THL540 Public Theology (16)

CSU Discipline Area: Theology (THEOL)

Duration: One session

Abstract:

This subject provides a critical foundation for the study of the origins, nature and method of Public Theology. It undertakes this task in four interrelated stages. The first stage is concerned with the questions, "What is Public Theology?" and "What does it mean to be a public theologian?" The second stage examines how the current interest in Public Theology is to be located within the history of church-state relations. The focus of the third stage falls upon what is described as the "public relevance" or "public signature" of selected key Christian doctrines. The final stage treats selected public issues by exploring what Christian theological doctrines might be embedded within them.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations

Session 1
Internal	United Theological College
Distance	United Theological College

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: THL540

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 Theology

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to define the character and content of Public Theology;
be able to articulate critically what it means to be a Public Theologian;
be able to evaluate critically the reasons why Public Theology has become recognised as a helpful and necessary enterprise;
be able to discuss critically the role Public Theology may play in the construction of civil society;
be able to situate the present interest in Public Theology inside a history of how church and state have related;
be able to explore the public relevance of selected Christian theological ideas and discern how a multi-faith, democratic society can inform talk about God, Christ and the Holy Spirit;
be able to articulate critically what it means to be a citizen in the light of the Christian vocation of discipleship;
be able to evaluate critically selected issues in the public domain from a theological perspective;
be able to engage in the task of Public Theology in the context of a specific workplace or congregation.

Syllabus:

The subject will cover the following topics:

What is Public Theology?
The "glocal nature" of Public Theology (combining 'global' and 'local' concerns);
On being a public theologian;
God and Government: The Christian Tradition;
God and Government in Australia;
The public face of Faith in Australia;
The public relevance of theology;
The public Christ;
Citizenship and discipleship;
Theology and asylum seekers;
Theology and care of creation;
Theology and cities;
Constructing a public theology in a local congregation.

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