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CRS836

Ecclesiology

  • Arts
  • 800 level
  • 2 credit units
  • 194 pages
  • 24 units

This course introduces students to the major issues and developments in the history of Ecclesiology. It explores the historical development of Ecclesiology from the early church to the present, examining global theological developments within different cultural and philosophical contexts. The course also covers typologies and models of Ecclesiology, sacraments, and African Ecclesiology. Students will learn to define Ecclesiology, identify key issues, and engage in developing biblical Ecclesiology.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
156 hours
Maths
None
Content
Theoretical, case study
Practical work
No
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor marked assessments
  • Final examination

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

CRS836 · UNIT 1: MEANING AND DEFINITION OF ECCLESIOLOGY

The Ecclesiologist was first published in October 1841 and dealt with the study of the building and decoration of churches. It particularly encouraged the restoration of Anglican churches back to their supposed Gothic splendour and it was at the centre of the wave of Victorian restoration that spread across England and Wales in the second half of the 18th century.

What you should be able to do

  1. Define Ecclesiology and its historical development.
  2. Identify and compare different typologies and models of Ecclesiology.
  3. Explain the meaning and significance of sacraments in Christian tradition.
  4. Discuss the concept of salvation and its various dimensions.
  5. Describe the principles and practices of church discipline.
  6. Analyze the unique characteristics of African Ecclesiology.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Religious Leader
  • Theologian
  • Religious Educator
  • Missionary
  • Church Administrator
Where it is applied
  • Religious Organizations
  • Theological Institutions
  • Missionary Work
  • Community Development
  • Social Services

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 2: TYPOLOGIES AND MODELS OF ECCLESIOLOGY

    Unit 5 Christology and Eschatology

    The unit requires understanding of advanced theological concepts and historical contexts, making it challenging for students without a strong background in theology.

  • Module 3: SACRAMENTS

    Unit 5 Soteriology or Salvation

    The unit requires understanding of complex theological arguments and historical contexts, making it challenging for students without a strong background in Christian doctrine.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 53 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Course Guide
    • Course Guide · 2 hours

      Read the course guide to understand the course structure, objectives, and assessment methods.. Familiarize yourself with the course materials, including study units and textbooks.. Complete the feedback form and submit it with your first assignment..

  2. Week 2Module 1: BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF ECCLESIOLGY
    • Unit 1: Meaning and Definition of Ecclesiology · 3 hours

      Define Ecclesiology and explain its etymological roots.. Discuss the importance of studying Ecclesiology for understanding the Church's origin and purpose.. Examine the various descriptions of the Church in the Scriptures..

  3. Week 3Module 1: BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF ECCLESIOLGY
    • Unit 2: Origin of the Church · 3 hours

      Differentiate between the general and specific definitions of the Church.. Examine the prophecies and historical facts related to the origin of Christianity.. Discuss the divergent views on the commencement of the universal Church..

  4. Week 4Module 1: BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF ECCLESIOLGY
    • Unit 3: The Role of the Church · 3 hours

      Identify the purpose of the Church, including teaching biblical doctrine, providing fellowship, and observing the Lord's Supper.. Discuss the importance of the Church to its members and the world.. Examine the tasks and functions of the Church, such as proclaiming the Gospel and ministering to those in need..

  5. Week 5Module 1: BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF ECCLESIOLGY
    • Unit 4: Church and Her Relationship with Jesus the Founder of the Church · 3 hours

      Describe the relationship between the Church and Christ, including the Church as the body of Christ.. Explain the four-fold relationship between Christ and the Church: head, vine, bridegroom, and cornerstone.. Reflect on the significance of Christ as the founder of the Church..

  6. Week 6Module 1: BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF ECCLESIOLGY
    • Unit 5: The Leadership or Authority of the Church · 3 hours

      Define leadership and religious leadership.. Discuss the emergence of leadership in the Church and the theories of leadership.. Examine the various types of government in the Church and the qualities of a religious leader..

  7. Week 7Module 1: BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF ECCLESIOLGY
    • Unit 6: The Universal Visible or Local Church · 3 hours

      Explain the concept of the local or visible Church.. Identify the features of the visible Church and its relationship to the universal Church.. Discuss the importance of the local Church in the Christian community..

  8. Week 8Module 1: BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF ECCLESIOLGY
    • Unit 7: The Universal Invisible Church · 3 hours

      Define the universal invisible Church and its relationship to the visible Church.. Examine the Reformers' use of the concept of the universal invisible Church.. Discuss the implications of participating in the visible Church without belonging to the invisible Church..

  9. Week 9Module 2: TYPOLOGIES AND MODELS OF ECCLESIOLOGY
    • Unit 1 Categories/ Types of Ecclesiology · 3 hours

      Highlight the various types of Ecclesiology: High Church, Low Church, Strong Ecclesiology, and Weak Ecclesiology.. Discuss the characteristics of each type of Ecclesiology.. Categorize different Ecclesiastical bodies based on their Ecclesiology..

