CHRISTOLOGY:ANCIENT & MODERN (ST-2391)

The goal of this course  - geared primarily to Masters and STL students - is to introduce students to the development of Christological doctrine, from its historical beginning during the era of the great councils to its contemporary contextual expressions. The first few weeks will trace the formative developments of Christology in the early church, mapping the Christological diversity of the New Testament and the gradual turn towards doctrinal complexity and abstraction that culminates with the Chalcedonian definition of 451. We will examine Medieval and early modern takes on classical Christology, exploring the theology of the atonement and its Lutheran and Calvinist interpretations. In the second part of the course we will turn to modern and contemporary critiques of classical Christology, such as those developed by Schleiermacher and Roger Haight. We will then explore a variety of contextual Christologies, touching on feminist/liberationist/African American/Asian/Latin American approaches. The last two sessions will touch on the role of Christology in the context of interreligious dialogue. Students will be assessed by means of weekly reflections assigned readings, participation in and facilitation of learning-group discussions, one required presentation, and a final research paper whose outline will be presented to the class. [Auditors with faculty permission]