The Salvation Army Booth College

Cracking of Christendom: Histories and Theologies of the Reformation will introduce you to the theological debates of the sixteenth-century Reformation. You will explore how discussions on grace, salvation, scripture, and church authority shaped not only European society but also contemporary Australian experiences. Taught collaboratively with experts from various colleges, you will be exposed to diverse views within the Christian tradition, enriching your understanding of faith’s evolution.  

The unit code contains information on the level of study, field, discipline, unit and college. Click here to learn what the unit code for this unit represents.

28 July 2025 - 31 October 2025

You can select to do these classes face-to-face at Pilgrim Theological College (Delivery ID ???) or online access is available via blended mode.

No Zoom sessions.

There are six synchronous seminars held Wednesdays 6.00pm to 9.00pm AEST, supported by asynchronous resources.

These seminars are presented by various lecturers.

We recommend that you allocate 9 hours a week for all study activities.

18 points in CH and 18 points in CT

Student-focused lectures, seminars, workshops, and discussions. Students will participate in a site visit (with online options where required) to explore the legacies of the Reformation in modern times.

Read the lectures and readings, view the supplementary videos, attend the weekly classes at Pilgrim Theological College or online in blended mode, participate in an assigned small group of learners, and complete all assessment tasks.  

*This unit is offered at Undergraduate and Postgraduate level. Students may engage with people across both levels when this unit is delivered.

1 x 1,500 word Blog - 30%

1 x 1,500 word Source Analysis - 30%

1 x 2,000 word Essay - 40%

Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Identify the historical and theological context of the doctrinal controversies of sixteenth-century Europe and their ongoing impact.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the evolution, manifestation and impact of at least one doctrinal controversy.

3. Describe the relationship between foundational documents and/or individuals and the ongoing development of particular Christian denominations.

4. Critically interpret the impact of geography, class, gender and other contextual or biographical factors for the religious position held by at least one individual in the Reformation period.

There is no required text for this unit.

All readings will be hyperlinked in the Learning Management System.