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: CT3029P
Unit status: Archived (New unit)
Points: 18.0
Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3
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. | Identify the challenges posed to Christian doctrine by the ideologies of contemporary pluralist cultures |
3. | Articulate the relationship between doctrine, analogy, metaphor, narrative and drama |
4. | Identify and assess the various doctrines explicitly and implicitly shaping the life of a particular Christian community |
5. | Describe the development and the ecclesial function of one specific major area of Christian doctrine. |
CT1000P or CT 1009P and one level 2 CT unit
Guided reading materials, online forums
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 19 Oct, 2015
Unit record last updated: 2022-10-04 13:23:54 +1100