The Christ-Centred School (CT8001L)

Content

This is a thematic unit drawing material from the disciplines of systematic theology, biblical studies and education. Its primary purpose is for students to come to an enhanced understanding of Christ from a biblical and theological perspective and hence be able to reflect in an informed manner on what it means when schools of the Lutheran Church of Australia claim to be ‘Christ-centred’ using ‘the Word of God with the gospel of Christ at its heart to inform all learning and teaching, all human relationships, and all activities of the school’ (LEA, 2006). Students will also consider what it means for the teacher to be part of the mission and ministry of the church through its schools. This is the second of three units designed to facilitate understanding of the core nature and practice of an authentic Lutheran school.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

DE8004L Introduction to Lutheran Education (may be taken concurrently)

Pedagogy

Engagement with online learning materials, including audio/video, tasks, forums, and asynchronous discussion with lecturer.

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)
• Drane, John. 2011. Introducing the Old Testament. 3rd ed. Oxford, UK: Lion. Retain from DE8004L Introduction to Lutheran Education
• Drane, John. 2010. Introducing the New Testament. 3rd ed. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress. Retain from DE8004L Introduction to Lutheran Education
• Marty, Martin E. 2007. Lutheran questions, Lutheran answers: exploring Christian faith. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Books. (recommended for purchase)
• Bartsch, Malcolm. 2001. Why a Lutheran school?: Education and theology in dialogue. North Adelaide, SA: Board for Lutheran Schools.
• Braaten, Carl E. 2007. Principles of Lutheran theology. 2nd ed. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress.
• Burge, Gary M., Lynn H. Cohick, and Gene L. Green. 2009. The New Testament in antiquity. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
• Hebart, Friedemann. 2000. One in the gospel: the Formula of Concord for our day. 2nd ed. Adelaide, SA: Openbook. (recommended for purchase)
• Kolb, Robert. 1993. The Christian faith: a Lutheran exposition. St Louis, MO: Concordia.
• Kolb, Robert, and Charles Arand. 2008. The genius of Luther’s theology: a Wittenberg way of thinking for the contemporary church. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.
• Lutheran Education Australia. 2006. The Lutheran school as a place of ministry and mission. Adelaide SA: LEA. Accessed 3 March 2015. http://www.lutheran.edu.au/assets/Uploads/pr/policies/Mission%20Ministry%20Worship/LuthSchlMinistryV11.pdf.
• 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. 1998. Christology. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

Assessment