CT2/352.15 Memory, word and identity in Christian Theology

Integrative Unit (Hermeneutics and Culture) for MDiv


cross listed with BN2/352.15 Acts: Memory, word and identity in Christian Theology

This unit is an exploration of theological memory in relation to Christian origins and focuses on proclamation, tradition and identity. Applied work will be undertaken with selected readings of historical and contemporary uses of The Acts of the Apostles in formulating Christian identity, authority and mission.

Objectives: At the completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Critically evaluate significant issues in the nature of Christian memory, rhetoric, and tradition;
2. Demonstrate a capacity to evaluate theological memory in relation to Christian proclamation, tradition and identity;
3. Formulate and apply critical criteria for evaluating theological uses of The Acts of the Apostles in formulating Christian identity, authority and mission;
4. Articulate several philosophical approaches to the theological quest for origins and their methodologies (3rd level).
5. Critically evaluate social consequences in the use of rhetoric in tradition (Graduate).

Pre-requisite:
Level 2 (CT111.15 or CT113.15 or CT101)
Level 3 (45 points in Systematic Theology)
Graduate (A foundational unit in Systematic Theology)

Exclusion: CT 252/352.15 cannot be studied for credit in addition to credit previously gained for BN 252/352.15.

Assessment:
(2nd level):
One 2,000 word essay 40%
Four 600 word document studies 60%
(3rd level):
One 2,500 word essay 50%
Four 600 word document studies 50%
(Graduate):
One 3,000 word essay 50%
Four 750 word document studies 50%
 
Class Time: Three hours per week (Fridays 9.30am - 12.30pm)

Faculty: Stephen Curkpatrick

Offered: 2012. Semester 2

Select Bibliography:
Augustine, Confessions, trans. with an introduction, R.S. Pine-Coffin. Penguin, 1961.
Dibelius, M. Studies in the Acts of the Apostles, trans. Mary Ling. ed. Heinrich Greeven. London: SCM, 1956.
Gadamer, H-G. Truth and Method, 2nd rev. ed. trans. Joel Weinsheimer and Donald G. Marshall. London: Sheed and Ward, 1975/1989.
Hengel, M. Acts and the History of Earliest Christianity. London, SCM, 1979.
Johnson, L.T. The Acts of the Apostles, Sacra Pagina Series. Minnesota, Liturgical press, 1992.
Jüngel, E. God as the Mystery of the World: In the Foundation of the Theology of the Crucified One in the Dispute between Theism and Atheism, trans. Darrell L. Guder. Grad Rapids and Edinburgh: Eerdmans and T&T Clark, 1983.
Kasper, W. The God of Jesus Christ, trans. Matthew J. O'Connell. New York: Crossroad, 2005.
Kristeva, K. Strangers to Ourselves, trans. L.S. Roudiez. New York: Columbia University Press, 1991.
Moltmann, J. Theology of Hope: On the Ground and the Implications of a Christian Eschatology, trans. James W. Leitch. London: SCM, 1967, 2002.
Pannenberg, W. Systematic Theology III, trans. Geoffrey Bromiley. Edinburgh and Grand Rapids Michigan: T&T Clark and Eerdmans, 1998.
Pelikan, J. Acts. Grand Rapids: Brazos, 2005.
Rosenzweig, F. The Star of Redemption, trans. William W. Hallo. Notre Dame: U Notre Dame Press, 1985.
Soards, M.L. The Speeches in Acts: their content, context, and concerns. Louisville, Kentucky, Westminster/John Knox Press, 1994.
Urs von Balthasar, HU. Theology: The New Covenant, trans. Brian McNeil, ed. John Riches (1989) The Glory of the Lord Series, Vol VII. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1989.