaching strategies include some or all of the following: lectures and tutorials; residential and weekend schools; class discussions; presentation of instructional material in the form of printed documentation, DVD, video and audio tape and on-line interaction.

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Unit offerings

Please note

The Unit Offerings listed above are a guide only and the timetable for any year is the final authority. The College may vary offerings based on demand, regulatory requirements, continual improvement processes or other conditions.

This unit may be available in different modes of delivery i.e. online and face-to-face as listed above. The unit content will not differ between these modes of delivery. There will possibly be a difference in the schedule and/or the prescribed assessment tasks, however both will cover and assess the same content.