TH005-512 Foundational Christian Beliefs

12 Credit Points (CPS)

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

Demonstrate Foundational knowledge and understanding of Foundational Christian beliefs.

B. Be able to

1. Outline the content and function of the Foundational Christian doctrines

2. Comment on the creeds as statements of Christian belief

3. Present Organised evidence-based perspectives on the Foundational Christian beliefs

C. Be in a position to

1. Relate perspectives from ‘Foundational Christian Beliefs’ to contemporary Christian life and ministry contexts

This unit introduces students to essential beliefs of the Christian faith alongside one of its classic creeds, confessions, or catechisms. Accordingly, the list of topics given below may be adjusted and adapted by the unit coordinator in line with the topics covered in the creed/confession/catechism chosen for study (with the unit field moderator being advised when the UQAF is submitted, of any differences in the topics covered from those listed below).

1. Why beliefs (‘doctrines’) matter and the purpose of creeds and catechisms.
2. The doctrine of the Word of God (including revelation, inspiration, and illumination).
3. The doctrine of God (including unity and Trinity).
4. The doctrine of Creation (including creation ex nihilo, Creation’s goodness, and humanity).
5. The doctrine of the Fall (including original and actual sin).
6. The doctrine of Christ (including his person: deity, humanity & hypostatic union; and work: death, bodily resurrection & ascension).
7. The doctrine of Salvation (including grace, regeneration, conversion, justification, and sanctification).
8. The doctrine of the Church (including its nature, attributes, and means of grace).
9. Eschatology (including the second coming, general resurrection, last judgment, and final states).