Some significant theological responses to modernity were coy about doctrine. Much recent systematic theology has, however, been involved in a retrieval of the doctrinal tradition and its truth-claiming functions. Yet this retrieval has been simultaneous with the growing influence of ideologies of pluralism in Western culture. This unit will explore how, in this context, doctrinal discourse makes public truth-claims and how such discourse functions within the church. Doctrine will be brought into conversation with analogy, metaphor, narrative, and drama. In any given semester, the pastoral, apologetic and community-defining roles of two classical areas of doctrinal enquiry will be critically explored (e.g. any two of creation, atonement, resurrection, pneumatology, eschatology etc.). Students will also study the way doctrine and specific doctrines function in a community of faith known to them.
Unit code: CT9029P
Unit status: Archived (New unit)
Points: 24.0
Unit level: Postgraduate Elective
Unit discipline: Systematic Theology
Delivery Mode: Online
Proposing College: Pilgrim Theological College
Show when this unit is running1. | Demonstrate a critical understanding of the nature and force of modernity’s critique of Christianity’s doctrinal tradition |
2. | Interpret contemporary debates about the nature and function of Christian doctrine |
3. | Identify the challenges posed to Christian doctrine by the ideologies of contemporary pluralist cultures |
4. | Articulate the relationship between doctrine, analogy, metaphor, narrative and drama and the difference between them |
5. | Identify and assess the various doctrines explicitly and implicitly shaping the life of a particular Christian community |
6. | Analyse and articulate the criticisms, development and the ecclesial function of one specific major area of Christian doctrine |
CT8000P or CT 8009P
Lectures, Seminars, Tutorials
Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) |
---|---|---|---|
Journal | TUTORIAL JOURNAL : 1x1500 words of tutorial reflections |
0 | 25.0 |
Essay | RESEARCH ESSAY: 1X3000 word essay on the content and function of designated Christian doctrine. |
0 | 50.0 |
Project Report or Project Journal | PROJECT: 1x1500 word study of the doctrines shaping the life of a particular Christian community. |
0 | 25.0 |
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 19 Oct, 2017
Unit record last updated: 2022-10-04 09:51:43 +1100