Jesus the Christ

5 Credits

Module Content:

1. Current Issues in Debate The often-sensationalized quests of the ‘historical Jesus’; Gnostic scriptures, canonicity, tensions between faith and history (or history and dogma)
2. The Identity of Jesus Christ in Classical Theology Analysis of the issues at stake concerning the person of Christ (both doctrinal and non-doctrinal factors) in the formation of Nicene orthodoxy in 325 and 381.
3. The Work of Christ Evaluation of a variety of theological models, together with their contextual possibilities and limitations, for exploring the significance – or ‘work’ – of Christ, including: Irenaeus of Lyons and Recapitulation; patristic theologies of the ‘Devil’s Rights’; Anselmian satisfaction; Abelard and the exemplification of Divine love; Luther’s theology of Justification; Kierkegaard’s notion of contemporaneity with Christ; Schleiermacher’s concept of Christ-consciousness; Nietzsche’s Antichrist; liberation, feminist and eco- theological Christologies.
4. Themes in Christological Reconstruction Analysis of the relationship between soteriology and Christology; critical reflection on metaphors and concepts exploring the meaning of ‘salvation’; transhumanism: ethical questions for human perfection.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module students will be able:

• To understand the theological issues, e.g., the tension between faith and history, raised by quests for the ‘historical’ Jesus.
• To analyze critically both the theological and non-doctrinal factors involved in the development of Christological dogma as far as the Chalcedonian definition (451), as well as the ways in which this doctrinal tradition may be interpreted by a later age.
• To explore the interrelationship of Christian faith and contemporary culture in the articulation of models for understanding soteriology.
• To engage in current Christological discussion on the identity and significance of Jesus Christ.
• To reflect critically on the possibilities and limitations of a range of theological understandings of ‘salvation’.

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 course leader) Contact Hours: 20 Student Work Load: 100 - 120 hrs