500 years ago, a series of conflicts tore apart the Christian church. In a dry forest of religion and politics, Martin Luther proposed 95 questions for debate, and sparked a wildfire. Western Christianity changed forever. The consequences continue to shape your life and worship in contemporary Australia in ways you may not even have imagined.
Learn how today’s conversations about religion date back to the days when Christendom cracked.
Interested?
Contact your Home College to enrol, or register your interest to speak with a course advisor.
A new unit coming in Semester 2
This unit examines theological debates of the sixteenth century Reformation in Europe and their ongoing impact in western societies and churches, with particular attention to the implications for contemporary Australian experience. Students will explore the understandings of grace, salvation, creation, sacrament, scripture, authority and church order using key texts and artefact and their producers with a focus on the relationship between theological, historical and geographical contexts in shaping new forms of Christian identity and practice. This unit is taught collaboratively across several colleges of the University, with specialists who highlight the diversity, complexity and commonality of perspectives across the Christian tradition.
Discover the major players
Encounter the major personalities, both women and men, who were engaged in Reformation debates; asking the important questions and challenging each other’s ideas.
Unparalleled collaboration
This innovative and ground-breaking unit will be taught collaboratively by academics from diverse traditions, with expertise in both theology and history. You’ll enjoy the rich and rounded learning experience made possible by this unparalleled collaboration of five Colleges from within the University of Divinity.
Meet the teaching staff
Rev Dr Matthew Beckmann
Yarra Theological Union
Rev Carolyn Francis
Whitley College
Dr Kerrie Handasyde
Whitley College
Prof Katharine Massam
Pilgrim Theological College
Rev Prof Glen O’Brien
Eva Burrows College
Rev Assoc Prof Geoff Thompson
Pilgrim Theological College
Rev Dr Max Vodola
Catholic Theological College
Unit details
This unit is available for study at both Undergraduate and Postgraduate level.
Delivery of the unit will in both online and in-person with classes held onsite at Pilgrim Theological College.
| Unit code | Unit title | Level | Discipline | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH2100Z | The Cracking of Christendom: Histories and Theologies of the Reformation | Undergraduate Level 2 |
CH
Church History |
18.0 |
| CH3100Z | The Cracking of Christendom: Histories and Theologies of the Reformation | Undergraduate Level 3 |
CH
Church History |
18.0 |
| CH9100Z | The Cracking of Christendom: Histories and Theologies of the Reformation | Postgraduate Elective |
CH
Church History |
24.0 |
| CT2100Z | The Cracking of Christendom: Histories and Theologies of the Reformation | Undergraduate Level 2 |
CT
Systematic Theology |
18.0 |
| CT3100Z | The Cracking of Christendom: Histories and Theologies of the Reformation | Undergraduate Level 3 |
CT
Systematic Theology |
18.0 |
| CT9100Z | The Cracking of Christendom: Histories and Theologies of the Reformation | Postgraduate Elective |
CT
Systematic Theology |
24.0 |
Delivery
This unit is being delivered in-person and online (synchronous via Zoom) on Wednesday evenings during Semester 2, starting Wednesday 2 August 2023. There will be seminars, workshops, discussions and a site visit (with online options where required) to explore the legacies of the Reformation in modern times.
Time
6:00-9:00pm AEST, Wednesday
Location
Centre for Theology and Ministry (Pilgrim Theological College),
29 College Crescent, Parkville VIC 3052
How to enrol
This unit may be taken for credit towards many of the courses offered at the University of Divinity, or as a single subject enrolment.
Semester 2 Applications close 21 July 2023
Prospective students
Contact one of the participating Colleges directly or register your interest using the form below. A course advisor will receive your enquiry and be in touch to discuss your study goals and the application process.
The course advisor will provide you with a relevant application form.
Current students
Contact your Home College to check if this unit will fit in with your course requirements.
Reenrolment Form for Coursework Students (Domestic and Overseas)
