The Shaping of God: trinitarian theology from Marcion to Moltmann (CT3310T)

Undergraduate, 18.0 points

Content

This unit aims to explore the meaning and centrality of the doctrine of the Trinity in Christian faith and life. From its grounding in biblical sources, through its development in Eastern and Western traditions, to its decline and later revival in the twentieth century, the doctrine is examined through the lens of both ancient and contemporary exposition. Following a tracing of the doctrine’s historical evolution, the unit enquires into the trinitarian shaping of other major doctrines, and how it bears on Christians’ engagement with important questions in contemporary society.

Unit code: CT3310T

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Proposing College: Trinity College Theological School

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Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate the centrality of the doctrine of the Trinity and its theological development, from biblical and Patristic foundations through to selected modern iterations
2.

Account for the resurgence of trinitarian theology in the 20th century, including social and feminist accounts.
3.

Articulate the main emphases of both Western and Eastern trinitarian traditions, and the extent to which they have offered different theological accounts
4.

Demonstrate an understanding of the implications of trinitarian theology for humanity and creation as a whole
5.

Critically evaluate the potential contributions of the doctrine of the Trinity to the church’s engagement with modern social issues and religious pluralism.

Unit sequence

Prerequisites: at least 1 unit in CT

Pedagogy

Lectures, tutorial/seminars, online resources

Indicative Bibliography

  • Barth. K. Church Dogmatics, Vol. I/1, 2nd ed. T & T Clark, 1975, ch.2.
  • Emery, G. & Levering, M. The Oxford Handbook of the Trinity. Oxford University Press, 2011.
  • Grenz, S. Rediscovering the Triune God: The Trinity in Contemporary Theology. Fortress Press, 2004.
  • Holmes, S. The Quest for the Trinity. IVP Academic, 2012.
  • LaCugna, C.M. God for Us. Harper, 1991.
  • Jenson, R.W. Systematic Theology, Vol 1. Oxford University Press, 1997.
  • Johnson, E. She Who Is. Crossroad, 1993.
  • Kasper, W. The God of Jesus Christ. Crossroad, 1997 ed.
  • Moltmann, J. The Trinity and the Kingdom of God. SCM, 1981.
  • Rahner, K. The Trinity. Burns & Oates, 1970.
  • White, T.J. The Trinity: On the nature and mystery of the one God. Catholic University of America Press, 2022.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)

Variant 1

Essay - Research essay

Research essay on the trinitarian theology of a selected theologian

 2000 40.0
Oral Presentation - Pre-submission presentation on final essay

10-minute (1,000-word) oral presentation on the final essay (Specific LOs addressed depend on essay topic)

 1000 20.0
Essay - Research essay

Research essay on either a) the contribution of trinitarian theology to one key contemporary issue or b) one aspect of the historical development of the doctrine of the Trinity

 2000 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Naomi Wolfe on 17 Sep, 2026

Unit record last updated: 2026-09-17 23:15:47 +1000