H7212 Controversies, Councils and Creeds in Historical Perspective

Unit code H7212

Unit name Controversies, Councils and Creeds in Historical Perspective

Unit weighting 9 cp

Prerequisites 9 cp in History or 9 cp in Theology

Exclusions T7203 Controversies Councils and Creeds in Theological Perspective

Curriculum objective This course unit examines and analyses the development of selected Christian doctrines in particular historical contexts. Students will examine the lines of argument that informed the debates of ecclesial authorities and analyse the production of creedal and confessional statements. It provides the student with knowledge and skills in historical research methodology, tools that are vital to any History or Theology course unit.

Learning outcomes At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. Outline the historical and ecclesial contexts which informed the development of selected Christian doctrines.
2. Explain how creedal and confessional statements developed over time.
3. Evaluate primary and secondary sources in history and theology.
4. Articulate the ways in which core doctrines of the Christian faith have been received, adopted, and adapted to historical and cultural contexts.
5. Apply historical principles of theological discourse to contemporary issues

Content

1. The Methodological Issues in History
   • a. Engaging Primary and Secondary Sources
   • b. Historical, Cultural and Sociological Questions
2. Development of Doctrine: Selected Topics
   • a. The Valentinian Myth and the doctrine of the Incarnation
   • b. The development of the Biblical Canon
   • c. Arius’ on Jesus’ Relationship to the Father
   • d. ‘And the Holy Spirit’: the Council of Constantinople (381)
   • e. Donatism and Holiness: Augustine’s response
   • f.  Date of Easter: the Council of Whitby
   • g. Iconoclasm: John of Damascus’ apology
   • h. Filioque: Eastern and Western disagreements
   • i. The Diet of Worms
   • j. Can’t we work together? The World Missionary Conference, Edinburgh (1910) and the World Council of Churches (1948)
3. Examining the impact on the Church today

Assessment profile In this unit, the required assessment tasks will enable students to demonstrate how successfully they can:

1. Analyse primary sources in the history of theology (1, 3)
2. Evaluate the influence of historical context on the development of doctrine (1, 2, 3, 4)
3. Identify principles of theological discourse found in history that inform contemporary issues in ministry (4, 5) [Outcomes 2, 3, and 4]