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CRS842

Christology

  • Arts
  • 800 level
  • 3 credit units
  • 158 pages
  • 14 units

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.

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

CRS842 · UNIT 3 ANSELM’S CHRISTOLOGY

If anyone is seeking to be intellectually activated, then he might need to read Anselm’s Cur Deus Homo. In this profound work of philosophical theology, I think Anselm’s methodology attempted to ignite his reader, and then slowly reconstruct their mind with logic, reason, and ultimate faith.

What you should be able to do

  1. Define Christology and its genesis
  2. Account for the historical development of Christology from the early church to the present time
  3. Identify the causes of Christological errors in the church
  4. Describe ways of engaging in more effectively in developing biblical Christology
  5. Explain how biblical Christology can answer to ecumenical challenges such as pluralism

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Theologian
  • Religious Studies Lecturer
  • Pastor
  • Missionary
  • Religious Educator
Where it is applied
  • Religious Organizations
  • Theological Seminaries
  • Educational Institutions
  • Missionary Work
  • Community Outreach

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

    Advanced philosophical concepts of essence, substance, and attributes require careful analysis and critical thinking.

  • Module 2: Reformation and Post Reformation Christology

    Unit 1: Luther's Christology

    Understanding the nuances between Luther's and Calvin's views on the communication of attributes requires careful attention to detail.

  • Module 3: Modern and Contemporary Christology

    Unit 3: Karl Barth's Christology

    Barth's complex Trinitarian theology and its implications for Christology can be challenging to grasp fully.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 81 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Course Guide
    • Course Guide · 3 hours

      Read the course guide carefully.. Familiarize yourself with the course objectives and assessment methods.. Complete the Course Guide Form..

  2. Week 2Module 1: Origin and Development of Christology
    • Unit 1: A History of Early Christological Development · 6 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..

  3. Week 3Module 1: Origin and Development of Christology
    • Unit 2: Augustine's Christology · 6 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..

  4. Week 4Module 1: Origin and Development of Christology
    • Unit 3: Anselm's Christology · 6 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..

  5. Week 5Module 1: Origin and Development of Christology
    • Unit 4: Aquinas' Christology · 6 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..

  6. Week 6Module 2: Reformation and Post Reformation Christology
    • Unit 1: Luther's Christology · 6 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..

  7. Week 7Module 2: Reformation and Post Reformation Christology
    • Unit 2: Calvin's Christology · 6 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..

  8. Week 8Module 2: Reformation and Post Reformation Christology
    • Unit 3: Christology of the High Orthodoxy (17th Century) · 6 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..

  9. Week 9Module 2: Reformation and Post Reformation Christology
    • Unit 4: Christology as a Division of Systematic Theology · 6 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..

  10. Week 10Module 3: Modern and Contemporary Christology
    • Unit 1: The Center of Christology Old Testament and New Testament · 6 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..

  11. Week 11Module 3: Modern and Contemporary Christology
    • Unit 2: Person and Work of Christ: A Probe of Modern and Contemporary Christologies · 6 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..

  12. Week 12Module 3: Modern and Contemporary Christology
    • Unit 3: Karl Barth's Christology · 6 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..

  13. Week 13Module 3: Modern and Contemporary Christology
    • Unit 4: Rationalism and Christology · 6 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 hours

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

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Create timelines of key Christological developments from the early church to modern times.
  • Compare and contrast the Christologies of major theologians like Augustine, Anselm, Luther, and Calvin.
  • Focus on understanding the key terms and concepts from the Chalcedonian Definition.
  • Practice explaining the different views on the relationship between Christ's divine and human natures.
  • Review the arguments for and against the deity of Christ and be prepared to defend the traditional view.
  • Create concept maps linking key figures, concepts, and historical periods in Christological development.
  • Pay close attention to the assigned readings and make sure you understand the main points of each author.
  • Review all TMAs and self-assessment exercises to identify areas where you need more study.
  • Form a study group with other students to discuss challenging concepts and share insights.
  • Pray for understanding and guidance as you study, and trust that the Holy Spirit will help you to grasp the truths of Christology.
  • Prioritize key concepts: Focus on understanding the core doctrines and historical developments rather than memorizing every detail.
  • Utilize online resources: Supplement your study with reputable online articles, lectures, and study guides to gain different perspectives and reinforce learning.
  • 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.

Questions students ask about this course

What is CRS842 about?

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.

How many units does CRS842 have?

CRS842, Christology, has 14 units across 3 modules, over 158 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is CRS842?

CRS842 carries 3 credit units, at 800 level in Arts.

Is CRS842 hard?

CRS842 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.

How long does CRS842 take to study?

About 156 hours of study, spread across its 14 units.

How is CRS842 assessed?

CRS842 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.

What can I do with CRS842?

Theologian, Religious Studies Lecturer, Pastor, Missionary and Religious Educator.

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