Theology

The tremendous human capacity to “love” one another is, in my opinion, the strongest evidence both for the existence of God and for the relationship that God intends for human beings to have with God and with each other. At the same time, the human capacity for envy, hate, aggression, and violating the dignity of “other” humans is similarly great evidence that something is horribly wrong − human beings fail to maintain the intended relationship with God and each other. God’s intention does not change, but we forgetful human beings lose sight of it from time to time. This problem is at the root of human alienation from God and others that leaves us isolated, oblivious, suspicious and fearful.This paper intends to provide a framework that allows us to see the source of the problem, to explore some of the causes for human alienation from each other and creation, and to find ways to heal the gap between ourselves and the rest of God’s creation. I believe that all struggles, oppressions ...

As an introduction to ecclesiology, this course seeks to provide a fundamental understanding the Church's origin, nature, structure, and mission. An overview of the New Testament and historical sources for the theology of the Church will develop into two primary tracks: 1) an introduction to the major ecclesiological models, images, themes and issues; 2) a special consideration of the Church of Rome and its relationship to the universal Church, particularly the question of primacy and collegiality.

The course will lead students in examining the art and architecture of Christian churches. Salient primary texts regarding worship, sacred spaces, and the arts will be studied in conjunction with the various monuments. Students will come to an understanding of the various theologies expressed in matrix of Christian liturgical art, architecture, music, and worship spaces. Using a historical approach, the diverse forms, contexts, and worldviews that shaped Christian liturgical ritual, visual objects, music and places of worship will be investigated from the early Church to the present, each with the purpose of understanding the underlying theology of the worshiping community's understanding of the sacred, their relationship to God and their relationship to each other. The course will incorporate churches throughout Rome in its study of the ways that human beings construct meaning in their places of worship and how images, sculpture, architecture and music are a theological reflection upon faith.

Why is the Christian life essentially one of community, and what kind of institutional organization is appropriate for this particular community? These were central questions addressed by Vatican II in its constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium, and they remain central questions in ecumenical dialogue seeking the unity of the Church today. This course will consider the life and shape of the Church at various points in its history, from biblical times onward, and the flourishing of study of the Church – " ecclesiology "-in the 20th century. It will closely examine the teaching of the Council itself on the Church and consider issues that have arisen in the life of the Church and in ecumenical discussion more recently. It will also study ecclesiological aspects of the teaching of Pope Francis.

This course introduces students to the intellectual challenge posed by the academic study of Catholic Christian theology. Through the study of selected classic and contemporary texts, the course familiarizes students with the nature, foundations, history, methods, and ends of Catholic theology. Students will become familiar with some of the distinctive movements and thinkers of the Catholic theological tradition, as well as the dialogue between Catholicism and other theological traditions. Each section of this course examines a book from the Old and a book from the New Testament, St. Augustine's Confessions, the thought of a medieval and the thought of a modern Catholic theologian, and the thought of a non-Catholic theologian.

Using class visits to sites as diverse as catacombs, Roman ruins, and Christian churches this class examines how the entire fabric of the western, if not the global world, is intertwined with the 2000 year old history of the Catholic Church and the papacy. In doing so it examines the major events, ideas, persons, and places that have influenced the evolution of the Church, beginning with the origins of the Church as a religious sect and political movement and ending with the establishment of the Vatican City State in the twentieth century. It concludes by discussing the future of the faith as Christians numbers decline in the wake of a rising secularism and a resurgent Islam.

This course explores the monotheistic religions of the Near East (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), those of India and the Far East (Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism) and the " new-age " faiths. The history and practice of each is studied. Special emphasis is laid on the philosophical and psychological basis of each religion and common themes such as " the self " , suffering, free will and ethics. Primary and secondary sources are studied along with an examination of methodology in comparative religion.

This course explores the monotheistic religions of the Near East (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), those of India and the Far East (Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism) and the " new-age " faiths. The history and practice of each is studied. Special emphasis is laid on the philosophical and psychological basis of each religion and common themes such as " the self " , suffering, free will and ethics. Primary and secondary sources are studied along with an examination of methodology in comparative religion.

This course explores the monotheistic religions of the Near East (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), those of India and the Far East (Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism) and the " new-age " faiths. The history and practice of each is studied. Special emphasis is laid on the philosophical and psychological basis of each religion and common themes such as " the self " , suffering, free will and ethics. Primary and secondary sources are studied along with an examination of methodology in comparative religion.

This course explores the monotheistic religions of the Near East (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), those of India and the Far East (Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism) and the " new-age " faiths. The history and practice of each is studied. Special emphasis is laid on the philosophical and psychological basis of each religion and common themes such as " the self " , suffering, free will and ethics. Primary and secondary sources are studied along with an examination of methodology in comparative religion.

