UNIT SIX INTRODUCTION
THE DOCTRINE OF HUMANITY
In this unit, we turn to the doctrine of the human being. What does it mean (from a theological viewpoint) to speak of humans? This doctrine has a long history in the church but it has become especially important in recent years due to the advent of psychological theories as well as the onslaught against respect for human life. We will be studying the biblical and theological foundations for this doctrine in this unit.
UNIT SIX OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Explain the meaning of the image of God in humanity.
2. Survey the various understandings of the doctrine of humanity in the early church.
3. Discuss the trinitarian foundation of Greek Patristic anthropology.
4. Classify the various “parts” of the human being according to theology.
5. Demonstrate the Greek philosophical foundations to the early church’s understanding of the human soul and body.
6. Compare/contrast the various theological theories of the image of God.
7. Identify key theological vocabulary terms for this section.
UNIT SIX RESOURCES
? Textbook: Faith Seeking Understanding. (An intro to Christian Theology, 3rd edition, 2014)
? Textbook: Christian Theology Reader. (Wiley-Blackwell, 4th edition, 2011)
? 6.1a PDF: The Doctrine of Humanity by T. Cross
? 6.1b PowerPoint: Theological Anthropology
? 6.1c PDF: Greek Patristic Foundations of Trinitarian Anthropology by Nonna Verna Harrison
? 6.3a Word: Core Questions
? 6.4a PDF: Theological Vocabulary List #2
? Course Resources: Calvin Institutes
? Course Resources: Calvin Analysis Paper Guidelines
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UNIT SIX ASSIGNMENTS
6.1 TEXT/MEDIA: TEXTBOOKS, POWERPOINT; PDFS
INTRODUCTION AND ALIGNMENT
With Unit 6, we come to a discussion of the doctrine of human beings. What did God intend for humans to be? Are humans born innocent or sinful? What does it mean to be made “in the image of God?” These questions will be of critical importance in the construction of our ‘theological house.’
Upon completion of this assignment you should be able to:
? Explain the meaning of the image of God in humanity.
? Survey the various understandings of the doctrine of humanity in the early church.
? Discuss the trinitarian foundation of Greek Patristic anthropology.
? Classify the various “parts” of the human being according to theology.
? Demonstrate the Greek philosophical foundations to the early church’s understanding of the human soul and body.
? Compare/contrast the various theological theories of the image of God.
RESOURCES
? Textbook: Faith Seeking Understanding. (An intro to Christian Theology, 3rd edition, 2014)
? Textbook: Christian Theology Reader. (Wiley-Blackwell, 4th edition, 2011)
? 6.1a PDF: “The Doctrine of Humanity”
? 6.1b PowerPoint: Theological Anthropology
? 6.1c PDF: “Greek Patristic Foundations of Trinitarian Anthropology” Nonna Verna Harrison
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
None
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read Faith Seeing Understanding, Chapter 7.
2. Read Christian Theology Reader 6.5; 6.10; 6.23; 6.31; 6.50; 6.55; and 6.57.
3. Study the theological vocabulary for the quiz at the end of the unit.
4. View and study the Power Point: Theological Anthropology.
5. Study the PDFs.
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6.2 THREADED DISCUSSION: GREEK PATRISTIC ANTHROPOLOGY
INTRODUCTION AND ALIGNMENT
Of critical importance for the development of a Christian doctrine of humanity is the foundation laid by thinkers in the early church—especially the Greek thinkers who had been influenced by Plato and Middle Platonism. In this threaded discussion, we will engage some of this material both from Cross’ partial chapter on “The Doctrine of Humanity” and an article by Nonna Verna Harrison entitled, “Greek Patristic Foundations of Trinitarian Anthropology.”
Upon completion of this assignment you should be able to:
? Explain the meaning of the image of God in humanity.
? Discuss the trinitarian foundation of Greek Patristic anthropology.
? Demonstrate the Greek philosophical foundations to the early church’s understanding of the human soul and body.
? Compare/contrast the various theological theories of the image of God.
RESOURCES
? 6.1a PDF: The Doctrine of Humanity by T. Cross
? 6.1c PDF: Greek Patristic Foundations of Trinitarian Anthropology Nonna Verna Harrison
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Review carefully the two items above (Cross and Harrison).
2. For your initial post, address ONE of the following:
a. Ask a question that confused or concerned you in the readings about Greek fathers or
b. Offer an evaluation of one of the Greek Fathers’ views
