161-031 Philosophy of Christianity

At least one first-year single-semester philosophy subject or permission from the Head of School or the subject coordinator.

This subject explores contemporary metaphysics and its bearing on the nature of God. The focus for the coming year will be on the philosophy of Christianity. Issues discussed will include divine attributes such as love, justice, mercy, incarnation and trinity, and features of the divine-human relationship such as atonement, justification and prayer. On completion of this subject students should show an understanding of the issues raised in classes, and have developed skill in philosophical reasoning concerning those issues.

• be able to understand both the heart of a philosophical issue and its broader implications;

• have learnt to form a critical understanding of philosophical texts;

• have developed their skills to construct rigorous philosophical arguments.

A written assignment of 2000 words 50 (due mid-semester), a 2-hour closed-book written examination 47 (due at the end of the semester) and tutorial participation 3.