The Doctrine of the Trinity (CT9310T)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit aims to explore the meaning and centrality of the doctrine of the Trinity in Christian faith and life. From its grounding in biblical sources, through its development in Eastern and Western traditions, to its decline and later revival in the twentieth century, the doctrine is examined through the lens of both ancient and contemporary exposition. Following a tracing of the doctrine’s historical evolution, the unit enquires into the trinitarian shaping of other major doctrines, and how it bears on Christians’ engagement with important questions in contemporary society.

Unit code: CT9310T

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Delivery Mode: Mode not set

Proposing College: Trinity College Theological School

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Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate the centrality of the doctrine of the Trinity and its theological development, from biblical and Patristic foundations through to selected modern iterations
2.

Explain the resurgence of trinitarian theology in the 20th century, including social and feminist accounts.
3.

Analyse the reasons for the main differences between the Western and Eastern Christian traditions, in their respective understandings of the doctrine of the Trinity

4.

Demonstrate a critical awareness of the implications of trinitarian theology for humanity and creation as a whole
5.

Critically evaluate the potential contributions of the doctrine of the Trinity to the church’s engagement with modern atheism and religious pluralism.

Unit sequence

Prerequisites: at least 1 unit in CT

Pedagogy

Lectures, tutorials / seminars, online resources

Indicative Bibliography

  • Barth. K. Church Dogmatics, Vol. I/1, 2nd ed. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1975, ch.2.
  • Emery, G. & Levering, M. The Oxford Handbook of the Trinity. Oxford University Press, 2011.
  • Grenz, S. Rediscovering the Triune God: The Trinity in Contemporary Theology. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2004.
  • Holmes, S. The Quest for the Trinity. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP Academic, 2012.
  • LaCugna, C.M. God for Us. San Francisco: Harper, 1991.
  • Jenson, R.W. Systematic Theology, Vol 1. New York: Oxford University Press, 1997.
  • Johnson, E. She Who Is. New York: Crossroad, 1993.
  • Kärkkäinen, V-M. The Trinity: Global Perspectives. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2007.
  • Kasper, W. The God of Jesus Christ. New York: Crossroad, 1997 ed.
  • Moltmann, J. The Trinity and the Kingdom of God. London: SCM, 1981.
  • Rahner, K. The Trinity. London: Burns & Oates, 1970.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)

Variant 1

Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper - Seminar Paper

Presentation of a critical review of a selected key text on trinitarian theology

 1000 20.0
Essay - Research essay

Research essay on the trinitarian theology of a selected theologian

 3500 40.0
Essay - Research essay

Research essay on either a) the contribution of trinitarian theology to one key contemporary issue or b) one aspect of the historical development of the doctrine of the Trinity

 3500 40.0

Variant 2

Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper - Seminar Paper

Presentation of a critical review of a selected key text on trinitarian theology

 1000 20.0
Essay - Research essay

Research essay on the trinitarian theology of a selected theologian

 3500 40.0
Portfolio - Group work

Research essay on one aspect of the historical development of the doctrine of the Trinity

 3500 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 29 Sep, 2021

Unit record last updated: 2021-09-29 10:56:22 +1000