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    Overview

    An examination of the person and work of the triune God, drawing upon leading Trinitarian theologians from the patristic, medieval, and modern eras.

    This paper will extend the work completed at the 100/200 level in Systematic Theology by a more in-depth study of one of the core areas in Christian Doctrine, namely the person and work of the triune God. It aims to help you to comprehend more fully the biblical basis of the doctrine; the development of the doctrine in the early church; leading trinitarian theologians such as Augustine, Thomas Aquinas and Karl Barth; and contemporary issues in trinitarian theology. This study is undertaken with a view towards the difference the doctrine makes for Christian existence and the challenges of human history.

    About this paper

    Paper title The Trinity
    Subject Christian Thought and History
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Not offered in 2024, expected to be offered in 2025 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $981.75
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    One of CHTH 101, CHTH 111, CHTH 131, CHTX 101, CHTX 111, CHTX 131
    Restriction
    CHTH 313, CHTX 213, CHTX 313
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music, Theology
    Eligibility
    Any student can study Theology, whether they are of the Christian faith, another faith or of no religious faith at all. Theology is an examination of the scriptures, history, content and relevance of the Christian faith, but it presupposes or requires no Christian commitment from students. All it requires is an inquiring mind and an interest in those skills that can be gained through the study of any subject in the Humanities.
    Contact
    Reverend Associate Professor Christopher Holmes: christopher.holmes@otago.ac.nz
    Teaching staff
    Lecturer: Reverend Associate Professor Christopher Holmes
    Paper Structure
    • Module 1: Scripture and Trinity;
    • Module 2: Road to Nicaea, Nicaea and its Legacy;
    • Module 3: Augustine on the Trinity;
    • Module 4: Thomas on the Trinity;
    • Module 5: Trinity in Modern Theology.

    Assessment: Two essays and a final exam.

    Teaching Arrangements

    Campus: One 2-hour class each week.

    Distance: Five 80-minute videoconferences spaced throughout the semester, plus a teaching day.

    Textbooks

    There is no compulsory textbook for this paper.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete this paper should:

    • Become acquainted with basic Christian teaching concerning the identity and work of the triune God
    • Have understood the key theological features of the doctrine and the historic differences of understanding regarding the doctrine between East and West
    • Become more adept at the art of reading theological texts and more skilled at expressing theological concepts both orally and in writing
    • Sharpen their ability to relate theological claims to Christian practice in a pluralistic age

    Timetable

    Not offered in 2024, expected to be offered in 2025

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard
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