Module THMN46030: Jesus the Christ: Christology for Contemporary Ministry

Department: Theology, Ministry and Mission

THMN46030: Jesus the Christ: Christology for Contemporary Ministry

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To enable students to undertake in-depth critical study of the doctrine of Jesus Christ (Christology) in relation to its biblical foundations, systematic connections, historical expressions and contemporary relevance.

Content

• This module investigates central historical and doctrinal developments in the theological understanding of the person and work of Christ from its New Testament origins to contemporary issues in Christology and other doctrines. Drawing on primary sources and critical scholarship, the module will provide students with tools to assess theoretical presuppositions and consequences of different interpretations of the person and work of Christ through the ages. Implications for contemporary ministry and mission will be treated throughout.
• Topics may include the following:
• Jesus the Christ in Scripture
• Jesus wasn’t a Christian: 1st century historical and religious context
• The person of Christ defined: Church councils and creeds
• Jesus the monk and mystic: Medieval images and incarnations
• The work of Christ debated: Reformation challenges and changes
• Not who we thought he was? Christological controversies of the modern period (e.g. the historical Jesus debate and Jesus of liberation theologies)
• Jesus of non-textual culture: the Christ depicted in art, liturgy, hymnody, film, drama, literature, and other material evidence across the centuries
• Jesus isn’t white: Christology from the global church and for the global church
• Irrelevant? Jesus the Christ in our contemporary context.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding and depth of knowledge of Christology in relation to its biblical foundations and systematic connections.
• Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of key theoretical stances in the study of Christology and of their importance for early Christian history and for contemporary theology and ministry. This might includes, for example, the ability to describe and compare the different stages and positions within the ‘historical Jesus’ debate and the most relevant textual evidence for its study, as well as a systematic understanding of the Christological doctrines of the Councils of Nicaea, Constantinople, Ephesus and Chalcedon.

• Demonstrate a specific understanding of methods and tools of the study of Christology, including the ability to compare and evaluate primary sources and to distinguish the perspectives of historical research and of systematic theological engagement with the thought forms of different eras.

• Carry out systematic and creative research into complex issues and communicate findings with clarity, sensitivity, fairness and imagination to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret and assess a range of sources and to contextualise critically conflicting interpretations and contrasting theological positions.
• Exercise independence in learning skills to pursue further professional development or academic study

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

• This module will be delivered by St John’s College (Cranmer Hall).
• Lectures and discussion classes provide content, a conceptual framework and a survey of approaches to doctrine that enable students to locate their learning in a wider context, make connections with other disciplines, and evaluate and apply their learning to different ministry contexts.
• Guided reading in conjunction with lectures and discussion classes encourages independent learning and underpins the knowledge and understanding gained across the module.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

a) A 2,000-word critical analysis of one presentation of Jesus the Christ from a non-Western perspective OR b) A 20-minute critique of a presentation of Jesus in a novel, drama, visual artwork, film or other contemporary cultural expression

■ 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