Christology and Eschatology

Theme:	Exploring / Systematic Theology
ECTS:	5
Module Code:	SF7
Contact Hours	22
Mode of Delivery	Lectures and a theology-through-art study of images of Christ in Art.
Lecturer:	Dr Fainche Ryan

Module Description:

The module examines the variety of ways through which the Gospels explore the identity of Jesus: Jesus is the Son of Man, Logos, Lord, the New Temple, the one who through whom the Spirit of God is poured out upon humankind.In the following centuries the Christological exploration continued with extraordinary passion and acuity, often fuelled by bitter controversy.  The module will study these developments which culminate in the text of the Council of Chalcedon, always keeping in view how much was at stake, including the political identity of the protagonists.

In the Catholic tradition the Conciliar definitions are normative, not in the sense that the matter is closed but in the sense that further explorations cannot be authentic if they are contradictory.   Contemporary Catholic Christologies are studied. Particular attention is given to the Christology expressed at the Second Vatican Council, in documents such as Gaudium et Spes (no 24) and the ecclesiology that mirrors it in Lumen Gentium.

In the New Testament the identity and the significance of Jesus is bound up with the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Accordingly a study of Christology leads to a study of the theology of the Holy Spirit.  This is also a study of the birth of a hope that endures and that leads to commitments that endure even when circumstances seem to invite despair.     

 

Indicative Bibliography

Alison J, Faith beyond Resentment, DLT, 2001
Brown R, A Risen Christ in Eastertime, Liturgical Press, Collegeville, 1990
Congar I, I believe in the Holy Spirit, 3 Vols, London: Chapman, 1983
Grey, Mary, the Outrageous Pursuit of Hope, Darton, Longman and Todd, 2000
Kasper W, The God of Jesus Christ, SCM,
Moltmann J., Theology of Hope, Burns and Oates, 1980
Pannenberg, W, Jesus God and Man, SCM 1968,e
McCabe H, God Matters, Mowbray, 2000
Williams, R, On Christian Theology, Blackwells, 200
Edwards, D., Creation, Humanity, Community: Building a New Community. Dublin: Gill and Macmillan, 1992.
O’Collins, G., Jesus: A Portrait. London: Darton, Longman & Todd, 2008.
Egan, J., Brave Heart of Jesus: Mel Gibson’s Postmodern Way of the Cross. Dublin: Columba Press, 2004.
Küster, V., The Many Faces of Jesus Christ: Intercultural Christology. London: SCM Press, 2001.

 

Learning Outcomes

On completing this module the student will be able to

• Describe the variety and diversities of approaches to  Christology

 in the New Testament

• Analyse the political and cultural factors in the early Christian struggle for an adequate Christology
• Explain the normative force of early Conciliar statements for the subsequent tradition
• Compare, contrast and assess contemporary approaches to Christologies
• Evaluate the significance of the relative neglect of the theology of the Holy Spirit in the Western traditions.
• Appreciate and discuss the portrayal of the image of the Passion of Christ in art through the ages.

Methods of Assessment

1,500 word essay or assigned art project and examination at the end of the year.