The Cracking of Christendom: Histories and Theologies of the Reformation (CT2100Z)

Content

In the early modern period, European culture and belief underwent several seismic shifts, with individuals, and the movements they sponsored, involved in deeply committed debate and conflict about matters of faith. This unit examines theological debates of the sixteenth century Reformation in Europe and their ongoing impact in western societies and churches, with particular attention to the implications for contemporary Australian experience. Students will explore the understandings of grace, salvation, sacrament, scripture, authority and church order using key texts and artefact and their producers with a focus on the relationship between theological, historical and geographical contexts in shaping new forms of Christian identity and practice. This unit is taught collaboratively across several colleges of the UD, with specialists who highlight the diversity, complexity and commonality of perspectives across the Christian tradition.

Learning outcomes

 Describe the relationship between foundational documents and/or individuals and the ongoing development of particular Christian denominations;

Unit sequence

18 points in CH and 18 points in CT

Pedagogy

Student-focused lectures, seminars, workshops, and discussions. Students will participate in a site visit (with online options where required) to explore the legacies of the Reformation in modern times.

Indicative Bibliography

• Bagchi, David and David C. Steinmetz, eds. The Cambridge Companion to Reformation Theology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004.
• Eire, Carlos M. N. Reformations : The Early Modern World, 1450-1650. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2016.
• Evans, Gillian R. Roots of the Reformation: Tradition, Emergence and Rupture, 2nd edn. Downers Grove: IVP, 2012.
• Helmer, Christine. How Luther Became the Reformer. Louisville: WJKP, 2019.
• Ivanič, Suzanna, Mary Laven, and Andrew Morrall, eds. Religious Materiality in the Early Modern World. Amsterdam University Press, 2019. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvx8b72t.
• Lindberg, Carter, ed. The European Reformations Sourcebook. Oxford: Blackwell, 2014 (or earlier editions).
• MacCulloch, Diarmaid. Reformation: Europe’s House Divided 1490-1700. London: Penguin, 2004.
• Roper, Lyndall. Martin Luther: Renegade and Prophet. London: Bodley Head, 2016
• Taylor, Richard. How to Read a Church. Sydney: Rider Books, 2004.
• Westhelle, Vitor. The Church Event: Call and Challenge of a Church Protestant. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2009.

Assessment