Anglican Studies in an Irish Context

5 Credits

Module Content:

1. Christianity and Conflict in Ireland
   Acknowledging the conflicting interpretations of key moments in Irish church history: the mission of Patrick and early Irish Christianity; state-sponsored reform of the English and Irish churches in the sixteenth century; the Elizabethan and Caroline Settlements; Christianity and nationalisms; partition, conflict and peace; the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement and its consequences.
2. The ‘Anglican Way’ in Ireland
   Anglican responses to the Missio Dei: Scripture, Worship and Communion as defining themes in contemporary Anglican self-understanding; contextual understanding of the emergence, role and authority of the Book of Common Prayer, the Homilies, Articles of Religion, the Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral and the emergence of an Anglican Covenant; Anglicanism, ecumenical engagement and interreligious dialogue.
3. Reconciliation in an Irish Context
   Theologies of reconciliation and the challenges of divided societies (M Volf, R Schreiter, J de Gruchy); postcolonial biblical exegesis and liberation theology in contemporary global Anglicanism; understanding sectarianism and transforming societies; a reflection on the Hard Gospel Project.
4. Christianity and Reconciliation
   Analysis of Anglicanism’s capacities to contribute to public debates on reconciliation, and social and ecological justice; exploration of new ways for Anglicans to be church (e.g., L Mudge, R Page, M Grey); challenges facing the communion of global Anglicanism.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module students will be able:

• To understand critically the historical contexts that have shaped the current expressions of Irish Christianity.
• To engage with the ways in which Anglican identity is articulated, especially through the liturgical life of the Church.
• To recognize the distinctive challenges facing Irish Anglicans in articulating the ‘gospel of reconciliation’.
• To engage critically with concerns of Anglicans in the Global South over the nature of Anglican koinonia.
• To reflect on new proposals of how to be church.

Methodology:

Part-time Mode A:

This module will be taught through a series of lectures and student-led seminars.

Students will be required to participate and lead class seminars and also to take part in collaborative small groups and independent study.

There will be a joint seminar with each of the other two strands – Biblical Studies and Theology.

Part-time Mode B:

This module will be taught through workbook and DVD lectures. Students will also contribute to online seminars and will be required to engage in independent study of set texts. Students will also be required to take part in collaborative small groups and independent study.

There will be a joint seminar with each of the other two strands – Biblical Studies and Theology

Assessment: 2,500 words of coursework (e.g. essay or project as agreed by course leader)

Contact Hours: 20 Student Work Load: 100 - 120 hours