Christology
- Arts
- 400 level
- 2 credit units
- 156 pages
- 14 units
This course introduces students to the historical development of Christology, a critical area within Christian Theology. It explores the origins and evolution of Christological thought from the early church era through contemporary theological debates. The course examines key figures, theological movements, and cultural contexts that have shaped understandings of Jesus Christ. Students will learn to analyze Christological errors, engage in constructive theological discussions, and apply their faith to contemporary challenges.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 208 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CRS422, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
- UNIT 1 THE “CENTER” OF CHRISTOLOGY IN BIBLICAL THEOLOGYPage 60
- UNIT 2 PERSON AND WORK OF CHRIST: A PROBE OF MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY CHRISTOLOGIESPage 71
- UNIT 3 KARL BARTH’S CHRISTOLOGYPage 78
- UNIT 4 RATIONALISM AND CHRISTOLOGY: BIBLICAL AND A REFORMED COVENANTAL RESPONSEPage 90
- UNIT 5 CHRISTOLOGY IN AFRICAN THEOLOGYPage 130
- UNIT 6 CHRISTOLOGY AND ESCHATOLOGY: JESUS CHRIST–THE SECOND ADAMPage 146
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CRS422 · UNIT 1 A HISTORY OF EARLY CHRISTOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT
This course is designed to help you gain some insights into a historical study of Christology. The course begins with a historical study of the genesis and development of Christology. This course surveys the Christological development from the early church to the contemporary global theological development within different cultural and philosophical contexts.
What you should be able to do
- Define Christology and trace its historical development.
- Analyze the Christological views of key theologians such as Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, and Barth.
- Identify and critique Christological errors and heresies.
- Evaluate the impact of cultural and philosophical contexts on Christological formulations.
- Apply biblical Christology to contemporary theological and ecumenical challenges.
What it prepares you for
- Theologian
- Religious Educator
- Pastor
- Missionary
- Chaplain
- Religious Organizations
- Educational Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Social Services
- Community Development
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1: Origin and Development of Christology
Unit 4: Aquinas' Christology
Aquinas' integration of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology requires careful attention to both philosophical and theological concepts.
- Module 2: Reformation and Post Reformation Christology
Unit 1: Luther's Christology
Understanding the nuances of Luther's 'communicatio idiomatum' requires grappling with complex theological concepts and their implications for Christ's nature.
- Module 3: Modern and Contemporary Christology
Unit 3: Karl Barth's Christology
Barth's complex and often paradoxical theological system requires careful engagement with his unique terminology and dialectical approach.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 72 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Course Guide
Course Guide · 2 hours
Read the Course Guide carefully to understand the course structure, objectives, and assessment methods.. Familiarize yourself with the course materials, including study units, textbooks, and the assignment file..
- Week 2Module 1: Origin and Development of Christology
Unit 1: A History of Early Christological Development · 5 hours
Read Unit 1: A History of Early Christological Development.. Define Christology and explain its significance in understanding the person of Christ.. Identify key Christological controversies in the early church and their impact on theological development..
- Week 3Module 1: Origin and Development of Christology
Unit 2: Augustine's Christology · 5 hours
Read Unit 2: Augustine's Christology.. Explore Augustine's Trinitarian theology and its influence on his Christological views.. Analyze Augustine's understanding of the relationship between Christ's humanity and divinity..
- Week 4Module 1: Origin and Development of Christology
Unit 3: Anselm's Christology · 5 hours
Read Unit 3: Anselm's Christology.. Examine Anselm's argument for the necessity of the incarnation in 'Cur Deus Homo'.. Discuss Anselm's satisfaction theory of atonement and its implications for Christology..
- Week 5Module 1: Origin and Development of Christology
Unit 4: Aquinas' Christology · 5 hours
Read Unit 4: Aquinas' Christology.. Study Aquinas' views on the necessity of the incarnation and the hypostatic union.. Analyze Aquinas' understanding of grace and wisdom in Christ's humanity..
- Week 6Module 2: Reformation and Post Reformation Christology
Unit 1: Luther's Christology · 5 hours
Read Unit 1: Luther's Christology.. Compare and contrast Luther's Christology with Reformed teachings.. Examine Luther's concept of 'communicatio idiomatum' and its implications..
