Cosmology, Anthropology and the Church

5 Credits

Module Content:

1. Theologies of creation
   Review of theologies of creation, ancient and modern. Theology, ecology and humanity in an age of
   global change.
   
2. Theological anthropology.
   The nature of humanity as created and redeemed - in Greek, Hebrew and Christian understandings.
   Imago Dei. Freewill versus determinism; nature and grace in the Western Reformation (M Luther, J
   Calvin, Council of Trent); the theology of Deification in the Orthodox tradition; Cartesian dualism versus
   retrieval of embodied selfhood. The relationship between Christian theology and scientific enquiry in the
   modern age, and its implication for our understanding of humanity.
   
3. The Realm of God and the Church of Christ
   Understanding the nature and role of the Church eschatologically in the light of creation and new
   creation. The church and the royal/priestly role of discerning order and ordering new creation creation;
   resisting anthropocentric and androcentric reductionisms of the Church. Key historical understandings of
   the Church and current proposals. Exploration of ministry and sacraments in the light of the
   eschatological dimension, to be done as a joint seminar with Liturgy, Worship and Spirituality.
   
4. Life in the Spirit.
   Exploration of the Christian understanding of the Holy Spirit in creation and in the life of the Church. The
   relationship between the Holy Spirit and eschatology. Reflection on contemporary understandings of the
   manifestation of the Spirit.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module students will be able:

• To reflect critically on a range of theological anthropologies and ecclesiologies that reflect renewed
  concern with creation as a theological theme.
  
• To engage critically with the doctrine of original sin and the legacy of Augustine of Hippo in the
  Western Church; and to understand the significance of the contesting of nature and grace in the
  history of the church and in current theological debates.
  
• To reflect on the tensions between theologies of creation and of redemption, and to take account of
  the ecclesiological significance of this tension.
  
• To reflect on the interpretative challenge posed by eschatology, and to develop an understanding of
  how the realm of God is to be related to the institutional structures of the Church of Christ.
  
• To engage critically with the Christian doctrine of the Holy Spirit, particularly as it relates to creation,
  anthropology, and the life of the 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 Christian Practice
in Church and Society

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 Christian Practice
in Church and Society

Assessment: 2,500 words of coursework (e.g. essay or project as agreed by cours
Contact Hours: 20 Student Work Load: 100 - 120 hrs