The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the most unique and
fundamental aspects of Christian theology. This course provides
a survey of trinitarian discourse from its ancient roots and
medieval developments through its 20th-century revival and
contemporary formulations and practical implications.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students: Graduate students will be required to submit two papers that
are double the length of their undergraduate classmates' (7-8
pages for the first and 10-12 for the second). On these essays
graduate students will be required to utilize relevant
"optional" course readings, as well as scholarly sources
outside the course readings. In addition, these students will
consult with the instructor to create a 15-20 minute class
presentation on a topic related to but not directly or
thoroughly covered by the readings and assessments already
included in the course (such as a prominent scholarly figure
or topic of religious or scholarly discourse pertaining to the
development of trinitarian thought).
Athena Title
Trinity
Prerequisite
Third- or fourth-year student standing or permission of department
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate diverse educational materials critically and charitably, supporting their conclusions with sound reasoning and judgment.
By the end of this course, students will be able to engage and advance in the academic and historical study of religion, theology, and ethics.
By the end of this course, students will be able to communicate (both written and orally) the historical and conceptual roots of the Christian concept of Trinity, analyzing and evaluating disagreements over the concept, historical developments, and institutional implications.
By the end of this course, students will be able to apply, compare, and contrast course materials to personal and professional knowledge, experiences, and goals.
Topical Outline
1. Tenets and Developments in Trinitarian Thought
(a) 1st-century faith perspective
(b) Denominational continuity and diversity of confessional statements
(c) Biblical roots
(d) The challenge of “heresy”
(e) Conciliar/creedal statements
(f) The “person”-“nature” distinction
(g) The Father
(h) The Son
(i) The Holy Spirit
(j) Divergence and consensus-East and West
(k) Doctrinal synthesis
2. Twentieth-Century Theological Revival
(a) Karl Rahner’s The Trinity; “Rahner’s Rule” or “Trinitarian Axiom”
(b) The unity of the treatises and treatment of God as one and God as three
(c) The “immanent”-“economic” distinction
(d) The axiomatic unity of the immanent and economic Trinity
(e) The epistemic priority of the economic Trinity
(f) The presupposition of faith leading to the immanent Trinity
(g) Implications for past formulations and analogies
3. Current Formulations and Implications
(a) Feminism and trinitarian language
(b) Divine action in an evolutionary perspective on creation and redemption
(c) Divine action in non-interventionist metaphysics
(d) Panentheism
(e) The challenges of process theology and social trinitarianism
(f) New theological analogies and their social and ecological implications
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
