溫永勖

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the thought of the late German Lutheran theologian, Wolfhart Pannenberg (1928-2014). Insofar as Pannenberg is often seen as being the last major figure who represents the glorious creative period and theological legacy of twentieth-century German Protestantism (some even hailing him as the tradition’s “most complete theologian”), this course seeks to provide a working knowledge of the main lines of his overall programme while also allowing an opportunity to engage critically and constructively with his proposals. With the help of selected primary and secondary source readings, especial attention will be given to Pannenberg’s personal and intellectual formation and his historically-rooted and eschatologically-oriented theological methodology before taking an exploratory dive into the depths of his three-volume magnum opus, Systematic Theology. Through a closer look at Pannenberg in his theological particularity, a greater understanding of the general theological contours of twentieth-century German Protestant theology will also be fostered.


By the end of the course, students will:
1. Be able to use their own words to explain the main lines and significance of Pannenberg’s overall theological program as explored in the course.
2. Be capable of critically and constructively engaging with discussions and themes having to do with Pannenberg’s thought.
3. Be even more aware of the limits of one’s own theological posture, so as to be self-aware of the continual need for humility and a pastoral dialogical posture with regard to theological engagement, even while having the courage to maintain theological convictions.