Timetabling
This unit explores the distinctively Christian view of human existence. The topics treated will include: Christian understandings of human personhood; Creation, original sin; justification, sanctification and grace; the relationship of human freedom to sin and grace; nature and grace. The unit aims to help students appreciate how the biblical and theological traditions up to recent times have attempted to understand the human condition in the light of the central doctrines of creation, sin and grace.
Description
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:
appreciate the biblical and theological traditions about the human condition in the light of the central Christian doctrines of sin and grace
understand contemporary theologies on sin and grace
recognise recent contributions of liberation and feminist theologies on the human condition.
Prerequisites:
30 points of Foundational study in Theology and Church History
Teaching Methods:
There are six fortnightly sessions. Each consists of guided reading from the set texts, additional reading resources and some notes, together with an online tutorial. Students will be expected to contribute to the discussions in each session.
Contact Hours:
The equivalent of 36 hours.
Assessment:
2 x 3000 word essays (50% each)
Bibliography:
* = set texts recommended for purchase
Barth, K. Church Dogmatics . Ed. G.W. Bromily and T.F. Torrance. Vol.IV/I, sections 58, 60, 61, and Vol.IV/2, sections 65 and 66. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1956 and 1958.
Boff, L. Liberating Grace . Maryknoll: Orbis, 1979.
Borresen, K. E. (ed.) Image of God and Gender Models . Oslo: Solum Forlag, 1991.
Carr, A. Transforming Grace . San Francisco: Harper and Row, 1988.
Duffy, S.J. The Dynamics of Grace . Minnesota: Glazier, Liturgical Press, 1993.
Hill, E. Being Human . London: Chapman, 1984.
Luther, M. "On the Bondage of the Will", in Library of Christian Classics , Vol. XVII, Luther and Erasmus: Free Will and Salvation, eds. E.G. Rupp and P.S. Watson. London: SCM Press, 1969.
Teilhard de Chardin, P. Christianity and Evolution . London: Collins, 1971.
Tillich, P. Systematic Theology , Vol. 2. Chicago: Chicago University Press, 1957.
Trent, Council of, "Decree on Original Sin" and "Decree on Justification". (English translation in The Christian Faith . 7th ed. Edited by J. Neuner and J. Dupuis. New York: St Pauls/Alba House, 2001).
Unit Fields
Unit Level