    • Unit 2 Roman Catholic Ecclesiology · 3 hours

      Explain Roman Catholic Ecclesiology and its plurality of models.. Discuss the model of the Church as a mystical body and its biblical images.. Examine the role of the Pope and the hierarchy in the Catholic Church..

  10. Week 10Module 2: TYPOLOGIES AND MODELS OF ECCLESIOLOGY
    • Unit 3 Protestant Ecclesiology · 3 hours

      Define Protestant Ecclesiology and its emphasis on the doctrine of grace.. Examine the Lutheran view of Protestant Ecclesiology and its critique of the Catholic Church.. Discuss Radical Reformation Ecclesiology and its diverse views on the nature of the Church..

    • Unit 4 Eastern Orthodox Ecclesiology · 3 hours

      Examine the Orthodox perspective on Eastern Orthodox Ecclesiology.. Make a comparative analysis between the Eastern, Western, and Protestant Ecclesiologies.. Discuss the concept of unity in plurality in Orthodox Ecclesiology..

  11. Week 11Module 2: TYPOLOGIES AND MODELS OF ECCLESIOLOGY
    • Unit 5 Christology and Eschatology · 3 hours

      Define Christology and Eschatology and their significance in Christian theology.. Discuss the comprehensive doctrine of Christology, including the incarnation and the deity of Christ.. Examine the various theories on the humanity and divinity of Christ..

    • Unit 6 Pentecostal Ecclesiology · 3 hours

      Understand the background of Pentecostal ecclesiology. Evaluate the doctrine of Pentecostal ecclesiology. Discuss the significance of the Azusa Street Revival in the origins of Pentecostalism..

  12. Week 12Module 4: AFRICAN ECCLESIOLOGY
    • Unit 7 African Pentecostal Ecclesiology · 3 hours

      Define African Pentecostal and Charismatic Ecclesiology.. State the features of Pentecostal and charismatic movements in the African context.. Discuss the role of indigenous prophets and the emphasis on healing and deliverance..

    • Unit 1: Background of the African Ecclesiology · 3 hours

      Define African Ecclesiology and its emphasis on the clan as a symbol of the Church.. Describe the replicas or models of African Ecclesiology.. Explain how Christology in the African context depicts Jesus as ancestor..

  13. Week 13Module 4: AFRICAN ECCLESIOLOGY
    • Unit 2: Ecclesiology in African Context · 3 hours

      Explain Mugambi's reaction that triggered a shift in African liberation theology to a theology of Reconstruction.. Evaluate African Ecclesiology as an Ubuntu community.. Discuss the position of Desmond Tutu concerning Ubuntu community..

    • Unit 3: Ecclesiology in African Theology of Reconstruction · 3 hours

      What is the purpose for African Protestant Ecclesiology?. Examine ecclesiology in the context of African Independent Churches (AICs).. Critique the views of African Women's Ecclesiology..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Review all tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and their solutions to identify key concepts and areas of focus.
  • Create detailed summaries of each module, highlighting key definitions, historical developments, and theological arguments.
  • Develop flashcards for important terms and concepts, such as Ecclesiology, sacraments, soteriology, and African theology.
  • Practice essay questions that require comparing and contrasting different typologies and models of Ecclesiology.
  • Form study groups to discuss challenging units and share insights on complex topics.
  • Focus on understanding the scriptural basis for different doctrines and practices related to the Church.
  • Create concept maps linking key figures, events, and theological ideas in the history of Ecclesiology.
  • Allocate specific study hours for each unit based on its complexity and weight in the overall assessment.
  • Prioritize studying the areas where you have consistently scored lower on self-assessment questions.
  • Review past examination papers to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions asked.

Questions students ask about this course

What is CRS836 about?

This course introduces students to the major issues and developments in the history of Ecclesiology. It explores the historical development of Ecclesiology from the early church to the present, examining global theological developments within different cultural and philosophical contexts. The course also covers typologies and models of Ecclesiology, sacraments, and African Ecclesiology. Students will learn to define Ecclesiology, identify key issues, and engage in developing biblical Ecclesiology.

How many units does CRS836 have?

CRS836, Ecclesiology, has 24 units across 4 modules, over 194 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is CRS836?

CRS836 carries 2 credit units, at 800 level in Arts.

Is CRS836 hard?

CRS836 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.

How long does CRS836 take to study?

About 156 hours of study, spread across its 24 units.

How is CRS836 assessed?

CRS836 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.

What can I do with CRS836?

Religious Leader, Theologian, Religious Educator, Missionary and Church Administrator.

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