Systematic Theology

Regular Offerings

SY511 FOUNDATIONS OF THEOLOGY (3) [Spring]
Introduces the contemporary context, fundamental issues and tasks of systematic theology.  Examines human transcendence in freedom as radical openness to God as Holy Mystery.  Discusses topics such as revelation and faith considered in the light of human experience, the role of symbols, liberative praxis, a hermeneutics of the believer and the Church's texts.  Gives special attention to the systematic theological task in the post-modern context of pluralism. 
 
SY512  CHRISTIAN ANTHROPOLOGY (3) [Fall]
Investigates the fundamental Christian mystery of God’s self-communication to humanity through Christ and in the Spirit, the protological and eschatological dimensions of the Christian understanding of human existence, the doctrines of creation, grace and eschatology. 

SY611  CHRISTOLOGY (3) [Spring]
Situates the significance of historical-critical Jesus-research for the christologies of the New Testament. Continues with patristic and conciliar christology as affirmation of the New Testament Christ and as a norm for subsequent christological development.  Considers and evaluates the christologies of Rahner, Pannenberg, Schoonenberg, Kung, Haight and Pittenger.  Discusses also Christ and feminist theology. 

SY651  THEOLOGY OF THE CHURCH (3) [Fall]
Studies the mission and structures of the Church and includes an analysis of the biblical and early Christian data regarding the historical origins of the Church, as well as ecclesiological accents of Vatican II. Examines biblical images and theological assessment of Church as mystery as well as contemporary issues in ecclesiology, ecumenism, pluralism of ecclesiologies and resulting tensions.  Pre-requisite:  SY511 or   SY512. 

SY653  THE RELIGIOUS PRESBYTER (3) [Fall]
Examines the nature of the order of presbyters against the backdrop of the common priesthood of all believers and the nature of ministry in the Church.  Examines the origin and development of a presbyteral order from scriptural and historical sources.   Gives special attention to the teachings of Vatican II, post-conciliar theologies of the priesthood and the identity of the religious presbyter.  Other issues include presbyteral life-style and spirituality. Pre-requisite:  SY651. 

Special Offerings

Not yet determined

Potential Offerings

Not yet determined

Moral Theology

Regular Offerings

MO541  THE CHRISTIAN MORAL LIFE (3) [Fall]
Provides an introduction to the basic issues in the field of moral theology: its purpose in the life of the Church; its methods; its problems. Uses primarily lectures and readings as the method of presentation.  The content of the course is a thorough treatment of methodological issues rather than analysis of specific moral dilemmas.  Among the topics to be addressed: conversion, sin, conscience, natural law, the moral teaching of Scripture and the magisterium, and moral norms. 

MO643  FOUNDATIONS AND ISSUES IN SEXUAL AND BIOMEDICAL ETHICS (3) [Spring]
Examines the human good from the standpoint of sexual ethics and bioethics within the context of the Roman Catholic tradition.  Addresses foundational issues such as the nature and dignity of the person as embodied and relational.  Examines current pastoral issues in sexual and medical ethics where human goods are often in conflict (pre-marital sex, contraception, homosexualities, abortion, reproductive technology, withdrawal of artificial nutrition and hydration, euthanasia).  Includes a pastoral consideration of these challenges guided by the authoritative norms of the pastoral magisterium and insights from the theological community.  Pre-requisite:  MO541. 

MO645  CATHOLIC SOCIAL ETHICS (3) [Spring]
Examines the foundations and themes of Catholic social ethics, with particular attention given to the evolution of Catholic social teaching in the modern era.  Analyzes issues that are of current concern in the field of social ethics.  Pre-requisite:  MO541 

Special Offerings

 

Not yet determined.

Potential Offerings

Not yet determined