God: One and Three

Module Description:

The module begins with a discussion of the basic principle of Trinitarian discourse as formulated by Karl Rahner and others which is: the Trinity of the economy (the enactment in history) of salvation is the immanent Trinity and visa versa.
The Christian understanding of God as Trinity emerges from the Christology of the New Testament and takes this as its starting pointIt examines the subsequent development in the Patristic era, most notably in the texts of the early Councils of the Church. The trinitarian theologies of some major theologians in the Western tradition, particularly Augustine and Aquinas, will be examined, and the distinct path taken by the Eastern tradition sketched.
The rift between Catholicism and Orthodoxy over the Filioque clause is studied with contemporary ecumenical discussions of it.
The module will study the work of a number of contemporary theologians, whose work has contributed significantly to the renewal of trinitarian theology in a way that is pastorally enriching, ecumenically sensitive and facilitating of inter-religious dialogue.
The module will conclude with a brief study of the theology of the Holy Spirit an important theological theme which, it is claimed, has been neglected in the Western tradition.

Indicative Bibliography:

Hunt, A., The Trinity: Insights from the Mystics (Collegeville: The Liturgical Press, 2010).
Johnson E., She Who Is: The Mystery of God in Feminist Theological Discourse (New York: Crossroads, 1993).
Lacugna, C.M., God for Us (San Fransisco: Harper Press, 1973).
Marmion, D. and Van Nieuwenhove, R., Introduction to the Trinity (Cambridge: Cambridge Press, 2011).
Rahner, K., The Trinity, rev. ed., (New York: Crossroads, 1998).
Zizioulas, J.D., Communion and Otherness (London and New York: T and T Clark, 2006).

Learning Outcomes:

On successfully completing this module a student should be able to

• Explain how Trinitarian doctrine originates from the New Testament.
• Distinguish the phases through which Trinitarian doctrine was developed in the Patristic period.
• Evaluate the differences between the Trinitarian formula of the Catholic and the Orthodox traditions.
• Evaluate the Trinitarian writings of contemporary theologians.

Methods of Assessment and Student Workload:

Annual examination and essay.