Trinity
Module Code: 611TTR Credits: 10 Contact Hours: 30 Level: 6 Lecturer: David Blowey OFM Conv
Syllabus
The Holy Trinity has been at the very root of the Church’s living faith, principally by means of Baptism. It finds its expression in the rule of baptismal faith, formulated in the preaching, catechesis and prayer of the Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church, № 249).
In this module we will study the biblical bases (Old Testament foreshadowings [דבר, σοφία, רוח] and New Testament explications) and early baptismal/creedal formulae which lead to the development of the Trinitarian dogmas.
We will examine and interpret extracts from the pertinent literature (the main eastern and western Church Fathers) and conciliar developments, through medieval theology (Thomas Aquinas, Franciscan school) to contemporary essays that reformulate this mystery of faith.
The systematic reflection will also deal with Trinitarian hermeneutics, the unity between immanent and revealed Trinitarian theology, the Trinity’s self-communication, the meaning of the notion of person, the essential unity of the three divine persons, based on the relatio subsistens, the concepts of Trinitarian procession and missions, and the particularities of the persons (especially concerning pneumatology).
In the course of the term, the ecumenical aspects of the filioque controversy and the spiritual dimension of Trinitarian indwelling will also be presented.
Aims
- to deepen the students ability to critically read theological texts
- to assist the students to be able to think theologically
- to provide an opportunity for the students to deepen their own relationship with God through reflection on the texts
- to help the students to integrate the biblical and theological concepts of the Trinitarian doctrine that they in turn may be able to assist others in their understanding of the mystery
Assessment
Students are required to write one essay of at least 3,000 words
Teaching Methods
The module is primarily geared to a lecture/discussion format together with analysis of biblical, patristic and conciliar texts. Special attention will be given to the reading and interpretation of modern theological texts to assist the students with the integration of Trinitarian theology and in order to decipher the intricacies of Trinitarian reflection today.
Knowledge and Understanding
Due to the practice of critical analysis of the development of the Trinitarian dogmas, at the end of this module students will have acquired:
- the ability to read with understanding the philosophical-theological vocabulary used when discussing Trinitarian matters,
- a deeper knowledge of the rich patristic/conciliar traditions which led to the explication of this, the basis of the Christian faith,
- the ability to deepen their own theological investigations as they continue their own theological-academic pursuits in the future.
Subject Specific Skills
At the end of the module students will be able
- to integrate their Trinitarian reflection in order to deepen their own personal faith experience. Such a foundational religious experience is central to any faith-filled ministerial interaction with God?s people wherein they may wish to enhance the faith-experience of others;
- to share their Trinitarian beliefs with members of other traditions.
Transferable Skills
On the human/ministerial level – The Trinitarian and Christological dogmas are the basis of the Christian faith. Through the reflection that will ensue during this module the students will be able to deepen their own faith-commitment.
On the theological level – students will be able to analytically assess information from various sources (e.g., sacred scripture, historical texts in translation, official Church documents, etc.), enabling them to critically enhance their own private research in this field.
sending...
