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CRS842Arts3 Unitsintermediate

Christology

This course introduces students to major issues and developments in the history of Christology. It orients students towards understanding other courses in Christian Theology such as Trinity, especially as found in the creeds of the churches. The course consists of three modules with units that have been developed using global and local events. It also guides students through the course content and the number of required assignments.

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156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
ChristologyTrinityIncarnationAtonementReformation

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Early Christological Development

2

Augustine's Christology

3

Anselm's Christology

4

Aquinas' Christology

5

Luther's Christology

6

Calvin's Christology

7

Modern Christology

8

African Christology

9

Christology and Eschatology

Total Topics9 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Theologian

Apply your skills in this growing field

Religious Studies Lecturer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Pastor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Missionary

Apply your skills in this growing field

Religious Educator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Religious OrganizationsTheological SeminariesEducational InstitutionsMissionary WorkCommunity Outreach

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Course Guide

3h

Course Guide

3 study hours
  • Read the course guide carefully.
  • Familiarize yourself with the course objectives and assessment methods.
  • Complete the Course Guide Form.
Week
2

Module 1: Origin and Development of Christology

6h

Unit 1: A History of Early Christological Development

6 study hours
  • Define Christology.
  • Explain the early Christological controversies.
  • Discuss the impact of early developments on modern Christological issues.
  • Read Kelly, J.N.D. (1978). Early Christian Doctrines.
Week
3

Module 1: Origin and Development of Christology

6h

Unit 2: Augustine's Christology

6 study hours
  • Explain Augustine's approach to Christology.
  • Describe Augustine's understanding of the Trinity.
  • Discuss the importance of Christ's humanity in Augustine's theology.
  • Read Augustine (2002). The Trinity.
Week
4

Module 1: Origin and Development of Christology

6h

Unit 3: Anselm's Christology

6 study hours
  • Explain Anselm's argument for the necessity of the incarnation.
  • Discuss Anselm's satisfaction theory of atonement.
  • Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of Anselm's Christology.
  • Read Anselm, (1998). The Major Works.
Week
5

Module 1: Origin and Development of Christology

6h

Unit 4: Aquinas' Christology

6 study hours
  • Describe Aquinas' understanding of the grace and wisdom of Christ.
  • Explain Aquinas' view of the hypostatic union.
  • Discuss the importance of Aquinas in Christological development.
  • Read Aquinas, T. (1975). Summa Contra Gentiles.
Week
6

Module 2: Reformation and Post Reformation Christology

6h

Unit 1: Luther's Christology

6 study hours
  • Explain Luther's doctrine of the communication of attributes.
  • Discuss the divergence between Lutheran and Reformed teaching on Christology.
  • Describe Luther's theology of the cross.
  • Read Althaus, P. (1966). The Theology of Martin Luther.
Week
7

Module 2: Reformation and Post Reformation Christology

6h

Unit 2: Calvin's Christology

6 study hours
  • Explain Calvin's Christology.
  • Differentiate between Calvin's Christology and that of Luther.
  • Describe Christologies of the past and that of the Reformers.
  • Read Calvin, (1960). Institutes.
Week
8

Module 2: Reformation and Post Reformation Christology

6h

Unit 3: Christology of the High Orthodoxy (17th Century)

6 study hours
  • Explain the connection between the 16th century Reformation Christology and the 17th orthodoxy.
  • Draw particularly distinction from Francis Turretin whose theology was very faithful to biblical revelation.
  • Read Turretin, F. (1992). Institutes of Elenctic Theology.
Week
9

Module 2: Reformation and Post Reformation Christology

6h

Unit 4: Christology as a Division of Systematic Theology

6 study hours
  • State the place of Christology in Christian Theology.
  • Explain the biblical basis of Christology.
  • Apply the lessons learned from Christology in their local context.
  • Read Fuller, R. H. (1965). The Foundations of New Testament Christology.
Week
10

Module 3: Modern and Contemporary Christology

6h

Unit 1: The Center of Christology Old Testament and New Testament

6 study hours
  • State what the four gospels said about the person and work of Jesus Christ.
  • Explain the Christological position of Pauline epistles.
  • Describe the typologies of Jesus Christ found in the Old Testament.
  • Read Alexander, T. D. & others, (2008). eds. New Dictionary of Theology.
Week
11

Module 3: Modern and Contemporary Christology

6h

Unit 2: Person and Work of Christ: A Probe of Modern and Contemporary Christologies

6 study hours
  • State the positions of Philip Melanchton, Emmanuel Kant, New Liberalism, Historical Jesus' School and Bultmann on the Person and work of Christ.
  • Refute the wrong teachings about the Person and Work of Christ.
  • Read Bauckham, R. (2006). Jesus and Eyewitnesses.
Week
12

Module 3: Modern and Contemporary Christology

6h

Unit 3: Karl Barth's Christology

6 study hours
  • Distinguish Karl Barth's position on New Testament Christology from the Reformed position.
  • State the areas of similarities between Karl Barth and Reformed view on New Testament Christology.
  • Read Barth, K. (1956) Church Dogmatics, 4.1, Doctrine of Reconciliation.
Week
13

Module 3: Modern and Contemporary Christology

12h

Unit 4: Rationalism and Christology

6 study hours
  • Explain how New Testament Christology is functional.
  • Explain the effect of Rationalism on Christology.
  • State the importance of the two natures of Jesus Christ New Testament Christology.
  • Read Witsius, H. (1990). The Economy of the Covenants between God and Man.

Unit 5: African Christology

6 study hours
  • Explain Christology in African context.
  • State the sources of African Christology.
  • Read Bujo, B. (1992). African Theology in Its Social Context.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create timelines of key Christological developments from the early church to modern times.

2

Compare and contrast the Christologies of major theologians like Augustine, Anselm, Luther, and Calvin.

3

Focus on understanding the key terms and concepts from the Chalcedonian Definition.

4

Practice explaining the different views on the relationship between Christ's divine and human natures.

5

Review the arguments for and against the deity of Christ and be prepared to defend the traditional view.

6

Create concept maps linking key figures, concepts, and historical periods in Christological development.

7

Pay close attention to the assigned readings and make sure you understand the main points of each author.

8

Review all TMAs and self-assessment exercises to identify areas where you need more study.

9

Form a study group with other students to discuss challenging concepts and share insights.

10

Pray for understanding and guidance as you study, and trust that the Holy Spirit will help you to grasp the truths of Christology.

11

Prioritize key concepts: Focus on understanding the core doctrines and historical developments rather than memorizing every detail.

12

Utilize online resources: Supplement your study with reputable online articles, lectures, and study guides to gain different perspectives and reinforce learning.

13

Teach the material: Explain Christological concepts to others, either in your study group or to friends and family, to solidify your own understanding and identify areas where you need further clarification.

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