Module THMN45930: The Body of Christ, The Body Politic: Political Theology in History and Today

Department: Theology, Ministry and Mission

THMN45930: The Body of Christ, The Body Politic: Political Theology in History and Today

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To enable students to undertake in-depth critical study of the relationship between Christianity and the political realm, with reference to biblical foundations, historical developments and philosophical categories, to understand and engage theologically with contemporary issues and trends.

Content

• This module will explore the relationship between Christianity and the political realm through the ages and may include:
• ‘Thy Kingdom Come’: Exploration of Jesus’ engagement with politics and what happened to his Body;
• “You are the Body of Christ”: Study of St Paul’s understanding of the Body of Christ, and the beginnings of the institutional life of the Church;
• The Body and Order: consideration of St Augustine’s Two Cities, and emerging concepts of the political and sacred in the post-Constantine era;
• Christendom: The two Bodies of Temporal and Spiritual Power in the Middle Ages – the Papacy and challenges to absolutism (conciliarism; imperial/royal power), the rise of proto-secular bodies;
• The Reformation and the Body Politic: with particular attention to Richard Hooker and Thomas Hobbes;
• ‘The People’: Constitution, Representation and Revolution, with particular attention to Edmund Burke and the French Revolution; Karl Marx;
• The Age of the Liberal World Order, and the End of History; Fascism, Anarchism, Traditionalism;
• The ‘Post-’ world: current trends, including populism, the rise of the Sovereign Individual, social media: what/where is the Body of Christ today?

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding and depth of knowledge of the broad canvas of Christian theo-political history, to show the roots of current trends and emerging political phenomena.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the methodologies applicable to study in the discipline of political theology.

• Critically evaluate and apply methods for relating theo-political knowledge to aspects of Christian practice.

• Carry out systematic and creative research into complex issues and communicate their findings with clarity, sensitivity, fairness and imagination to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Demonstrate initiative, self-direction and independence in tackling and solving problems, and in planning and implementing tasks.
• Exercise independence in learning skills to pursue further professional development or academic study
• Understand, assimilate and evaluate critically advanced scholarship and research findings.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• This module will be delivered by the St John’s College (Cranmer Hall).

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

EITHER: A case study on a relevant, contemporary issue, discussed and decided with the module lead, and presented in a 20-minute seminar OR: A 1500-word book review on a relevant set text, focusing on one or more module learning outcomes

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University