St Albans Certificate in Theology An Introduction to Christian Doctrine
St Albans Certificate in Theology An Introduction to Christian Doctrine (Module 3) Start Date: Day: No. of sessions: Venue: Tutor: Fee:
29 April 2014 End Date: 8 July 2014 Tuesday Time: 8.00pm 10 Half term (no session): 27 May St Albans Cathedral Library The Revd Iain Lane £90
Tutor Biography Iain Lane is an Anglican priest. Before turning to theology he had an academic background in ancient history and philosophy and has published work on Plato’s early dialogues. While serving in parish ministry he also taught on lay and ministerial training courses, and in St Albans developed the cathedral’s adult education programme as Education Canon from 2000 to 2008. From 2008 to 2013 he was Administrator for StACSC and continues to be Tutor in Doctrine and the Visual Arts. He has a specialist interest in art history from a Christian perspective and also teaches Church history and philosophy of religion.
Course syllabus Aims 1) To introduce Christian doctrine as a whole 2) To assist students in their application of theology in contemporary Christian practice Content Participants will examine the creation of the Christian creeds and the early formation of a distinct Christian understanding of God and humanity. The module will explore what it means to think theologically, what sense can be made of religious language, and introduce some basic issues on the margins of theology and the philosophy of religion: for example, how God can be known, how God can act in the world, how the reality of evil might be explained. Topics covered will include the person of Jesus, incarnation and resurrection, the Holy Spirit, the Christian idea of God as Trinity, creation, sin and salvation, the Church and the churches. The module is intended to be introductory and to prepare the way for further study and reflection. The module is ecumenical in spirit: participants will be invited to consider not only the central understandings held in common by most Christians, but also to reflect on the areas of differing emphasis and diversity within the Christian tradition.
St Albans Centre for Christian Studies, Sumpter Yard, St Albans, AL1 1BY www.christianstudies.org.uk
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St Albans Certificate in Theology An Introduction to Christian Doctrine Presentation of the course The course is presented primarily through lectures, but may include experientially-based active participation in the form of small group discussions and plenary discussion. Outcomes As a result of the course, within the constraints of the time available, students should be able to:
Demonstrate a knowledge of classical systematic theology as expressed in the Christian creeds Evaluate different expressions of theology and their application in the church and the world Be able to demonstrate a critical awareness of the challenges posed by contemporary application of the Christian tradition
Sessions in the course I Theology and philosophy, faith and reason II Theology and revelation, authority and the Bible III Jesus, humanity and divinity IV God, creation and transcendence V The Holy Spirit VI The Holy Trinity VII The human condition and the cross VIII Resurrection and salvation IX The Church and Christian living (1) X The Church and Christian living (2) Student assignments Students are not required to complete any formal assignment or essay. However, if the course is being taken as a module in the St Albans Certificate in Theology a commitment to reading and pre-class preparation is expected, and students will be required to produce written assignments, to a total of1500 - 2000 words.
You may choose one of the following questions, or talk to the tutor about an alternative subject and question. If you would like to answer an alternative question you must have the prior approval of the tutor.
St Albans Centre for Christian Studies, Sumpter Yard, St Albans, AL1 1BY www.christianstudies.org.uk
[email protected]
St Albans Certificate in Theology An Introduction to the Old Testament
1.
‘The doctrine of the Trinity ought to have upon our daily life an effect that is nothing less than revolutionary.’ Bishop Kallistos Ware. Explain why you agree or disagree with this statement. Why do some Christians regard the doctrine of the Trinity as fundamental to Christian ethics and social theory?
2.
Explain why some Christians give the Blessed Virgin Mary the title ‘Mother of God’. What questions about Jesus are at stake here? Why has the title been controversial? Do you agree that the title is appropriate?
3.
Outline in your own words what Christians believe about the Holy Spirit: is it true that western (Catholic and Protestant) Christians have a different understanding from eastern (Orthodox) Christians?
4.
In what ways can the Christian understanding of human nature be regarded as optimistic, pessimistic, neither or both?
5.
