Communion with the Triune God

Course

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/G_BATRSPC305

Course Objective

After finishing this course, the student:
- has deepened their dogmatic understanding in general and surveys the field of Christian doctrine;
- has specialized in Christology. He/she develops a vision of Christological decisions and their consequences for Trinitarian relations. The student learns how the Trinitarian doctrine is related to the whole of theology;
- has exercised in reflecting on their own conviction, coming to an independent judgement and has acquired the skill to justify this conviction.

Course Content

In this module we take as our starting point John Owen's book on fellowship with the triune God. After an introduction we take stock of Owen's concept of the 'unio mystica'. In the second chapter, we delve into his concept of 'communion'. In the third, fourth and fifth chapters, respectively, we examine how communion with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit functions. Each of these sections concludes with a comparison with Calvin. This comparison yields differences which we use in the sixth section to arrive at a constructive approach to communion with the triune God.

Teaching Methods

Via Canvas students receive lecture notes which we will discuss in the seminars.

Method of Assessment

Written exam about the stuff of the course. The result of the written exam is 100% the result of this course (in case that it is impossible to have a physical exam, a take-home exam will take place)

Literature

Mandatory literature:
- John Owen, Communion with God (Works John Owen 2)
- Lecture notes

Target Audience

Every theological student with a basis in systematic theology can follow this course. The course is offered by the Restored Reformed Seminary.

Recommended background knowledge

The student needs a basis in systematic Theology.

Explanation Canvas

We use Canvas for distributing the lecture notes and other information.
Academic year1/09/2431/08/25
Course level6.00 EC

Language of Tuition

  • English

Study type

  • Bachelor