Assessment

Continuous Assessment: 40% + End of Semester Examination: 60%

Module Aims

This module will introduce students to the origin and development of the doctrine of the Trinity from its scriptural roots, its development in the tradition West and East, and its significance for Christian life today.

Indicative Syllabus

The module is divided, broadly, along the following lines:

• Introduction
• The Scriptural and Doctrinal Roots of the Doctrine (to Nicea)
• The Trinity East and West: The Cappadocians and Augustine
• Medieval Developments: Aquinas and Bonaventure.
• Contemporary Trinitarian Theology: Problems and Perspectives (including Rahner, Moltmann, LaCugna, and Boff).

Learning Outcomes

• — Be able to articulate a contemporary understanding of the Trinity and its importance for Christian living.
• — Have engaged with significant theologians and milestones from the Christian tradition (e.g. Nicea, Augustine, the Cappadocians, and Aquinas) in the formulation of trinitarian doctrine.
• — Appreciate the link between the Trinity, Christian spirituality and worship.
• — Be able to articulate the specific contribution of at least two contemporary theologians to Trinitarian theology.

Bibliography

• — Declan Marmion & Rik van Nieuwenhove, An Introduction to the Trinity. Cambridge University Press, 2011.
• — Gilles Emery, O.P. and Matthew Levering, eds., The Oxford Handbook of the Trinity. Oxford University Press, 2014.
• — Thomas J. Norris, The Trinity: Life of God, Hope for Humanity. Towards a Theology of Communion. New City Press, New York, 2009.
• — Joseph Bracken, God Three Who Are One. Engaging Theology: Catholic Perspectives Series. Collegeville, The Liturgical Press, 2008.
• — Walter Kasper, The God of Jesus Christ. London, SCM, 1983
• — Karl Rahner, The Trinity. Crossroad/Herder, 1998.
• — Denis Edwards, Breath of Life. A Theology of the Creator Spirit. Orbis, 2004.
• — Gilles Emery, O.P. & Matthew Levering, eds. The Oxford Handbook of the Trinity. OUP, 2014.
• — Sarah Coakley, God, Sexuality and the Self. An Essay ‘On the Trinity’. Cambridge University Press, 2013.
• — Anne Hunt, Trinity: Nexus of the Mysteries of Christian Faith. Maryknoll, New York, Orbis, 2005.
• — Paul Fiddes, Participating in God: A Pastoral Doctrine of the Trinity. Westminster John Knox Press, 2001.
• — Declan Marmion & Gesa Thiessen, eds. Trinity and Salvation: Theological, Spiritual and Aesthetic Perspectives. Studies in Theology, Society and Culture, vol. 2. Peter Lang, 2009.
• — Robert J Wozniak & Giulio Maspero, eds. Rethinking Trinitarian Theology. Disputed Questions and Contemporary Issues in Trinitarian Theology. T&T Clark, 2012.
• — Michael Downey, Altogether Gift. A Trinitarian Spirituality. Dublin, Dominican Publications, 2000.
• — Gerald O’Collins, The Tripersonal God: Understanding and Interpreting the Trinity. London, Chapman, 1999.
• — Catherine Mowry LaCugna, God for Us. The Trinity and Christian Life. San Francisco, Harper Collins, 1991.
• — John J. O'Donnell, The Mystery of the Triune God. New York/Mahwah NJ, Paulist Press, 1989.