Overview
The central historical and contemporary debates concerning the person and role of the Holy Spirit; the nature and function of the church; baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Christian theology has several wonderful, complex and crucial themes. The Holy Spirit, the church and the sacraments are three of them. Students will examine how Scripture and some leading theologians past and present engage these matters. The paper encourages a robust understanding of God's redemptive presence and activity by the development of deep reading and critical research skills.
About this paper
| Paper title | Spirit, Church and Sacraments (Advanced) |
|---|---|
| Subject | Christian Thought and History |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2024, expected to be offered in 2026 (Distance learning) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $981.75 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- One 200-level CHTH or CHTX paper
- Restriction
- CHTH 212, CHTX 212, CHTX 312
- 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
- More information link
View more information on the Theology Programme’s website
- Teaching staff
- Paper Structure
- The paper is structured in three modules that guide students through these key theological themes in progressively deeper ways. Students acquire competence in reading primary texts and assessing their authors' claims.
Assessment: Two written assignments (20% and 30%) and a three-hour exam (50%). - Teaching Arrangements
The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught remotely.
Campus: One two-hour lecture per week
Distance: Six two-hour videoconferences on Zoom spaced throughout the semester.- Textbooks
Textbooks are not required.
- Course outline
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Lifelong learning, Research, in-depth knowledge.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
When you have successfully completed the paper at the 300 level, you will:
- Have acquired a depth of understanding concerning the identity and mission of the church and the person and work of the Spirit
- Have understood the key theological features of the sacraments of baptism and Eucharist (Lord's Supper) and a nuanced appreciation of why Protestants differ among themselves and also in relationship to Catholics
- Become adept at the art of reading classical theological texts and skilled at expressing theological concepts both orally and in writing
- Significantly sharpened your ability to relate theological claims to life and pastoral practice
Timetable
Overview
The central historical and contemporary debates concerning the person and role of the Holy Spirit; the nature and function of the church; baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Christian theology has several wonderful, complex and crucial themes. The Holy Spirit, the church and the sacraments are three of them. Students will examine how Scripture and some leading theologians past and present engage these matters. The paper encourages a robust understanding of God's redemptive presence and activity by the development of deep reading and critical research skills.
About this paper
| Paper title | Spirit, Church and Sacraments (Advanced) |
|---|---|
| Subject | Christian Thought and History |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2025 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- One 200-level CHTH or CHTX paper
- Restriction
- CHTH 212, CHTX 212, CHTX 312
- 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
- More information link
View more information on the Theology Programme’s website
- Teaching staff
- Paper Structure
The paper is structured in three modules that guide students through these key theological themes in progressively deeper ways. Students acquire competence in reading primary texts and assessing their authors' claims.
- Teaching Arrangements
The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught remotely.
Campus: One two-hour lecture per week
Distance: Six two-hour videoconferences on Zoom spaced throughout the semester.- Textbooks
Textbooks are not required.
- Course outline
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Lifelong learning, Research, in-depth knowledge.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
When you have successfully completed the paper at the 300 level, you will:
- Have acquired a depth of understanding concerning the identity and mission of the church and the person and work of the Spirit
- Have understood the key theological features of the sacraments of baptism and Eucharist (Lord's Supper) and a nuanced appreciation of why Protestants differ among themselves and also in relationship to Catholics
- Become adept at the art of reading classical theological texts and skilled at expressing theological concepts both orally and in writing
- Significantly sharpened your ability to relate theological claims to life and pastoral practice
- Assessment details
Two written assignments (20% and 30% = 50%)
A three-hour exam (50%).