THMN45630: Christian Doctrine in the Life of the Church

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• To enable students to undertake in-depth critical study of one or more major areas of doctrine in relation to their biblical foundations, systematic connections, and historical and contemporary expressions.
• To nurture students ability to read, analyse and critically evaluate primary theological, historical, and philosophical sources in a sophisticated and rigorous way.
• To enable students to develop sophisticated awareness of theological norms and methods.
• To enable students to develop the theological resources to respond to contemporary issues and problems.
• To enable students to integrate critical doctrinal thinking further into their own spiritual formation and ministerial development.

• This module will explore one or more major areas of doctrine (for example, doctrine of God, Trinity, creation, anthropology, providence, sin, Christology, pneumatology, soteriology, eschatology, ecclesiology, etc.), and will include:
• Exploration of the doctrines biblical foundations;
• Study of primary theological texts (in translation where not originally in English) and other sources (e.g. art, liturgy, hymnody or material evidence) related to the doctrine;
• Consideration of the doctrines connection to the wider pattern of Christian doctrine;
• Attention to the relationships between this doctrine and the contemporary Christian practice of discipleship, mission, and ministry.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding and depth of knowledge of one or more major areas of Christian doctrine in relation to their biblical foundations, systematic connections, and historical and contemporary expressions.
• Understand, assimilate and evaluate critically advanced scholarship and research findings.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the methodologies applicable to doctrinal study.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Critically evaluate and apply methods for relating doctrine to aspects of Christian practice.

Key Skills:

• Carry out systematic and creative research into complex issues and communicate their findings with clarity, sensitivity, fairness and imagination to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Demonstrate initiative, self-direction and independence in tackling and solving problems, and in planning and implementing tasks.
• Exercise their independent learning skills to pursue further professional development or academic study

• Lectures provide content, a conceptual framework and a survey of approaches within Christian doctrine that enable students to locate their learning in a wider context, to make connections with other disciplines, and to evaluate and apply their learning to different contexts.
• Seminars offer students an opportunity to present, evaluate and apply their knowledge to specific reading contexts, and to engage with teaching staff and peers in debate and reflection.
• Guided reading in conjunction with lectures and seminars encourages independent learning and underpins the knowledge and understanding gained in lectures and seminars.

a) A 1,500 word written critical book review of a selected book addressing one of the focal areas of Christian doctrine. b) A 20-minute presentation, introducing the author and key themes of the set text for a seminar.

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