Unit rationale, description and aim

This unit will examine the Biblical witness to creation, grace and salvation and the development of the doctrines related to these themes. In particular it will examine the significant shifts in contemporary theologies of creation, grace and salvation. The diverse models for understanding creation will be examined in the light of the dialogue between science and religion. The unit will explore the individual, communal and structural elements of grace and sin, and connections with Christological, Trinitarian and creation doctrines. The source and scope of salvation will be treated, along with the various models of salvation proposed by contemporary soteriologies.

2025 10

Campus offering

No unit offerings are currently available for this unit

Prerequisites

THCT500 Foundations of Christian Faith OR THCT563 Introducing Theology

Incompatible

THCT630 - Creation, Grace and Salvation

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

Give a critical account of the Biblical witness to...

Learning Outcome 01

Give a critical account of the Biblical witness to the beliefs regarding creation, grace and salvation
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC7, GC9, GC11

Critically examine the development of significant ...

Learning Outcome 02

Critically examine the development of significant doctrines related to creation, grace and salvation, including the role of relevant background theories from disciplines such as philosophy
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC7, GC9, GC11, GC12

Evaluate various models of the science/theology re...

Learning Outcome 03

Evaluate various models of the science/theology relationship with regard to creation
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC7, GC9, GC11, GC12

Analyse and appraise contemporary approaches to th...

Learning Outcome 04

Analyse and appraise contemporary approaches to the theology of salvation (soteriology) and original sin
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC7, GC9, GC11, GC12

Use a variety of resources, including online datab...

Learning Outcome 05

Use a variety of resources, including online databases, to demonstrate a proficiency in independent research
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC9

Develop and justify in the light of the tradition ...

Learning Outcome 06

Develop and justify in the light of the tradition a coherent, evidence-based personal position on a relevant issue
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC7, GC11, GC12

Content

Topics will include:

• the Biblical witness regarding creation, grace and salvation

• significant debates in the historical development of related doctrines

• models of the science/theology relationship regarding creation

• contemporary critique of soteriologies involving sacrifice and violence

• the source and scope of salvation

• models of nature and grace

• models of salvation/redemption and original sin

Assessment strategy and rationale

A range of assessment procedures will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes consistent with University assessment requirements. Such procedures may include, but are not limited to: essays, reports, examinations, student presentations, case studies and online interactive student performance tasks.

Overview of assessments

A short written task such as a forum post or resp...

A short written task such as a forum post or response paper which enables students to demonstrate familiarity with literature on the topic

Weighting

25%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO4, LO5, LO6

A verbal or written presentation which requires s...

A verbal or written presentation which requires students to critically analyse and evaluate complex ideas and debates in the field.

Weighting

25%

Learning Outcomes LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6

A longer written task, such an essay or report, w...

A longer written task, such an essay or report, which enables students to effectively communicate their learning in this unit.

Weighting

50%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

This unit involves 150 hours of focused learning. The total includes formally structured learning activities such as lectures, tutorials, online learning, video-conferencing, or supervision. The remaining hours typically involve reading, research, and the preparation of tasks for assessment.

Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

Daly, G. Creation and Redemption. Wilmington, Del.: M. Glazier, 1989.

Davis, S.T., D. Kendall and G. O'Collins, eds. The Redemption: An Interdisciplinary Symposium on Christ as Redeemer. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004.

Duffy, S. The Dynamics of Grace: Perspectives in Theological Anthropology. Collegeville, MI: Liturgical Press, 1993.

Edwards, D. How God Acts: Creation, Redemption, and Special Divine Action. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2010.

Kärkkäinen, V-M. ed. Holy Spirit and Salvation: The Sources of Christian Theology. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010.

O'Collins, G. Jesus Our Redeemer: A Christian Approach to Salvation. New York: Oxford University Press, 2007.

Ormerod, N. Creation, Grace, and Redemption. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2007.

Rossi, P.J., ed. God, Grace, and Creation. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2010.

Schwager, R. Must There Be Scapegoats? Violence and Redemption in the Bible. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1987.

Wiley, T. Original Sin: Origins, Developments, Contemporary Meanings. New York: Paulist Press, 2002.

Locations
Credit points
Year

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