THL316 The Triune God (8)

Abstract

This subject explores the development of the Christian understanding of God as Trinity, from the biblical origins of the doctrine to key historical and theological developments in the first five centuries and also to the rejuvenation of the doctrine in more recent decades. It considers the implications of renewed trinitarian thought for theology, Christian anthropology, ethics, eccelesiology, mission and interfaith dialogue. The subject also critiques the possible misuse of trinitarian theology and its broader impact.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 1
Online	Canberra Campus
On Campus	Canberra Campus
On Campus	United Theological College
Term 3
On Campus	Ming Hua Theological College

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: THL316
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration	Grading System	School:
One session	HD/FL	School of Theology

Assumed Knowledge

THL111, THL113 and THL215

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to demonstrate familiarity with the biblical origins of the Christian understanding of God as Trinity
be able to reflect critically on the early emergence of trinitarian themes in Christian debates about God
be able to discuss classical developments in trinitarian doctrine with special reference to the Cappadocian theologians and Augustine
be able to demonstrate knowledge of recent developments in trinitarian thought and their contemporary implications
be able to demonstrate awareness of various critiques of trinitarian theology and its possible misuses
be able to demonstrate self-guided learning, including research, writing and communication skills.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:

Biblical origins of the Christian understanding of God as Trinity
The early development of the doctrine of the Trinity
Arius and Athanasius
The contribution to trinitarian thought of the Cappadocians
The lasting influence of Augustine on the doctrine of the Trinity
The mysterious disappearance of the doctrine of the Trinity and its subliminal continuance
Barth, Rahner and the re-emergence of the doctrine of the Trinity in the twentieth century
Recent developments in trinitarian thought
Implications of trinitarian thought for Christian theology
Implications of the doctrine of the Trinity for Christian anthropology and ethics
Implications of the doctrine of the Trinity for ecclesiology, mission and interfaith dialogue
Critiques of contemporary developments and misuses of trinitarian theology

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The information contained in the 2017 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 25 August 2017. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.