This course explores the monotheistic religions of the Near East (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), those of India and the Far East (Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism) and the " new-age " faiths. The history and practice of each is studied. Special emphasis is laid on the philosophical and psychological basis of each religion and common themes such as " the self " , suffering, free will and ethics. Primary and secondary sources are studied along with an examination of methodology in comparative religion.

This course explores the monotheistic religions of the Near East (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), those of India and the Far East (Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism) and the " new-age " faiths. The history and practice of each is studied. Special emphasis is laid on the philosophical and psychological basis of each religion and common themes such as " the self " , suffering, free will and ethics. Primary and secondary sources are studied along with an examination of methodology in comparative religion.

This seminary course examines the role and nature of the Church in the mystery of salvation, paying particular attention to the relationship of the Church to those baptized Christians who are not in full, visible communion with the Catholic Church (ecumenism) and those who are not baptized Christians (interreligious dialogue). It considers various aspects of the Catholic position and its application to specific circumstances.

Material is drawn from the Scriptures, various documents of the magisterium, and other theological treatments of the theme. Students should become familiar with the scriptural mandate for Christian unity and encounter with other religions; with the Catholic principles of ecumenism and interreligious dialogue; an initial understanding of the causes and contexts of contemporary divisions and dialogues; and be prepared for the most common pastoral questions and scenarios faced in parochial ministry related to these themes.

This seminary course examines the role and nature of the Church in the mystery of salvation, paying particular attention to the relationship of the Church to those baptized Christians who are not in full, visible communion with the Catholic Church (ecumenism) and those who are not baptized Christians (interreligious dialogue). It considers various aspects of the Catholic position and its application to specific circumstances.

This seminary course examines the role and nature of the Church in the mystery of salvation, paying particular attention to the relationship of the Church to those baptized Christians who are not in full, visible communion with the Catholic Church (ecumenism) and those who are not baptized Christians (interreligious dialogue). It considers various aspects of the Catholic position and its application to specific circumstances.

Material is drawn from the Scriptures, various documents of the magisterium, and other theological treatments of the theme. Students should become familiar with the scriptural mandate for Christian unity and encounter with other religions; with the Catholic principles of ecumenism and interreligious dialogue; an initial understanding of the causes and contexts of contemporary divisions and dialogues; and be prepared for the most common pastoral questions and scenarios faced in parochial ministry related to these themes.

This seminary course examines the role and nature of the Church in the mystery of salvation, paying particular attention to the relationship of the Church to those baptized Christians who are not in full, visible communion with the Catholic Church (ecumenism) and those who are not baptized Christians (interreligious dialogue). It considers various aspects of the Catholic position and its application to specific circumstances.

Material is drawn from the Scriptures, various documents of the magisterium, and other theological treatments of the theme. Students should become familiar with the scriptural mandate for Christian unity and encounter with other religions; with the Catholic principles of ecumenism and interreligious dialogue; an initial understanding of the causes and contexts of contemporary divisions and dialogues; and be prepared for the most common pastoral questions and scenarios faced in parochial ministry related to these themes.

This seminary course examines the role and nature of the Church in the mystery of salvation, paying particular attention to the relationship of the Church to those baptized Christians who are not in full, visible communion with the Catholic Church (ecumenism) and those who are not baptized Christians (interreligious dialogue). It considers various aspects of the Catholic position and its application to specific circumstances.

Material is drawn from the Scriptures, various documents of the magisterium, and other theological treatments of the theme. Students should become familiar with the scriptural mandate for Christian unity and encounter with other religions; with the Catholic principles of ecumenism and interreligious dialogue; an initial understanding of the causes and contexts of contemporary divisions and dialogues; and be prepared for the most common pastoral questions and scenarios faced in parochial ministry related to these themes.

This course is a survey of the theology and literature of the New Testament within the context of the Roman world. The primary focus of the course will be on introducing the student to the major theological themes of the New Testament, particularly as developed in the Catholic tradition. Part of the core experience of the semester in Rome, this course will also introduce students to methodologies of biblical exegesis that will foster a comprehensive understanding of the origins and spread of Christianity in the Roman world. This includes attention to the historical and social contexts of ancient Rome, and to the archaeological finds that have expanded our knowledge of the ancient capital. The course consists of classroom lectures and discussions, as well as onsite study that utilizes the city of Rome as a classroom. Onsite visits include the major archaeological sites of ancient Rome, early Christian cemeteries, shrines, and basilicas, and the Renaissance churches of Rome. The visits have a twofold purpose: 1) to introduce students to the topography of the ancient city; and 2) to expose students to the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the city of Rome through the ages, concentrating on the New Testament in art.