Prolegomena and the Triune God (CT1001L)

Undergraduate, 18.0 points

Content

This unit first examines topics traditionally covered by prolegomena. It begins by reflecting on the nature of theology and its relation to receptive spirituality. Attention is given to Luther’s theological method of oratio, meditatio, and tentatio as well as the Lutheran presuppositions for doing theology. The unit introduces the nature and function of Scripture, and its relation to reason, tradition, and experience as well as an introduction to Lutheran hermeneutics.

The second part of the unit examines the biblical and theological teaching of the triune God as expressed in terms of the immanent and the economic Trinity. The unit will also explore the modern discussion on the Trinity, including: the Fatherhood of God; the name of God in Feminist Theology; the question of the eternal subordination of the Son; and the filioque. The unit is designed to give the student the necessary basis for further study in systematic theology.

Unit code: CT1001L

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 1

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

Show when this unit is running

Learning outcomes

1.

Identify how Lutherans do theology, including the key emphases on Luther’s Theology of the Cross and receptive spirituality
2.

Articulate the Lutheran doctrine of Scripture

3.

Explain the relationship between faith, reason, experience, tradition, and Scripture

4.

Outline the main features of Lutheran hermeneutical approach
5.

Relate the immanent Trinity to the economic Trinity

Pedagogy

Learner-centred approach, incorporating strategies such as lectures, group discussion and debate, reporting on weekly set readings, visual representation of ideas by students, personal reflection and brainstorming.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Coda, Piero, and Peter J Casarella. From the Trinity: The Coming of God in Revelation and Theology. Edited by William Neu. Washington, D.C.: Catholic University of America Press, 2020.
  • Jenson, Robert. Systematic Theology. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 1997.
  • Jones, Beth Felker. Practicing Christian Doctrine : An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically. Second ed. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2023.
  • Kolb, Robert. The Christian Faith: A Lutheran Exposition. St Louis, MO: Concordia 1993
  • LaCugna, Catherine. God for Us: The Trinity and Christian Life. San Francisco, CA: HarperCollins, 1993.
  • McGrath, Alister E. 2010. Christian Theology: An Introduction. 5th ed. New York, NY: Wiley-Blackwell. (Available as ebook from Löhe Memorial Library.)
  • Migliore, Daniel L. Faith Seeking Understanding: An Introduction to Christian Theology. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. 2014
  • Peters, Ted. God—The World’s Future: Systematic Theology for a New Era. 3rd ed. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2015.
  • Soulen, R. Kendall. The Divine Name(s) and the Holy Trinity: Distinguishing the Voices. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2011.
  • Toom, Tarmo. Classical Trinitarian Theology: A Textbook. New York: T & T Clark, 2007.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Report

Report (on Luther’s Theology of the Cross)

800 20.0
Essay

Essay (on Scripture)

1600 40.0
Essay

Essay (on the Trinity)

1600 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 18 Sep, 2024

Unit record last updated: 2024-09-18 08:11:00 +1000