RLT2170

Christian Theology III: grace and church

Proposed to be offered in 2000

P Gwynne and M McEntee

8 points - 3 hours per week - First semester - Clayton

Objectives Students who successfully complete this subject should have gained some knowledge and appreciation of the historical development of the articulation of the central Christian teachings about divine grace and the nature of the human being and of the church; be able to evaluate a variety of contemporary attempts to express these teachings in the light of the philosophical and scientific ideas shaping today's culture; have acquired an acquaintance with the principal sources of official Christian statements of these teachings; have acquired the critical and analytical skills needed to interpret such statements; have gained the theological understanding required for effective communication (both verbal and written) of the core meaning of these teachings.

Synopsis The subject is intended to be a presentation of the Christian understanding of the problem of evil - cosmic and personal - in the context of the interrelationship of God and humanity. It explores the self understanding of the Christian church in the light of the great schism of the eleventh century and the reforms of the sixteenth century.

Assessment Two seminar papers (1000 words each): 30% Research essay (2500 words): 45% Oral examination (15 minutes) or an optional written examination (1.5 hours): 25%

Recommended texts

Brown R The churches the Apostles left behind Paulist, 1984
Daly G Creation and redemption Gill and Macmillan, 1988
Duffy S The dynamics of grace Liturgical Press, 1993
Goosen G Bringing the churches together: An introduction to Ecumenism Dwyer, 1993
Sachs J The Christian vision of humanity: Basic Christian anthropology Liturgical Press, 1991
Tavard G The church, community of salvation Michael Glazier, 1992
Tillard J Church of churches Michael Glazier, 1992

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