An exploration of the relationship between Christian theology and Science, including investigation of historical debates and issues of current concern.
The relationship between Christian theology and science has for the most part been a rich and constructive one, occasional tensions notwithstanding. This paper will explore the history of the relationship between these two spheres of human inquiry and investigate the current prospects for fruitful interaction between theology and science.
| Paper title | Special Topic: Christian Theology and Science |
|---|---|
| Paper code | CHTH235 |
| Subject | Christian Thought and History |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period(s) | 1st Non standard period (14 November 2022 - 17 December 2022)
(Distance learning)
1st Non standard period (14 November 2022 - 17 December 2022) (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $929.55 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- 36 100-level points
- Restriction
- CHTH 334, CHTX 334
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Theology
- Notes
- May not be credited together with CHTH335 taken in 2021
- Contact
Professor David Tombs - email david.tombs@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
View more information on the Theology Programme's website
- Teaching staff
Course Co-ordinator: Professor David Tombs
Lecturer: Dr Nicola Hoggard-Creegan
- Paper Structure
Week 1
Models of Interaction: past and present
Reading and Writing theologyWeek 2
Historical Landmarks
Darwinism in 19th Century New Zealand (with visiting lecturer John Stenhouse)Week 3
Creation, God and Science: the historical interactions with biology and phsyics
Issues in Biology and theology (with visiting lecturer Graeme Finlay)Week 4
Contemporary Interactions with biology and physicsWeek 5
Ecology
Bioethics and AIAssessments:
- Weekly online quizzes (20%)
- Weekly reflection journal, based on classes and readings (20%)
- Essay (60%)
- Teaching Arrangements
This paper will be taught from 7 November to 9 December via twice-weekly classes. Distance Students are encouraged to join in live via Zoom. Classes will be recorded and can be accessed in the evening. Distance students using this option should attend optional tutorials and should make sure they have adequate time to complete this course, which may be demanding for those trained only in the sciences.
- Textbooks
Required textbook:
J.B. Stump & Alan G.Padgett, (eds) Blackwell Companion to Science and Christianity, Oxford: Blackwell, 2012.
Multiple readings from this book will be used in the course, so you may wish to consider buying the eBook through Kindle. It will also be available to download through eReserve.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Communication, Critical thinking,
Ethics, Environmental literacy, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the paper at 200-level will:
- Show familiarity with different models of and approaches to the science/theology interface
- Be able to identify some of the cultural aspects of our knowing and research
- Understand some of the historical threads of engagement between faith institutions and science
- Give an informed and critical account of selected ethical issues at the boundary of faith and science, especially as they relate to the status of other animals and ecology
- Show the relevance of sources in popular culture for exploring major themes in the engagement between theology and science
Timetable
This paper explores what the Christian theological tradition offers to economic questions and reflects on its relevance for the future evolution of global capitalism.
This paper will critically explore how a theological perspective can shed new light on issues relating to markets, capitalism, consumerism, wealth, poverty, inequality and growth. Drawing upon a wide range of resources, including the Judaeo-Christian Scriptures, historical andcontemporary writings of theologians, church reports and Catholic social teaching, the paper will explore important moral and ethical considerations concerning the influence and operation of markets and in particular, the functioning of these markets within the prevailing global capitalistic paradigm.
| Paper title | Special Topic: Theology, Money and Markets |
|---|---|
| Paper code | CHTH235 |
| 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 | Tuition Fees for 2023 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- 36 100-level points
- Restriction
- CHTH 334, CHTX 334
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Theology
- Notes
- May not be credited together with CHTH335 taken in 2021
- Contact
- More information link
- Teaching staff
- Paper Structure
Topics covered will include:
Module 1 – Historical Reflections- Session 1: Theology and Economics – an introduction
- Session 2: The Bible and Economics – Torah and the Prophets
- Session 3: The Bible and Economics – Jesus and the Gospels; The Early Church and the New Testament
- Session 4: Historical Theology – Early Church Fathers, Medieval Period and the Reformation
- Session 5: Historical Theology – The Rise of Capitalism and the ‘Acquisitive Society’
- Session 6: The Total Economy: Global Capitalism and its (Dis)contents
- Session 7: A Pound of Flesh: Credit-Interest-Debt
- Session 8: Fractured Societies: Inequality and its Implications
- Session 9: A Sick Planet: Climate Change & Ecological Limits 2023
- Session 10: Surveillance Capitalism: Technology & Commodification
- Session 11: Democratising and Reforming Institutions
- Session 12: The Church as Alternative Economy
- Online discussions (20%)
- Creative Biblical-Theological Apologetic (30%)
- Research Essay (50%)
- Teaching Arrangements
The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught remotely.
Campus: One two-hour lecture each week
Distance: The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught remotely withone two-hour lecture per week. Distance students participate in the campusclasses via Zoom. Students who are unable to join classes can watchrecordings at a later time.- Textbooks
There are no compulsory textbooks for this paper.
- Course outline
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Communication, Critical thinking,
Ethics, Environmental literacy, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will:
- Demonstrate an understanding of how key biblical motifs can relate to contemporary economic discourse.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the contribution made to economic ethical concerns by selected Christian writers.
- Outline a theological ethical framework for engaging with economic concerns.
- Offer a critical and creative theological analysis of a contemporary economic concern/issue.
- Demonstrate analytical, interpretative and critical skills by engagement with scholarly texts.
- Demonstrate research skills.
- Demonstrate written and oral communication skills.
