2020 Timetable

The 2020 Session 1 Timetable is available here.

The 2020 Session 2 Timetable is available here.

If you have any queries, please email admin@sbc.edu.au.

Semester 2 Subjects:

This subject introduces students to the discipline of Practical Theology in which theory and practice are considered together across a range of areas of ministry, mission, worship and pastoral care. It examines its relationship to the biblical, systematic and historical sub-disciplines in theology. Students will develop an understanding of what is distinctive about Practical Theology and the range of methodologies appropriate to it.

Taught by The Rev’d Dr Mark Thomas

THL132 The European Reformations

This subject begins with an overview of fifteenth-century Western Christianity and society, emphasising the impact of scholasticism, Christian humanism and nascent nationalism. It then explores: the reformations in continental Europe and reform movements within Roman Catholicism; the radical reformations, inquisitions and the plight of religious minorities; English and Scottish reformations from Henry VIII to Elizabeth I; Puritan influence; and the Stuart, Commonwealth and Restoration settlements. Consistent attention is given throughout the subject to the broader context of early modern Europe and its interaction with the wider world, as well as socio-cultural issues such as gender and sexuality, death, witchcraft and moral discipline. Finally, attention is given to the reformations’ long-term legacies to the present day.

Taught by Dr Jenny Hein

THL204 Greek 2

This subject extends competence in New Testament Greek. Building on New Testament Greek 1, it develops an extended knowledge of vocabulary and Greek grammar, syntax and idioms. Translation of more difficult passages from the New Testament in Greek is integral to the subject.

Taught by Dr Joan Riley

THL326 Theological Ethics

This subject explores the connections between Christian theology and practice, philosophical and theological ethics, and ethical discernment in contemporary society. It examines the biblical, theological, ecclesial, philosophical and scientific resources for Christian ethical reflection and action. Distinctive features of Christian ethical reflection, moral judgements and moral practices are surveyed from various theological and historical perspectives. The subject also considers a range of ethical issues from areas such as politics, economics, war, the environment, medicine and sexuality.

Taught by The Rev’d Dr Lynn Arnold

THL215 Jesus the Christ

This subject surveys the biblical sources and major historical developments of Christian thinking concerning the claim that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ of God. It introduces major classical, modern (twentieth-century) and contemporary developments in the theology of the person and work of Christ. Further contemporary themes are also examined, including Christology and religious pluralism, liberation Christologies and contextual Christologies.

Taught by Dr Rodney Fopp

MIN402 Church Governance and Management

This subject introduces students to the key aspects of governance and management in an ecclesial context. The student will examine the role of boards and councils in their own ecclesial setting with particular reference to the responsibilities and duties of board and council members. Students will examine the basic models and theological perspectives associated with church governance and management and develop an understanding of the legal and ethical issues associated with governance and management of churches.

Taught by The Rev’d Dr Don Owers

THL113 Being the Church

This subject examines the scriptural, theological and sacramental bases for the identity and mission of the church in the twenty-first century. The emergence of the ecumenical movement will be discussed, as will contemporary critiques of the church related to the history of colonialism, the abuse of power and the end of Christendom.

Taught by Dr Jo Armour

THL320 Homiletics

This subject introduces students to the principles and practice of homiletics. It explores issues of biblical interpretation in the homiletic context, the theology of proclamation and the spiritual and vocational orientation of the preacher. This subject will also provide students with analytical tools for evaluating homilies.

Taught by Dr Rodney Fopp

MIN400 Reflective Practice in Contemporary Ministry

This subject provides an overview of the basic tools of theological reflection and their application to reflective practice, forming the foundation for critical inquiry into the practice of Christian ministry. Students will develop their skills in reflective practice through the exploration of issues associated with their ministry experience. Topics include critical investigations of particular approaches to identified pastoral issues undertaken to understand thoroughly the strengths and weaknesses of methodologies. Students will apply reflection in action cycles in their own fields of ministry and establish a personal template for their reflective practice in ministry.

Taught by the Rev’d Dr Cathy Thomson

THL106 Introduction To New Testament Studies

This subject introduces the various writings that comprise the New Testament. It does so with reference to their historical context and their literary and theological features. It also introduces critical methods of New Testament interpretation, including basic exegetical skills. Attention is given to long-standing interpretive issues, including the relations between the gospels, the historical value of Acts, authenticity and pseudonymity in Paul, and apocalyptic literature.

Taught by Dr Damian Szepessy