Timetabling
Semester:
Second Semester
This unit starts from the centrality of the doctrine of the Trinity in the Christian faith. It moves from the study of New Testament materials to look at formative patristic developments. In addition, it examines directions taken in Trinitarian thought following its resurgence in the twentieth century, including the claims of some theologians that only a Trinitarian theology can respond adequately to modern atheism.
Description
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:
Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the centrality of the doctrine of the Trinity and its theological development from its Christological foundations.
Appraise the modern challenges to belief in God and the resurgence of trinitarian theology in the 20th century.
Articulate differences in understanding the Trinity between the Eastern and Western churches.
Demonstrate an understanding of trinitarian accounts of creation, the theology of the cross and the problem of suffering.
Critically evaluate a range of 20th century theologies of the Trinity, including social and feminist accounts.
Prerequisites:
30 points of Foundational study in Theology and Church History
Teaching Methods:
There are six fortnightly sessions covering the Triune God. Each session 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 3 hours per week for 12 weeks
Assessment:
Participation in each of the six online tutorials (10%)
2 x 3000 word essays (45% each)
Bibliography:
* = set texts recommended for purchase
Barth, K. Church Dogmatics . Vol. I/1. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1975.
Gunton, C. E. The Promise of Trinitarian Theology . Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1991.
Heron, A. The Holy Spirit . Philadelphia: Westminster, 1983.
Hunt, A. Trinity: Nexus of the Mysteries of Christian Faith . New York: Orbis, 2006.
Jenson, R. W. Systematic Theology . Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1997.
Johnson, E. A. She Who Is . New York: Crossroad, 1994.
Kasper, W. The God of Jesus Christ . London: SCM, 1984.
Kelly, A. The Trinity of Love . Wilmington, Rel: M. Galzier, 1989.
Lacugna, C. M. God For Us . San Francisco: Harper Collins, 1991.
Mackey, J. P. The Christian Experience of God as Trinity . London: SCM, 1983.
Moltmann, J. The Trinity and the Kingdom of God . London: SCM, 1981.
O’Collins, G. The Tripersonal God . New York: Paulist, 1999.
Pannenberg, W. Systematic Theology . Vol. 1. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991.
Peters, T. God as Trinity . Westminster: John Knox, 1993.
Schwöbel, C. (ed.) Trinitarian Theology Today . Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1995.
Sherlock, C. God on the Inside . Canberra: Acorn Press, 1991.
Volf, M. & Welker, M. (eds). God’s Life in Trinity . Minneapolis: Fortress, 2006.
Welker, M. God the Spirit . Minneapolis: Fortress, 1994.
Unit Fields
Unit Level
