Theology of the Holy Spirit

Catalog description

Taught by GTU. This class examines the historical development of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Initially, it will trace the emergence of the Spirit from testimonies in the Biblical times and Early Christian writings. After that it will turn to the Classical Antiquity's construction of Pneumatological doctrine in light of Trinitarian controversies, and medieval scholastic and mystical experiences of the Spirit. Finally, concluding appraisals of contemporary Pneumatological doctrines will explore and relate the presence of the Spirit to existing social, political, scientific, and ecological discussions. Overall, this class will ecumenically engage the doctrine of the Spirit as developed in the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and broader Protestant traditions. At the same time, the course will seek to transcend these ecclesial boundaries, charting the presence of the Spirit "who blows where it will," and placing the broader theological discussion within inter-religious and interdisciplinary studies. The format of the course will be a seminar style, with discussion of the assigned readings, student presentations, and lectures by the instructor. It is open to all MDiv/MA/STL students, although doctoral students may also attend. This course is taught by PhD student Ivan Vuksanovic with a Newhall Award, under the supervision of Thomas Cattoi.