Jesus the Christ

THL215 / THL407

This subject surveys the biblical sources and major historical developments of Christian thinking concerning the claim that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ of God. It introduces major classical, modern (twentieth-century) and contemporary developments in the theology of the person and work of Christ. Further contemporary themes are also examined, including Christology and religious pluralism, liberation Christologies and contextual Christologies.

Duration

One Semester

Availability

Semester 2 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

Karkkainen, Veli-Matti, (2016), Christology: A Global Introduction 2nd ed. ISBN: 9780801030888 

St. Athanasius the Great of Alexandria, (2011) On the incarnation : Greek original and English translation ISBN: 9780881414097

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:

  • What is Christology?

  • Biblical witness to Jesus Christ

  • Patristic developments: the humanity and divinity of Christ

  • The quests for the historical Jesus

  • The death of Jesus

  • The resurrection and ascension

  • Salvation, atonement and the question of violence

  • The uniqueness of Christ in a pluralist world

  • Christology and religious pluralism, liberation Christologies (including feminist, ecological and global Christologies) and contextual Christologies

  • The meaning of Christ in relation to culture and public life

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

  • be able to discuss key aspects of the biblical witness that Jesus of Nazareth is the promised messiah of God;

  • be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the major classical developments in the theology of the person and work of Jesus Christ;

  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of modern (twentieth-century) and contemporary developments in the theology of the person and work of Christ;

  • be able to expound at least one major contemporary approach to Christology; and

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