Timetabling
This unit explores the scriptural bases of the doctrine of the person and work of Jesus Christ, its elaboration in Creeds and definitive formulas, and its exposition in later and contemporary theologies. The central issues treated include the understanding of salvation through Jesus Christ, the doctrine of the Incarnation and the significance of historical investigation. The unit aims to help students understand the Biblical basis of Christology, to appreciate the contexts and questions which led to its development, to be critically appreciative of some historical and contemporary Christologies, and to understand what is involved in a coherent Christology.
Description
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:
Demonstrate an awareness of the differing emphases of some of the major New Testament writers.
Elaborate an understanding of the major developments in Christology leading up to the definitions of Nicaea and Chalcedon.
Articulate the strengths and weaknesses of key ways of understanding salvation through the cross.
Formulate a critical appreciation of some historical and contemporary Christologies.
Critically discuss their own theological understanding of the person and work of Christ.
Prerequisites:
Level 2 15 points in Systematic Theology at level 1 or equivalent
Level 3 15 points in Systematic Theology at level 2 or equivalent
Teaching Methods:
3 hours of lectures and seminars per week for 12 weeks
Assessment:
Level 2
1 x 2500 word essay (50%)
1 x take home written examination (50%)
1 x 3000 word essay (50%)
1 x take home written examination (50%)
Mode of Teaching:
Semester
Bibliography:
Recommended reading
* = set texts recommended for purchase
Becker, J. Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles . Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1993.
Benedict XVI. Jesus of Nazareth . New York: Doubleday, 2007.
Boff, L. Jesus Christ, Liberator . London: SPCK, 1980.
Borg, M. J. & N. T. Wright. The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions . London: SPCK, 1999.
Fiddes, P. Past Event and Present Salvation . London: Darton Longman & Todd, 1989.
Grillmeier, A. Christ in Christian Traditions . Vol. 1. 2nd ed. London: Mowbrays, 1975.
Gunton, C. E. The Actuality of Atonement . Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1988.
Isherwood, L. Introducing Feminist Christologies . Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 2001.
Lonergan, B. The Way to Nicea. London: DLT, 1976.
Moltmann, J. The Way of Jesus Christ . London: SCM, 1990.
O'Collins, G. C. Jesus Our Redeemer . Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007.
Pannenberg, W. Jesus: God and Man . London: SCM, 1968.
Rahner, K. & W. Thuring. A New Christology . New York: Seabury, 1980.
Sanders, E. P. The Historical Figure of Jesus . London: Penguin, 1993.
Williams, R. Resurrection. London: DLT, 1982.
Wright, N. T. Jesus and the Victory of God . London: SPCK, 1996.
Unit Fields
Unit Level
