THL480 Principles of Public and Contextual Theology (8)

CSU Discipline Area: Theology (THEOL)

Duration: One session

Abstract:

This subject surveys the origins and principles of the contextual method of doing theology, exploring how the development of contextual theologies reflects the changing nature of who does theology, where, and for what purpose. In view of the growing awareness of the public arena as a context for theology, this subject considers what is meant by "the public", identifies principles of public theology and explores how this mode of theology informs a range of current theologies. It assesses the case for and against public and contextual theologies, and examines the strengths and weaknesses of models of public and contextual theologies.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2013.Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details prior to contacting their course coordinator: THL480

Where differences exist between the handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Enrolment restrictions:

Master of Arts (Public and Contextual Theology)

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

- be able to discern how factors such as gender, ethnicity, age and social location inform the expression of theological doctrines;
- be able to discuss why contextual theologies have arisen;
- be able to discern how audience informs the expression of theological doctrines;
- be able to discuss why public theologies have arisen;
- be able to distinguish between a contextual theology and a public theology;
- be able to discuss and evaluate critically a range of models of contextual theologies;
- be able to discuss and evaluate critically a range of models of public theologies;
- be able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of contextual and public theologies.

Syllabus:

The subject will cover the following topics:

- The Origins and Principles of Contextual Theologies - The Principle of Contextuality - The Enduring Problem of Gospel and Culture - Identifying Theological Contexts - Models of Contextual Theology - The Origins and Principles of a Public Theology - Identifying "The Public" as a Context for Theology - The Public Square - The Public Good - Models of Public Theology - A Synoptic Reading of Models of Public and Contextual Theologies - The Case Against Public and Contextual Theologies - Comparing Contextual and Public Theologies

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