‘I am a Christian but I never go to church’. Can this ever be a valid statement for a Christian? If not, why not?
6.
Consider the work of one Christian theologian of any tradition or time. In no more than 500 words outline the main elements of his/her life and work. Then, in no more than 1500 words, give a critical assessment of his/her contribution to Christian theology.
7.
Compare and contrast any two Christian models or understandings of the atonement.
8.
Is the Chalcedonian definition any better than a compromise statement? Give a critical account of the definition and assess its value in explaining the Christian understanding of Jesus.
9.
How do Christians explain the reality of suffering in the world? How satisfactory do you find these accounts?
10.
Give a critical account of Christian beliefs about death, judgement, heaven and hell.
Students should attach to every assignment a signed and dated statement of authorship, stating that the work is their own and that they have read the StACSC guidance notes on plagiarism. This guidance and a statement of authorship can be downloaded from the Certificate page of the StACSC website. Student participation All students studying for the certificate are expected to take an active part in this universitylevel course by handing in work for assessment to provide evidence of their learning on the course. Therefore, all students will be expected to: (i) attend at least two-thirds of the classes (ii) participate actively in class work St Albans Cathedral Study Centre, Sumpter Yard, St Albans, AL1 1BY www.stalbanscathedral.org/education
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St Albans Certificate in Theology An Introduction to the Old Testament (iii) undertake reading and assignments set by the tutor The award of the certificate depends upon the satisfactory completion of the above in all six modules. The assignments will be assessed against the outcomes for the course and in line with the centre’s assessment and moderation policies, monitored by NCFE. Students are expected to make sure that their assignment is supported by appropriate referencing and that there is no danger their work could be suspected of plagiarism. They should familiarise themselves with the guidance on presentation and plagiarism issued by StACSC. Appeals and complaints StACSC has an appeals policy which students can access via the Certificate page of the StACSC website. The policy outlines the procedure which students can follow if they feel that their work has not been properly assessed or they have been discriminated against or unfairly treated in some other way. In most cases we hope that any concerns can be addressed informally, and we encourage student feedback and participation in the development of our programme. StACSC Policies St Albans Centre for Christian Studies is part of St Albans Cathedral and is supported by St Albans Cathedral Education Trust, an educational charity. As part of the cathedral, StACSC is subject to the cathedral’s policies, for example concerning equality of access to learning, health and safety, and the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. Copies of the most relevant policies are available via the StACSC web site and can be provided in other formats on request. If you require any specific information please contact us.
St Albans Cathedral Study Centre, Sumpter Yard, St Albans, AL1 1BY www.stalbanscathedral.org/education
[email protected]
St Albans Certificate in Theology An Introduction to the Old Testament
Reading and resources list It is not necessary for students to buy any or all of these books, many of which are available to borrow from the Hudson Library at St Albans Cathedral. Work for the assignments will normally require some reading beyond this list.
AUTHOR
TITLE
PUBLISHER & DATE
Stacey, John
Groundwork of Theology
Epworth Press, 1984
Pattison, George
A short course in Christian Doctrine
SCM, 2005
Kelly, JND
Early Christian Doctrines (3rd edition) Harper Collins, 2000
Ware, Kallistos
The Orthodox Way
Gunton, Colin
The Cambridge Christian Doctrine
Ford, David
Theology, a very short introduction
Oxford, 2000
McGrath, Alister
Theology, The Basics
Blackwell, 2001
Young, Frances
From Nicaea to Chalcedon (2nd SCM 2010 edition)
Ashwin-Siejkowski, Piotr
SCM Studyguide: Early Christian SCM 2010 Doctrine and the Creeds
Astley, Jeff
SCM Studyguide: Christian Doctrine
Penguin, 1995 Companion
Pattison S, Thompson SCM Studyguide: J, Thompson R reflection Higton, Mike
Christian Doctrine
to CUP, 2000
SCM 2010
Theological SCM 2008
SCM 2008
St Albans Cathedral Study Centre, Sumpter Yard, St Albans, AL1 1BY www.stalbanscathedral.org/education
[email protected]