Exploring the Christian Faith
Course Summary
This unit introduces students to the key topics of systematic theology, and the prominent approaches to each of those topics. The unit presents the Vineyard’s Kingdom of God theology but also aims to expose students to various theological positions on key topics.
Key topics include: the nature of God’s existence; the nature of Biblical authority; the practical implications of doctrines like the Trinity and the Imago Dei; the tension around faith and works; and various other key contemporary theological debates.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this unit students will be able to:
- Outline the essential beliefs, and the main doctrines within the broad theology of the Church, and how these have been prioritised within the Christian consensual tradition.
- Discuss the significance of key Christian theological positions for the student’s own life and faith.
- Explain the practical relevance of theology for diverse contexts and situations, in ways that are specific and constructive.
Course Content
- What is Theology?
- The Doctrine of the Trinity
- Creation and Revelation
- Gospel, King, and Parousia
- Eschatology: The Study of Last Things
- The Life and Death of Jesus the Messiah
- The Resurrection and Role of King Jesus
- What is Salvation?
- How Does Salvation Work?
- The Holy Spirit
- Creation and Humanity
- What’s Wrong with Humanity and the World
- The Church