This unit provides an introduction to the process of studying Christian theology. After considering various approaches to the theological task; the unit explores an integrated, theological approach which gives due weight to Scripture, tradition and context. Far from being an irrelevance, such faith seeking understanding is vital to the health and mission of the Christian church. The unit considers various aspects of critical thinking, and illustrates the significance of critical thinking for an academic study of theology. In addition, a range of learning activities provides students with the opportunity to refresh essential study skills or be introduced to them for the first time.
This unit builds on the discussion of introductory issues in unit 112 Introduction to the Bible and on skills acquired in unit 103 Reading and Using the Bible. It helps students to improve their exegetical skills and to read and use commentaries and other aids independently. It also pays attention to contemporary use of the Old Testament.
This non-assessed unit focuses on basic grammar and syntax; it also offers a brief discussion of the transmission of the text, and pays attention to idiomatic expressions in New Testament Greek. Reading from the original text is emphasised from the start. The average student needs to set aside at least two hours per week for private study, including the revision of work, translation exercises and the learning of vocabulary. The unit leads on to a second year (122 Basic Greek B) which covers the remaining grammar.
This non-assessed unit focuses on basic grammar and syntax; it also offers a brief discussion of the transmission of the text, and pays attention to idiomatic expressions in New Testament Greek. Reading from the original text is emphasised from the start. The average student needs to set aside at least two hours per week for private study, including the revision of work, translation exercises and the learning of vocabulary. The unit leads on to a second year (122 Basic Greek B) which covers the remaining grammar.
This unit focuses on basic grammar and syntax as contained in the textbook; it also offers a brief historical treatment of language and of the transmission of the text, and pays attention to idiomatic expressions in New Testament Greek. Reading from the original text is emphasised from the start of the unit. The biblical text used is Johns Gospel, with selections from the Letters of John. The teaching of grammatical forms and structures is supported by teacher-prepared handouts with forms being introduced in the context of New Testament examples.
This unit provides the theological foundations for a missional ecclesiology and explores contextualised expressions of mission in various shapes of contemporary church. The missiological significance and potential of both inherited and emerging churches is explored, and emphasis is placed on critically evaluating these. Consideration is given to building missional churches in a range of settings, including urban, rural and cross-cultural environments, and the dynamics of both large and small mission-shaped churches are discussed. Throughout the unit students are encouraged to reflect theologically and critically on the models.
This unit provides an introduction to and academic engagement with the central themes of the Sociology of Religion. Students are introduced to the main schools of thought and theories concerning the place of religion in contemporary society. They also study the different social scientific methods available for the study of religion in its social context.
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Starting with brief orientations on the discipline of Biblical Theology and on the relationship between OT and NT, this unit reviews the major theological contributions within the NT (Matthew, Luke, John, Paul, Hebrews, Peter). Issues such as salvation history, unity and diversity, and NT ethics receive specific attention. The students are encouraged to think through the implications of the biblical texts for Gods people today and they will increase their skills in interpretation and application.
The unit introduces the theme of biblical
hermeneutics in the context of the history of biblical interpretation since New
Testament times. Key movements, theories
and strategies will be examined and assessed, including recent developments
such as reception history (including the artistic reception of the Bible) and
‘ordinary hermeneutics’. The potential
of these various approaches will be explored in relation to specific biblical
genres and texts. The practical
outworking of the subject in the life of the Church will be kept in view.
This unit provides a critical examination of various approaches to the theological task. It also explores the potential of an integrated approach to the process of doing theology, which gives due weight to Scripture, tradition and culture. Key themes, such as soteriology, Christology and the doctrine of the Trinity, will be outlined and critically explored. These central themes will help to demonstrate the relevance of theologys critical and constructive tasks. This focus upon specific doctrinal loci will further demonstrate the value of drawing upon the resources of Scripture, tradition and culture. The unit provides foundations for thinking theologically and critically, and enables students to deepen their appreciation of mainstream Christian belief.
The historical development of the doctrine of creation is reviewed and this forms the basis for a more detailed investigation of particularly influential modern constructions of the doctrine. The implications of these differing approaches are explored within a wider theological context, with particular attention being played to the concepts of divine agency and the manner of God’s action in creation. This leads to an examination of differing approaches to the engagement between modern science and the Christian doctrine of creation. The implications of the doctrine of creation are explored in relation to contemporary ethical issues relating to the environment.
The unit focuses on three contemporary challenges to orthodox Christian belief – atheism, pluralism and changing notions of truth - seeking to deepen an understanding of their origins within a wider historical and cultural context. Particular attention focuses on the rise of the so-called ‘new atheism’ and the contrast with older forms of atheism. The social reality and theological challenge presented by religious pluralism is critically examined using a variety of theological resources. The related notion of truth, the rise of dogmatic pluralism and the associated breakdown in notions of authority are examined. Differing theological responses to these issues are examined through engagement with significant texts; the response of the local church to these challenges is addressed in a way that is theologically consistent with the Christian Faith and practically relevant.