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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 course will extend the work completed at the 100-level in Theology by a more in-depth study of one core area of Christian Doctrine, namely the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. This paper will deepen your understanding of the mystery of the triune God as we attend to both the unity of God and to the distinctions of the three persons. Anchored in Holy Scripture and the writings of St Augustine and St Thomas Aquinas, the paper also attends to the difference that the Trinity makes for Christian life.

    About this paper

    Paper title The Trinity
    Subject Christian Thought and History
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period(s) Semester 1 (On campus)
    Semester 1 (Distance learning)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,040.70
    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 Professor Christopher Holmes: christopher.holmes@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Lecturer: Reverend Professor Christopher Holmes

    Paper Structure

    • Module 1: The Trinity in the Old Testament
    • Module 2: The Trinity in the New Testament
    • Module 3: Tertullian, Arius and Athanasius, and Nicaea (325 & 381)
    • Module 4: St Augustine on the Trinity, Part 1
    • Module 5: St Augustine on the Trinity, Part 2
    • Module 6: St Thomas Aquinas on the Trinity

    Teaching Arrangements

    Fully Distance

    Campus: One 2-hour class each week.

    Distance: Six 2 hour videoconferences spaced throughout the semester.

    Textbooks

    There is no compulsory textbook for this paper.

    Course outline

    View the course outline for CHTH 213

    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
    Assessment details

    Two essays and a final exam.

    Timetable

    Semester 1

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

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Friday 12:00-13:50 9-15, 18-22

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught through Distance Learning
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Tutorial

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 18:00-19:50 10, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21
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