Details for Seminar in Theological Issues

This unit provides students with an opportunity to critically apply methodological thinking (using in particular the methodological approach of Bernard Lonergan) to contemporary theological issues.  It intends to help students construct and present theological arguments, and engage generously and critically with the work of their peers.   

The unit Seminar in Theological Issues is part of the subject area Theology and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Master of Arts (Christian Studies) (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

At the successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. address contemporary theological issues using appropriate and consistent methodology
2. develop a logical and coherent research paper on a theological issue subject to debate in the academy
3. present a paper to peers, and respond to questions and criticisms
4.  generously and critically evaluate theological arguments, whether those of published theologians,  lecturers or peers

Subject Content

1. Reading Group Discussion of Bernard Lonergan, Method in Theology
2. Seminars: Presentations and Respondents
3. Suggested research areas, including but not limited to: theological engagement with postmodernism, Inter-religious dialogue, liberation and feminist theology, indigenous theologies, eco-theology, public theology, theology and science. 

Assessment Methods

Group work, essay, presentation, participation.

Prescribed Text

Course reader, including: Lonergan, B. Method in Theology (2^nd edition); and extracts from Insight.

Representative References

Edwards, D. Ecology at the Heart of Faith. Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis, 2006.

Grenz, S and J. Franke. Beyond Foundationalism: Shaping Theology in a Postmodern Context. Louisville, Ky.: Westminster John Knox Press, 2001.

Ford, D.F.  The Modern Theologians. Cambridge: Blackwell, 1997.

Goosen, G.  Australian Theologies. Strathfield, NSW: St Paul’s, 2000.

Marks, Darren C. (ed). Shaping a global theological mind, Aldershot, England; Burlington, VT: Ashgate Pub., 2008.

Mead, J.K. Biblical Theology: Issues, Methods and Themes.  Louisville KY:  Westminster John Knox Press, 2007.

Ormerod, N. Method, Meaning, and Revelation. Lanham, MD: University Press of America, 2000.

Ruether, R. Feminist Theologies: Legacy and Prospect. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 2007.

Ford, David F., Barth and God's Story: Biblical Narrative and the Theological Method of Karl Barth in the Church Dogmatics Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2008

Shults, F. Christology and Science. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2008.