When Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote of "costly grace", he knew that his convictions could cost him his life. Executed by the Nazis just weeks before the end of World War II, his theology engages with a world in crisis - and it does this in profound and controversial ways that continue to challenge. In this unit, you will engage with Bonhoeffer's world through his writings from early philosophical theology to radical letters and papers from prison. You will explore the dynamic interaction between theological ideas and the changing religious, social and political context of Hitler’s Third Reich. Finally, you will consider the enduring issues raised by Bonhoeffer's life and work: especially, individual Christians and the embodiment of community and reconciliation, and the relationship between worldly faith and a transcendent God.
Unit code: CT9092P
Unit status: Approved (Major revision)
Points: 24.0
Unit level: Postgraduate Elective
Unit discipline: Systematic Theology
Proposing College: Pilgrim Theological College
Show when this unit is running1. | Articulate a holistic understanding of Bonhoeffer’s often controversial theology; |
2. | Outline the major influences upon Bonhoeffer’s theology; |
3. | Critique the relationship between Bonhoeffer’s theology and his ecclesial and political engagements; |
4. | Evaluate the interplay between systematic theology and church history in relation to Bonhoeffer’s works; |
5. | Critique both primary and secondary literature in Bonhoeffer studies in light of contemporary challenges. |
24 points in CT and 24 points in CH
Guided reading, specialist input, student discussion, guided and independent research, feedback on written work.
Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Variant 1 | ||||||||
Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper - Tutorial paper | Tutorial Paper |
1300 | 25.0 | |||||
Document Study - Document study | Document study on a writing by Bonhoeffer (primary source excerpt) |
1300 | 20.0 | |||||
Book Review - Book review | Analysis of a secondary source |
1400 | 25.0 | |||||
Essay - Essay | Essay |
3000 | 40.0 | |||||
Variant 2 | ||||||||
Document Study - Document study | Document study on a writing by Bonhoeffer (primary source excerpt) |
1300 | 20.0 | |||||
Intertextual Study - Intertextual study | Analysis comparing two secondary sources |
1400 | 20.0 | |||||
Oral Presentation - Oral presentation | Oral presentation offered in person or via electronic means as per the lecturer's instructions |
1300 | 20.0 | |||||
Essay - Essay | Essay incorporating history and theology |
3000 | 40.0 |
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 13 Jun, 2023
Unit record last updated: 2023-06-13 16:46:35 +1000