About this course
Trace the questions and debates that shaped Islamic theology. Beginning with the origins and aims of kalam, the course examines the relationship between philosophy, tradition and reason before introducing the major theological schools.
A sustained study of Mu’tazilite and Ash’arite thought leads into the historical development of Shia theology. The later lessons consider divine unity and justice, free will, the place of reason, divine grace and purpose, and debates about seeing God, infallibility, forgiveness and intercession.
What you’ll explore
- The origins, terminology and aims of kalam
- Philosophy, tradition and reason in theological inquiry
- Mu’tazilite and Ash’arite teachings
- The development of Shia theology
- Divine justice, free will, reason and divine grace
- Debates about infallibility, forgiveness and intercession
Curriculum
- 01Print-Ready Course Notes
- 02Definitions and Names
- 03The Origins of Islamic Theology
- 04The Earliest Theological Contentions
- 05Philosophy and Theology
- 06Tradition-Based Theology and Reason-Based Theology
- 07The Origin of the term "Kalam"
- 08The Aims of Studying Islamic Theology
Show the full curriculum (32)
- 09The Major Theological Schools
- 10The Mu'tazilites
- 11The Mu'tazilites and the Oneness of God
- 12The Mu'tazilites and Divine Justice
- 13The Mu'tazilites on Divine Promises and Threats
- 14The Mu'tazilites and the Intermediate Position
- 15The Mu'tazilites on Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil
- 16Other Mu'tazilite Views and Opinions
- 17The Rise of the Ash'arites
- 18The Main Doctrines of the Ash'arites
- 19Rational Understanding in Shia Theology
- 20The Historical Development of Shia Theology
- 21The Five Tenets of Faith in the Shia Tradition
- 22Monotheism in the Shia Tradition
- 23Divine Justice in Shia Theology
- 24Free Will in Shia Theology
- 25The Inherent Goodness and Evil of Deeds
- 26Divine Grace
- 27The Independence and Validity of Reason
- 28The Aim and Purpose of Divine Acts
- 29Seeing God
- 30Faith or Disbelief of a Sinner
- 31The Infallibility of Prophets and Imams
- 32Forgiveness and Intercession
Before you begin
Your subscription includes this course. Already subscribed? Sign in through My Learning.
Yes. Revisit lessons, lecture notes and self-assessments as often as you like while your subscription is active.
Subscribers receive a course certificate when they complete the course and its self-assessments.
In-person courses and retreats have their own registration and are not included in the online subscription.
