CT233/333.15 Lives of Faith

GradDip : Specialised Unit
MDiv : Specialised Unit : Christian Thought and History
MTS: Systematic Theology

This unit will examine the character of Christian faith as evident in the life stories of a number of theologians. It will draw specifically upon the methodology of James W McClendon to identify how the life-experience of these theologians has influenced their distinctive approach to theology and Christian faith. It will also provide opportunity for each student to explore the theological significance of their own life story.

Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:

  1. Explain critically McClendon’s methodology for using biography as theology.
  2. Apply that methodology in the study of several biographies.
  3. Outline and discuss the character of faith as seen in the life and work of one major theologian.
  4. (Especially Level 3): Identify possible implications for their own lives, as a source for theological reflection.
     
Unit Details
Pre-requisites: Level 2: 15 points in Systematic Theology
Level 3: 45 points in Systematic Theology
MDiv: 45 points in Foundational Studies
Assessment:
AssignmentWeight
Level 2:
One 1,500 word book review(30%)
One 1,000 word seminar paper(20%)
One 2,500 word essay(50%)
Level 3:
One 1,500 word book review(30%)
One 1,000 word seminar paper(20%)
One 3,000 word essay(50%)
Graduate:
One 1,500 word book review(20%)
One 1,000 word seminar paper(20%)
One 3,500 word essay(60%)
Class Time: Semi-Intensive : Friday evenings and Saturday mornings of 4 weekends
Faculty: Frank Rees
Offered: 2012. Fridays 6.00 - 9.00 pm and Saturdays 9.30 am - 12.30 pm: Aug 3&4 and 24&25; Oct 5&6 and 19&20

Selected Bibliography

* = set texts recommended for purchase
*McClendon, James W. Biography as theology. 2nd edn. Philadelphia: Trinity Press International, 2002
Bethge, Eberhard. Dietrich Bonhoeffer. London: Collins, 1970
Brown, Robert M. Gustavo Guttierez. Maryknoll: Orbis, 1990
Busch, Eberhard. Karl Barth. His life from letters and autobiographical texts. London: SCM, 1976
Küng, Hans. My struggle for freedom. Memoirs. London: Continuum, 2007
Moltmann, Jürgen. A broad place: An autobiography. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress Press, 2007
Pauck, Wilhelm and Marion Pauck. Paul Tillich: His life and thought. Vol. 1. London: Collins, 1977
Rees, Frank. Wrestling with doubt: Theological reflections on the journey of faith. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2001
Webb, Val. Florence Nightingale: the making of a radical theologian. St Louis: Chalice Press, 2002
Young, Frances M. Face to face. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1990