God the Trinity (CT9745Z)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit examines the contemporary retrieval of trinitarian theology and praxis. It will emphasise the practical and participatory nature of the doctrine. The unit will cover the biblical origins of trinitarian reflection, its evolving historic and creedal expressions of the fourth and fifth centuries, medieval, mystical and reformation developments, and finally contemporary discourse around a breadth of ecclesial, ecumenical, ecological, social, and relational applications.

Unit code: CT9745Z

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Proposing College: Uniting College for Leadership and Theology

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Learning outcomes

1.

Critically analyse the historical emergence of the doctrine of the Trinity from its latent biblical origins through to its contemporary retrieval as a practical expression of the Christian life.
2.

Evaluate the applicability of the doctrine of the Trinity in relation to existing ecclesial, ecumenical, ecological, social and interpersonal realities.
3.

Analyse and synthesise contrasting trinitarian theology and practices within the breadth of history and tradition of the Christian Church.
4.

Employ knowledge and skills developed in the unit to develop resources suitable for selected ministry context(s).

Unit sequence

This unit is an elective unit within postgraduate courses.

Pedagogy

UCLT uses primary and secondary sources considered through different lenses to identify and explore the challenges of the unit material for the contemporary world. Students are engaged in a range of comparative, analytical and reflective practices to identify the original meanings of the texts in their contexts and to interpret them hermeneutically.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Anatolios, Khaled. Retrieving Nicaea: The Development and Meaning of Trinitarian Doctrine. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2018.
  • Coakley, Sarah. God, Sexuality and the Self: An Essay 'On the Trinity'. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2013.
  • Edwards, Denis. The Natural World and God: Theological Explorations. Scholars Collection. Hindmarsh, S. Aust.: ATF Press, 2017.
  • Fox, Patricia. God As Communion: John Zizioulas, Elizabeth Johnson, and the Retrieval of the Symbol of the Triune God. A Michael Glazier Book. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, 2001.
  • Green, Gene L, Stephen T Pardue, and Khiok-Khng Yeo, eds. The Trinity among the Nations: The Doctrine of God in the Majority World. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2015.
  • Johnson, Elizabeth. SHE WHO IS: The Mystery of God in Feminist Theological Discourse. New York: Crossroad, 1992.
  • Kärkkäinen, Veli-Matti. The Trinity: Global Perspectives. Louisville: WJKP, 2007.
  • La Cugna, Catherine Mowry. God for Us: The Trinity & Christian Life. New York, NY: Harper Collins, 1991.
  • Moltmann, Jurgen. The Trinity and the Kingdom of God: The Doctrine of God. London, UK: SCM Press, 1981.
  • Phan, Peter C., ed. The Cambridge Companion to the Trinity. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2011.
  • Powell, Lisa. The Disabled God Revisited: Trinity, Christology, and Liberation. London: T&T Clark, 2023.
  • Vaai, Upolu Luma. ‘Faaaloalo: A Theological Reinterpretation of the Doctrine of the Trinity from a Samoan Perspective.’ Unpublished PhD thesis, Griffith University, 2006.
  • Volf, Miroslav. After our Likeness: The Church as the Image of the Trinity. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing, 1998.
  • Zizioulas, John. Being as Communion: Studies in Personhood and the Church. Crestwood, NY: St Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1993.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Journal - Reflecting on Trinity

A record of critically reflective experience of unit materials engaging biblical, ecclesial, ecumenical, ecological, social, and/or interpersonal realities.

 2500 30.0
Learning Resource - Prayer/Song composition and analysis

Select and/or compose and critically analyse prayers/songs framed by trinitarian form or language.

 2000 25.0
Essay

Critical discussion of a tradition of Trinitarian theology and praxis with contemporary discourse.

 3500 45.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 12 Apr, 2024

Unit record last updated: 2024-04-12 11:11:44 +1000