- Week 7Module 2: Reformation and Post Reformation Christology
Unit 2: Calvin's Christology · 5 hours
Read Unit 2: Calvin's Christology.. Explore Calvin's understanding of Christ as Mediator.. Differentiate between Calvin's Christology and that of Luther..
- Week 8Module 2: Reformation and Post Reformation Christology
Unit 3: Christology of the High Orthodoxy (17th Century) · 5 hours
Read Unit 3: Christology of the High Orthodoxy (17th Century).. Examine Turretin's defense of traditional Christology against heretics.. Discuss Christ's merit in the salvation plan according to Reformed orthodoxy..
- Week 9Module 2: Reformation and Post Reformation Christology
Unit 4: Christology as a Division of Systematic Theology · 5 hours
Read Unit 4: Christology as a Division of Systematic Theology.. Explore the place of Christology within Systematic Theology.. Analyze the intensive and extensive importance of Christology in Scripture..
- Week 10Module 3: Modern and Contemporary Christology
Unit 1: The Center of Christology – Old Testament and New Testament · 5 hours
Read Unit 1: The Center of Christology – Old Testament and New Testament.. Identify the central themes of Christology in the New Testament.. Explore Christological typologies and connections in the Old Testament..
- Week 11Module 3: Modern and Contemporary Christology
Unit 2: Person and Work of Christ: a Probe of Modern and Contemporary Christologies · 5 hours
Read Unit 2: Person and Work of Christ: a Probe of Modern and Contemporary Christologies.. Examine the influence of rationalism on Christology.. Analyze the views of Kant, Ritschl, and Bultmann on the person and work of Christ..
- Week 12Module 3: Modern and Contemporary Christology
Unit 3: Karl Barth's Christology · 5 hours
Read Unit 3: Karl Barth's Christology.. Explore Barth's view of Scripture and its impact on his Christology.. Analyze Barth's concept of Christology and its relation to Reformed theology..
Unit 4: Rationalism and Christology · 5 hours
Read Unit 4: Rationalism and Christology.. Explore the impact of rationalism on Christology.. Understand the two natures of Christ and their importance in New Testament Christology..
- Week 13Module 3: Modern and Contemporary Christology
Unit 5: African Christology · 5 hours
Read Unit 5: African Christology.. Explore the development of Christology in the African context.. Analyze the problem of Christological concepts and the development of a biblical Christology in Africa..
Unit 6: Christology and Eschatology: Jesus Christ – The Second Adam · 5 hours
Read Unit 6: Christology and Eschatology: Jesus Christ – The Second Adam.. Understand the relationship between Christology and Eschatology.. Explore Jesus Christ as the Second Adam and the final revelation of God..
Preparing for the exam
- Create a timeline of key Christological developments from the early church to the present, noting major figures and councils.
- Develop concept maps linking the Christological views of different theologians, highlighting similarities and differences.
- Practice essay questions on central Christological themes, such as the incarnation, atonement, and the two natures of Christ.
- Review key biblical passages related to Christology, focusing on their interpretation by different theological traditions.
- Prepare concise summaries of the main arguments in each unit, focusing on key concepts and terminology.
- Form study groups to discuss challenging concepts and practice explaining them to others.
- Prioritize understanding the core doctrines and their historical context over memorizing isolated facts.
Questions students ask about this course
What is CRS422 about?
This course introduces students to the historical development of Christology, a critical area within Christian Theology. It explores the origins and evolution of Christological thought from the early church era through contemporary theological debates. The course examines key figures, theological movements, and cultural contexts that have shaped understandings of Jesus Christ. Students will learn to analyze Christological errors, engage in constructive theological discussions, and apply their faith to contemporary challenges.
How many units does CRS422 have?
CRS422, Christology, has 14 units across 3 modules, over 156 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CRS422?
CRS422 carries 2 credit units, at 400 level in Arts.
Is CRS422 hard?
CRS422 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does CRS422 take to study?
About 208 hours of study, spread across its 14 units.
How is CRS422 assessed?
CRS422 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with CRS422?
Theologian, Religious Educator, Pastor, Missionary and Chaplain.