THE CHURCH

Unit Weighting                       

9 cps

Type of Unit                

Intermediate

Prerequisites                

T7101A

Academic Staff            

Dr Philip Kariatlis, BTh (SCD 1995) BA (Sydney 2000) MTh (SCD 2001), ThD (SCD 2010), Senior Lecturer

Curriculum Objectives

This unit introduces students to a central theme of theology, viz. that faith is lived within a community of believers.  It prepares students for later units in the church’s sacraments and ministry.

Learning Outcomes

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

1.     Demonstrate a familiarity with the sources of ecclesiology
2.     Demonstrate a coherent understanding of the nature and mission of the church
3.     Analyse recent writing in ecclesiology
4.     Critically evaluate influences currently shaping the church
5.     Apply fundamental principles in ecclesiology to contemporary pastoral situations

Content

1.     Sources for ecclesiology
2.     The divine origin of the church
3.     The nature and mission of the church
4.     Images, models and marks of the church
5.     The structure of the church: sacrament, communion and authority
6.     The forms and exercise of ministry in the church
7.     The unity of the church as an ecumenical imperative

Assessment Profile

1.     Review recent writing in ecclesiology (e.g. critical review, short essay)
2.     Demonstrate a coherent understanding of the nature and mission of the church (e.g. essay)
3.     Apply the theology of the church to current pastoral situations (e.g. class presentation, seminar)

Schedule

3hr lecture per week on campus, or via distance education