The Christian Faith (CT1302L)

Content

The unit introduces students to the basic teachings of the Christian faith from a Lutheran theological perspective. It covers creation, image of God, the person and work of Christ, justification, universalism, law and gospel, the two kingdoms, baptism, saint and sinner, the last things and Holy Communion. All this is done with reference to the contemporary context in which students do theology, especially schools and churches.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

A foundational unit available in the BTheol; also available for inclusion in the DipTheol

Pedagogy

This unit provides students with the opportunity to engage with online learning materials, including study notes, video, PowerPoint and personal discussions with the lecturer on request. An intensive workshop of three days (approximately 20 hours) of lectures, inquiry, group activities and discussion is also offered.

Indicative Bibliography

• Bartsch, Malcolm. 2013. A God who speaks and acts: theology for teachers in Lutheran schools. Adelaide, SA: Openbook Howden. http://www.lutheran.edu.au/publications-and-policies/printed-publications/. (recommended for purchase)
• Bible, preferably the NRSV or the TNIV and preferably in the form of a study Bible. (recommended for purchase)
• Hebart, Friedemann. 2000. One in the gospel: the Formula of Concord for our day. 2nd ed. Adelaide, SA: Openbook. (recommended for purchase)
• Erlander, Daniel. 1981. Baptized we live: Lutheranism as a way of life. Chelan, WA: Daniel Erlander, Holden Village. (recommended for purchase)
• Lockwood, Peter. 2013. Introducing the Christian faith. Rev. ed. Adelaide, SA: Australian Lutheran College. (This in available on the meta unit on ARK.)* Lutheran Education Australia. 2015. Christian Studies Curriculum Framework. Rev. ed. North Adelaide, SA: LEA. http://elibrary.lutheran.edu.au/elibrary/christian-studies/christian-studies-curriculum-framework/. (Download and retain this resource for use in other ALC units) (recommended for purchase)
• Althaus, Paul. 1966. The theology of Martin Luther. Philadelphia, PA: Fortress.
• Braaten, Carl E. 2007. Principles of Lutheran theology. 2nd ed. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress.
• Braaten, Carl E., and Robert W. Jenson, eds. 2011. Christian dogmatics. Two volumes. Rev. ed. Philadelphia, PA: Fortress.
• Kolb, Robert. 1993. The Christian faith: a Lutheran exposition. St Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House.
• McGrath, Alister E. 2011. Christian theology: an introduction. 5th ed. New York, NY: Wiley-Blackwell.
• Peters, Ted. 2000. God—the world’s future: systematic theology for a new era. 2nd ed. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress.
• Schwarz, Hans. 1996. True faith in the true God: an introduction to Luther’s life and thought. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress.
• Schwarz, Hans. 2014. The Christian faith: a creedal account. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.
• Veith, Gene Edward. 2010. The spirituality of the cross: the way of the first evangelicals. Rev. ed. St Louis, MO: Concordia.

Assessment