Pre-requisites

None.

Co-requisites

None.

Learning Outcomes

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

• Demonstrate sound foundational understanding of key theological concepts

• Describe and locate key events in the historical development of Christian theology

• Identify the various sources and methods of theology and describe their key interrelationships and some implications (especially of Scripture) for other fields of study

• Critically examine and discuss the biblical teaching on the nature and attributes of God with reference to their implications for other areas of human endeavour

• explore how the doctrine of the Trinity has implications for Christian worship, life, work and witness

• Present written and verbal theological argument and analysis with clarity and precision.

Unit Content

The unit commences with an overview of the history and development of Christian theology.

The sources and methods of theology are examined and the following topics will be addressed: the nature of theology, the nature of faith, the nature and interrelationships of the sources of theology - revelation, natural theology, Scripture, reason, tradition, religious experience. The nature of the authority of these sources, especially Scripture, for other human endeavours will be discussed.

The examination of the doctrine of God will include exploration of: the idea of a personal God, God and gender, God and suffering, the omnipotence of God, God in contemporary theological thought, God as Creator.

A brief overview of the person and work of Christ and person and work of the Holy Spirit will lead into a fuller discussion of the doctrine of the Trinity. This will include examination of the biblical foundations, historical development, heresies and controversies. Contemporary formulations of the doctrine will be described and students will be asked to consider this doctrine and others related to it in regard to Christian worship, living and witness, and with particular reference to their own vocation.

Teaching Strategies

Teaching strategies will typically include lectures, tutorials, and presentation of instructional material in the form of printed documentation, OHP and on-line interaction. Students also learn by class discussion, personal study, preparation of assignments and assessment comments on their work.

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Unit offerings

Weekly, Face to face: Semester 2, 2013; Semester 2, 2014; Semester 2, 2015, and Semester 2, 2016

Please note

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.