Theology, Religion, and Ethics BA (Hons)

Biblical Interpretation

(Core)

This module provides a foundation of the variety of approaches to the interpretation of the Bible today which are in play in scholarly and popular discourse. It will look at ways in which biblical texts can be interpreted in their ancient contexts and how the history of their interpretation can be understood. It allows you to reflect on your own and others’ reading of the Bible thoughtfully, critically and creatively.

Fundamentals of Systematic Theology

(Core)

The module introduces you to the central themes of Christian theology. It analyses each theme in its Scriptural foundations and doctrinal bases, before introducing an important contemporary discussions drawing on recent theology.

This approach provides an overview of the history of each theme, as well as equipping you with the fundamental terminology of systematic theology and some awareness of its contemporary relevance.

You will also be introduced to different modes of theological reasoning, enabling you to adopt and articulate your own positions on the matters studied. You are encouraged to engage with ongoing theological debates, and begin to engage critically with the interlocutors studied. The module provides a foundation and context for more specialised systematic theology modules of subsequent years.

Introduction to Ethics

(Core)

The module will introduce you to ethics. It will include an overview of the main value theories and normative ethical theories, both historical and modern. You will also be taught to think about the status itself of ethical claims and ethical language.

Introduction to New Testament Greek

(Core)

Reading the New Testament in the original Greek opens up possibilities for understanding in greater depth than reading only translations. Students will have the opportunity to gain sufficient grasp of the language to read basic New Testament texts, and to utilise scholarly writings and tools which assume knowledge of Greek.

Key Concepts in World Religions

(Core)

This module will introduce you to a variety of religious thought from around the world. It will begin with the Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It will then turn to the East and explore Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, before finally exploring Daoism and Confucianism. It will study both the practices and beliefs of each tradition. Each week it will examine either a preeminent thinker or a central concept within each tradition in particular detail.

The Nature of Religion

(Core)

The module offers a detailed exploration of the concept ‘religion’, and the various ways in which leading scholars, both classic and contemporary, have tried to define it. You will be introduced to a foundational, theoretical debate in the study of religion.

The module will centre around the reading, interpreting, discussing, and critiquing a number of primary texts from within the sociology and anthropology of religion. Authors will include some/all of the following: Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, Peter Clarke, Steve Bruce, Irena Borowik, Linda Woodhead, Timothy Fitzgerald, and Christian Smith.

Bioethics

Social changes and technological innovations from the late 1960s have given rise to a new area of study: bioethics. This subdiscipline grew out of medical ethics, but has since expanded beyond the professional ethics of medical practitioners to tackle fundamental ethical questions relating to health and society. This module enables students to apply their knowledge of ethics to the fast-moving world of new developments in biology, especially genetics.

Ecclesiology

This module examines the historical origins of ‘the Church’ and its Scriptural foundations. The different theological schools for understanding the significance and character of the Church are also studied, as they have developed in theological tradition. Different images for understanding ‘the Church’ today are brought into discussion, to evaluate different ways of approaching the Church as a place of belonging for the contemporary believer.

The module also considers the trajectory and possibilities in the light of the culture in which we live at present, encouraging individual application of the module content to differing contexts.

God in Christ

This module is involves a detailed study of the central Christian doctrines surrounding Christology and the Triune God, focusing particularly on intellectual developments in their understanding in recent years. The first half of the module works from the Chalcedon Definition, and studies key tensions in Christology as they have affected important discussions in systematic theology, and the second half works from the Nicene Creed to the Doctrine of the Trinity in recent theology.

Students learn about the complex theological dynamics involved when the understandings to fundamental doctrines change, and about the interplay with the historical and cultural contexts which stimulate such changes. They will also engage in critically evaluating these developments. The module uses visual theological aids throughout, to provide contextual and culturally-rich understandings of intellectual changes.

Liturgical Theology

Module description coming soon.

Medieval Islamic Thought

This module will introduce students to the rich history of Islamic medieval philosophy. The origins, beliefs and practices of Islam will be explored. However, the bulk of the course will focus on key Islamic thinkers, the debates and disagreements they had, and the views they held during the medieval period. Attention will also be drawn to the influence ancient Greek philosophy had on Islamic philosophy, as well as the influence Islamic philosophy had on European Christian philosophy.

Religion and Reason

This module will introduce students to the study of religion from the perspective of natural reason. The difference between natural theology and revealed theology will be explained. Key arguments both for and against the existence of God will be explored and students will learn how to critique and evaluate each argument.

Synoptic Gospels

The 'Synoptic' Gospels, the Gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke, are so called because of the apparent similarities between their texts. This second level module engages its participants in a challenging investigation into the distinctive nature of each Gospel so that from the outset they can identify with the particular ideas and concerns of each Gospel writer. Increasing perspectives into the different literary styles and theological viewpoints present within each Gospel are gained through discussion, the use of scholarly insight, presentation and lecture input. The reality of what the life, death and resurrection of Jesus meant to early believers is conveyed clearly, but differently, by each evangelist.

Theological Anthropology

Theological anthropology seeks to understand the human being in light of theological claims, to explore the ramifications of this understanding for human life, and engage in constructive dialogue with other accounts of being human. The module is focused particularly on claims surrounding creation and creatureliness, redemption and salvation, and also death and ultimate destiny.

Scriptural, doctrinal and historical sources for each of these foci are covered, and particular tensions in systematic theological understanding will be entered into. On this basis, critically constructive encounters with other approaches to understanding humanity will be undertaken, enabling students to discern how theological anthropology can or cannot inform the perpetual uncertainties of the human condition.

Christian Ethics

Module description coming soon.

Christian Spirituality

Dissertation

Module description coming soon.

Gospel of John

John's Gospel has been called 'the spiritual Gospel' for much of the history of Christianity, on account of its very different style and treatment of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus from that of the Synoptic Gospels. This third level module investigates the Fourth Gospel from a range of viewpoints – sociological, literary, historical, feminist, theological. It includes close analysis of the Gospel text as well as wider consideration of the Gospel's message in its own day and subsequently. Topics for study include the evidence for a 'Johannine Community' whose experience is, perhaps, reflected in the Gospel text.

Hindu Texts

Module description coming soon.

Metaethics

Module description coming soon.

Religion and Politics

Module description coming soon.

Sacramental Theology

Module description coming soon.

Theology and Culture

Module description coming soon.