Christology: Councils and Churches

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course aims to introduce participants to some of the many different dimensions in thinking about Jesus Christ that have developed over the centuries since Christianity began. It focuses on the Person of Christ or Christology as it developed particularly through the period of the first Seven Ecumenical Councils and then more generally through the period of the Great Schism, the Reformation and up to Vatican 11. Different facets of Christology, the Councils and particular Churches will be considered. The course is designed to introduce and familiarise students with concepts and doctrines that came to form Christian orthodox thinking in the early centuries and which have remained central ever since. The course begins with a consideration of the New Testament roots of Christology and some early developments. It then progresses through each of the major Councils (325-787) following the various Christological controversies that gave rise to them. It looks at some of the key personalities involved, what went on at the Councils, what the issues were, what the outcome was in each case and what difference it made. Students will develop a sense of the part each Council came to play in later Councils. They will also see how the Councils continue to have a significant role in Church identities today. Wider elements such as the Trinitarian context of Christology, the place of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary will also feature. Students will have chance to consider the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed. In relation to the seventh Council (Nicaea 11) there will be an exposition and discussion of icons and the Iconoclasm controversy. All this will introduce students to the beginnings, development and significance of the conciliar tradition in the Churches. The course enables students to see how the notion that Jesus was both human and divine grew and developed. This will provide a fundamental sense of the importance of the Incarnation to Christian faith. The course will expose and discuss what Incarnation is about and why it forms a central element in Christian faith, life and worship. Students will be encouraged to think critically about the issues and also helped to see the importance of those issues for faith and belief. The course also focuses on the various Churches that emerged during the controversies dealt with by the Councils. The focus will be on Churches that have a significant history relating to the Councils and for whom the Councils are still important today. These are the various Orthodox Churches, the Catholic Churches (including Eastern Catholic) and the Reformed Churches. The origins of the Church of England or Anglican Church will also be included. Students will emerge with a 'map' of the major denominations and their pedigree in the various Councils. The different Christologies will remain central throughout.