Introduction to Christian Theology

THL111 / THL460

This subject offers an introductory engagement with the major doctrines of the Christian faith, including God as Trinity, the person and work of Christ, the Spirit, humanity and the church. It explores the tasks, methods and sources of Christian theology, enabling students to develop initial skills of theological reasoning together with the capacity to use theological vocabulary. Attention is given to historical and contemporary approaches to doing theology, as well as to the relation between Christian doctrine and Christian practice.

Duration

One Semester

Availability

Semester 1 every year

Subject Points

8

Core/Elective

Delivery Mode

On site at St Francis College Milton; or Externally – log in to listen and participate or view the lecture via video later.

Prerequisites

None

McGrath, Alister E. The Christian Theology Reader, 5th ed. West Sussex: Blackwell Publishing, 2017.

Martin, Dale. Biblical Truths: The Meaning of Scripture in the Twenty-First Century: Yale, 2017

The year of publication and ISBN given corresponds to the copy placed in Closed Reserve at the Roscoe Library; there may be other valid ISBNs that differ because of a different publisher or format. Please contact your lecturer or the Roscoe Library staff to confirm text before purchasing. If purchasing, we recommend that you use booko.com.au.

Prescribed Texts

To be confirmed annually as the subject is offered

Assessments

Content

This subject will cover the following topics:

  • Introduction to the major doctrines of the Christian tradition

  • Sources and methods of theological reasoning

  • Key figures in Christian theology, historical and contemporary

  • The relation between Christian doctrine and Christian praxis

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

  • be able to engage at an introductory level with the major doctrines of the Christian faith;

  • be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the tasks, methods and sources of Christian theology;

  • be able to identify key theologians and to demonstrate an understanding of their place in the development of Christian theology;

  • be able to engage critically with both historical and contemporary approaches to doing theology;

  • be able to demonstrate an ability to make connections between Christian theology and ministerial or practical contexts; and

  • be able to demonstrate self-guided learning, including basic research, writing and communication skills.