Christian Anthropology
Module Code: 602TCA1 Credits: 10 Contact Hours: 30 Level: 6 Lecturer:
Syllabus
Students will examine the theology of nature and original sin in an inclusive way beginning with analysis of fundamental biblical texts with special emphasis on the Creation/Fall accounts in Genesis, the Prologue of John, and Paul’s exposition in Romans 1-8. Within this context, certain philosophical suppositions are then understood; notably the contribution of Neo-Platonism in the patristic period and Aristotelianism in the middle ages. Of paramount importance is the thought of Augustine in the patristic period and Bonaventure and Aquinas in the medieval period.
Other sources, however, will also be mentioned:
- Patristic: Pseudo-Dionysius in terms of apohaticism and hierarchization and the anthropology of Maximus the Confessor.
- Medieval: the pervasive emphasis beginning in the 12th century on nature, history and affectivity exemplified by, among others, Bernard of Clairvaux and the Victorines. The Aristoltelianism of John Duns Scotus with emphasis on the meaning of the ‘primacy of Christ’, univocity of being and Divine freedom.
The divergence of the Western theology of nature and original sin as a result of the Reformation is examined within the Pauline/Augustinian context underlying the thought of Luther and Calvin and compared to the Catholic response.
Students will then examine the theology of nature and original sin in light of certain soteriological consequences.
Aims
- To identify the exegetical basis for the Christian view of nature and original sin.
- To identify certain important philosophical contributions to the Christian view of nature and original sin.
- To examine the theological/philosophical synthesis present in the Christian view of nature and original sin.
- To relate each of the above to the Christological implications of an ?Incarnation? in terms of a theology of creation and original sin
Present a comparative view of certain Catholic/Protestant views on original sin affecting the parallel concept of redemption/soteriology.
Assessment
Students are required to write one 2,000 word essay (=/- 10%) chosen from four options.
Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the module students should be able to demonstrate
- A general understanding of the development of a Christian theology of nature and original sin as presented in the module using the sources referred to in the lectures.
- An ability to synthesize an exegetical and philosophical approach toward understanding and articulating a theology of nature and original sin.
- To demonstrate familiarity with important patristic and medieval contributors to development of a theology of nature and original sin.
- A knowledge of the divergence of Catholic and Protestant views regarding a theology of nature and original sin and soteriological consequences.
Subject Specific Skills
By the end of this module students should be able to:
- form opinions based on analysis of primary and secondary sources and present coherent conclusions based on the historical development of a theology of nature and original sin
- understand the exegetical context of a theology of nature and original sin relate the exegetical context of a theology of nature and original sin to certain philosophical suppositions present in Western speculative theology
- apply the conclusions drawn from the above to ecumenical dialogue between Roman Catholic and certain Protestant denominations
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