Module Narrative


Module Title: Christian Theology
Module Code: THE500
Level: 5
Credit Points: 20 Credits
Compulsory or Optional: Required
Pre-requisites/co-requisites: None
Excluded combinations or modules: None
Mode of attendance: Mixed

Rationale:
This module aims to develop understanding of the nature and content of Christian theology and to foster a detailed knowledge of the main doctrinal aspects of the Christian faith. Students will be encouraged to grasp the relationship between these aspects and a coherent system of theological truth. This module provides a foundation for deeper theological study at level 6.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge
On completion of this module, the successful student will be able to:

1. discuss the key elements of Christian theology and compare it with other classes of theology
2. discuss the importance of the application of the doctrines of the bible in the life of the believer.
3. analyse the inter-relationship of the various doctrines of the church

Skills
This module will call for the successful student to demonstrate:

4. an independent critical approach to their own beliefs

Syllabus

Prolegomena – the study of methods and presuppositions (this involves the study of how God reveals himself).
Bibliology – the study of the Bible.
Theology – the study of the doctrine of God, (including Paterology: the study of the Fatherhood of God).
Christology – the study of Jesus, (including His Manhood and His deity).
Pneumatology – the study of the Holy Spirit, (including the Gifts and the Fruit of the Holy Spirit).
Anthropology – the study of humanity.
Soteriology – the study of Salvation.
Ecclesiology – the study of the Church.
Eschatology – the study of last things or end times, (including death, heaven, hell, and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ).
Harmartiology – the study of sin.
The Apostles and the Nicene Creed and their relationship to systematic theology.
Systematic theology and church ministry

Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy

Staff-led lectures develop students’ understanding of theology and the major Biblical doctrines. In workshops students build on this knowledge using the principles in exegesis, hermeneutics, critical methods, commentaries and reference sources.

Further Tutor-led lectures introduce students to the application of theology in the decision making process.

Questions arising from lectures form the basis for small group discussions leading to student-led seminar presentations (formative assessment). Formative feedback enables students to develop a personal doctrinal position, further their exegetical skills and prepare an essay plan before submitting a summative essay.

Tutorial time enables Tutors to give formative feedback on draft essays, guidance to students on developing their presentations, and constructive feedback on summative work.

Independent study to supplement these activities is an essential element of the programme, including reading and producing the module assignments.

Assessment Scheme

• Seminar presentation (formative assessment)
• Essay plan 500 words (formative assessment)

• Essay 3500 words (summative assessment)

Assessment Weighting

Essay 100%

Indicative Bibliography
Core
McGrath, A. E. (2011) Christian Theology: An Introduction. (5th ed.) Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Essentials
Erickson, M. J. (2013) Christian Theology. (3rd ed.) Grand Rapids: Baker Academic.
Grudem, W. (2002) Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press.
McGrath, A. E. (2012) Historical Theology: An Introduction to the History of Christian Thought. (2nd ed.) Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Recommended
Anderson, A. (2004) An Introduction to Pentecostalism: Global Charismatic Christianity. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Anderson, A. (2007) Spreading Fires: The Missionary Nature of Early Pentecostalism. London: SCM Press.
Elwell, W. A. (ed). (2001) Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. (2nd ed.) Grand Rapids: Baker Academic.
Geisler, N. L. (2011) Systematic Theology in One Volume. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic.
Higton, M. (2008) Christian Doctrine. London: SCM Press.
Migliore, D. L. (2014) Faith Seeking Understanding: An Introduction to Christian Theology. (3rd ed.) Cambridge: William B Eerdmans.
Olson, R. E. & Hall C. A. (2002) The Trinity. Guides to Theology. Cambridge: William B. Eerdmans.
Reynolds, B. E., Lugioyo, B & Vanhoozer, K. J. (eds.) (2014) Reconsidering the Relationship between Biblical and Systematic Theology in the New Testament: Essays by Theologians and New Testament Scholars. Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen Zum Neuen Testament. Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck.
Stephenson, C. A. (2013) Types of Pentecostal Theology: Method, System, Spirit. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Webster, J. B. (ed.) (2007) The Oxford Handbook of Systematic Theology. Oxford: Oxford University Press.


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