Creation and Redemption (CT9086L)

Content

The first topic of the unit explores the theology of creation with attention paid to the contemporary discussion on the relation between science and theology. Apart from the doctrine of creation (and continuing creation), this section of the unit also includes theological anthropology, sin and evil and the problem of theodicy. The second topic of the unit focuses on redemption and Christology. It begins with looking at the relation between the person and work of Christ. Particular attention is given to the doctrine of the incarnation (the two natures of Christ) and the various theories of the atonement. The unit also unpacks the relationship between justification and sanctification in the doctrine of salvation. The unit concludes with a discussion of Christ’s descent into hell, his bodily resurrection, his ascension and his presence in the church today.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

Course relationship: A level 9 unit in postgraduate theology and ministry courses

Prerequisites: 18 points in the discipline of Systematic Theology (CT)

Pedagogy

This unit uses teaching strategies such as lectures, group discussion and debate, reporting on weekly set readings, personal reflection and brainstorming which encourage student engagement and participation in a variety of learning tasks and opportunities which foster deep learning.

Indicative Bibliography

• Bayer, Oswald. Martin Luther’s theology: a contemporary interpretation. Grand Rapids, MI: WB Eerdmans, 2008.
• Braaten, Carl E. Who is Jesus? Disputed questions and answers. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2011.
• Enns, Peter. The evolution of Adam: what the Bible does and doesn’t say about human origins. Ada, MI: Brazos, 2012.
• Jenson, Robert W. Systematic theology. Vol. 2, The works of God. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 1999.
• Jones, Beth Felker. Practicing Christian doctrine: an invitation to thinking and living theologically. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2014.
• Kilcrease, Jack D. The self-donation of God: a contemporary Lutheran approach to Christ and his benefits. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2013.
• Kolb, Robert and Carl R Trueman. Between Wittenberg and Geneva: Lutheran and Reformed theology in conversation. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2017.
• Migliore, Daniel L. Faith seeking understanding: an introduction to Christian theology. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2004.
• Nafzger, Samuel et al, eds. Confessing the Gospel: A Lutheran approach to Systematic Theology. 2 Vols. Saint Louis, MO: Concordia, 2017.
• Peters, Ted, God—the world’s future: systematic theology for a new era. 3rd ed. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2015.
• Scaer, David P. Christology. Confessional Lutheran dogmatics. Vol. 6. Edited by Robert D. Preus. Fort Wayne, IN: International Foundation for Lutheran Confessional Research, 1989.

Assessment