H9212 Historical Factors in the Development of Creeds and Doctrines

Unit code 97212

Unit name Historical Factors in the Development of Creeds and Doctrines

Unit weighting 9 cp

Prerequisites 9 cp in History or 9 cp in Theology

Exclusions H7212, T7203, T9203

Curriculum objective This course unit examines and critically 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. Review the historical and ecclesial contexts which informed the development of selected Christian doctrines.
2. Analyse how creedal and confessional statements developed over time.
3. Critically review primary and secondary sources in history and theology.
4. Assess 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. Critically analyse primary sources in the history of theology (1, 3)
2. Critically evaluate the influence of historical context on the development of doctrine (1, 2, 3, 4)
3. Identify and apply principles of theological discourse found in history to contemporary issues in ministry (4, 5)