03.2 Subjects Taught in the College

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Last updated: Apr 03, 2023
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03.2.1 The Rationale of the Subjects

Theology has been a recognised field of study in universities for over 800 years. In keeping with this tradition, the focus of teaching, learning, scholarship and research within the College is the knowledge and understanding of God through the rigorous, methodical and reflective study of his written word. This arises from a central conviction that the chief tasks of the pastoral ministry are to teach the Scriptures and to pray. Units taught are divided into three fields of study, namely, Biblical Studies, Christian Thought and Christian Ministry. Within these fields are various subject areas: Old and New Testaments (with languages), Systematic Theology, Church History, Philosophy, Ethics, Congregational Ministry and Missions. Each has its particular contribution to the equipment and development of the student, and each is resourced by the Library to research degree level. The fields of study are:

Biblical Studies

  1. Biblical Studies occupies the fundamental place in the body of knowledge since Scripture is the word of God, i.e. God’s revelation of himself. The first object of these studies is to understand what the original writers of Scripture actually meant. The field of Biblical Studies properly includes familiarity with the languages in which the books were written. Such is the foundational nature of Biblical Studies that without the biblical languages a student will have limited access to the whole body of knowledge in both Biblical Studies and in Christian Thought. Biblical Studies also involves knowledge of the history and cultural background of the biblical period, the literary forms of the texts and their historical setting, composition and history of transmission. This knowledge finds its application in the skill of exegesis, through an approach to the text that rests on sound methodological footings and engages critically with a broad spectrum of current scholarship.

  2. Biblical Theology provides a coherent account of the theology of the Bible as a whole. It explores the way in which the Scriptural revelation unfolds and describes both the unity and the complexity of the biblical material. Through its focus on Scripture as a single text Biblical Theology establishes the context for methodologically responsible exegesis of the parts. By the same token it provides the groundwork on which Theology and Ethics may be constructed, and from which pastoral practice may be critically examined.

Christian Thought

  1. The chief purpose of Systematic Theology is to integrate the themes of the Bible in order to understand God, his overall purposes in creation and redemption and the appropriate response to them on the part of men and women. This task is begun in the study of Biblical Theology, but the discipline of Systematic Theology draws these themes together in an orderly fashion, subjects them to critical analysis, and seeks to make generalisations and pursue philosophical and practical implications from the understanding of God that emerges. A critical aspect of the task is to subject the concept of revelation itself to analysis and justification. The work is carried out in the light of the various traditions of Christian Thought as expressed in historical and contemporary theology, while recognising the text of Scripture as both the initial determinant and the final arbiter of all claims to theological truth; the related subject of Church History assists at this point. The integrity of Systematic Theology is preserved through critical reflection on the theoretical frameworks used in constructing theology; the related subject of Philosophy plays a part here. Together with the related subject of Ethics, Systematic Theology prepares leaders to communicate Christian truth in the modern world.

  2. The study of Church History affords access to the rich heritage of the Christian tradition and thus provides a means of apprehending the gospel more profoundly. By providing the context for the history of theology and exegesis, it illuminates the wider factors which have a bearing on theology. Together with awareness of the long history of growth that marks the church, Church History involves critical evaluation of the motives and methods of missionary expansion. All these features combine to provide a more nuanced understanding of today’s church and its institutions, giving the vocational minister a mature, long-term comprehension of the nature and demands of gospel ministry in a range of cultures. Finally, the study of Church History brings with it the critical skills needed for the handling of evidence, especially that found in literary materials.

  3. The role of Philosophy is to consider alternative ways of explaining reality and thus to subject theological assertions to critical analysis and clarification. This subject area identifies the problems of human experience, showing how Christian revelation contributes to their resolution. The study is set chiefly in the context of a history of philosophy which introduces important elements of the Australian cultural tradition. It thus enables the graduate to make contemporary culture, with its variety of worldviews, the subject of reflective professional practice. Philosophy also supplies coherence to the body of knowledge, as it is both a key element of the theoretical framework for the field of Christian Thought, and a prerequisite for the proper understanding and criticism of biblical scholarship.

  4. Christian Ethics is an extension of the task of Systematic Theology in that it methodically draws out implications for daily living and the moral ordering of society as taught or implied in the Scriptures. The study of general and comparative ethics deals with the concept of the “good life”, enabling contrast and comparison to be made in the context of pastoral practice. Ethics is a highly integrative subject area, drawing on knowledge and skills from every field of Christian Theology.

Christian Ministry

  1. The practice of Christian Ministry must be shaped by the Bible and theology. It involves living and nurturing the life of faith in the pastor, individuals, groups and congregations. It is achieved by promoting faithfulness in life and doctrine. Studies in Christian Ministry form the connections between, and support the benefits derived from, theological reflection during the course and the experience of full-time engagement in the profession of Christian ministry.

  2. The nature of the field of Christian Theology is such that the practical application of knowledge to life and ministry is an integral element of each subject area. Nevertheless, it is the subject of Ministry and Mission whose central focus is the application of Biblical Studies and Systematic Theology to practical ministry and the issues of the contemporary world. The subject is designed to combine theological reflection in all areas of practical ministry with the development of competencies in relevant areas, including public preaching, personal, small group and congregational relationships, and personal holiness.

The knowledge taught also includes key concepts in learning, teaching and communication, together with their application to ministry practice. Finally, there is a process of critical reflection on professional practice informed by studies of the Bible and Systematic Theology.

3. The theology of Mission occupies a central place in the ministry of the pastor and congregation alike. The Christian life is lived in the context of God’s purposes for the world and so a global and evangelistic perspective is essential. The subject area of Missions covers the biblical and theological framework for mission, emphasizing the roots of the history of mission in the covenant with Abraham and its fulfilment in the sending of the Son into the world and the giving of the Spirit at Pentecost. From here it extends develop a biblical approach to mission in various contemporary contexts, both in Australia and beyond. At the contemporary points of encounter between faiths, a truly biblical theology of mission will need to draw upon a critical analysis of various Christian approaches to people of other faiths; a sympathetic awareness of the world views of other faiths; and a systematic reflection on the relationship between faith and culture.

03.2.2 Unit Descriptions

The official description of each unit of study and its assessments, as approved by the Academic Board, is set out in the syllabus for each unit and may be found on the Learning Support System (LSS). Use your student ID and password (your universal password) to access the LSS.

 

A brief description of all units offered in the Year 1 undergraduate courses of the College may be found on the website. In the case of any discrepancy between the syllabus for a unit and any other description, including those referred to in this Handbook, the syllabus prevails. Code:   

The initial letters indicate the field:

         BS         =          Biblical Studies

         CT         =          Christian Thought

         CM       =          Christian Ministry

The first number indicates the year in the College course:  1, 2, 3 or 4. For example, CM102 is a Christian Ministry unit in Year 1. The remaining digits distinguish the unit from others.  The syllabus states the number of contact hours and the total allowable commitment hours for that unit. Commitment hours are the total hours required to achieve the learning outcomes of a unit. Where more than one lecturer is named as teaching in a unit, the first named is the unit coordinator.