Theological Courses for the 2009 Fall Session

Introduction to the nature, task and history of Roman Catholic Theology by a study of its sources: Revelation, Faith, Scripture (Canonicity, Inspiration, Inerrancy), Tradition, Magisterium, Development of Doctrine and Papal Infallibility. Also examined is the expression: "Outside the church there is no salvation". Lectures, mid-term test, end of term test. Preference given to St. Augustine’s Seminary Diaconate Formation Diploma students.

Explores the relationship between contemplation and action as a basis for theological reflection. Spirituality, faith, revelation, tradition, development of dogma, teaching office. Introduces Bernard Lonergan's "Method in Theology". Lectures, readings, bulletin board participation, discussion, written assignments.

Introduction to the nature, task and history of Roman Catholic Theology by a study of its sources: Revelation, Faith, Scripture (Canonicity, Inspiration, Inerrancy), Tradition, Magisterium, Development of Doctrine and Papal Infallibility. Also examined is the expression: "Outside the church there is no salvation". Lectures, mid-term test, end of term test. Preference given to St. Augustine’s Seminary Diaconate Formation Diploma students

This course will search the foundations of modern culture philosophically, sociologically, and theologically. What are the challenges and opportunities for faith in our world? It involves discussing several classic texts in colloquium. Method of evaluation: participation in class discussion, a paper, participation in a debate, a précis of a reading, and a take-home exam.

Intro to concepts and techniques of natural reasoning: recognizing and evaluating arguments, criteria of good arguments, definition, categorical and propositional logic, inductive reasoning. Lectures, weekly assignments, final exam.

Consideration of themes in fundamental moral theology required for a comprehensive understanding of the moral subject. Topics include: conscience, character, virtues, prudence, probabilism, freedom and responsibility, role of Christian community and magisterial teaching, sin and conversion, ecological ethics. Short papers. Adult learning process. Offered in alternate years.

Basic principles of Christian ethics, with special attention to the pastoral application of moral theology. Case-study method used. Designed for Regis IFM students. Readings, lectures, seminar work, 3 short essays, final exam. Seminar work requires an additional one-hour commitment per week.

Training and sensitising students' eyes and minds to the Orthodox Way of understanding iconography. Iconology is a visual-liturgical theology, which teaches doctrine and promotes worship by ordering space and worship-function. Iconography is a rhetoric, not a "mystical spirituality." Attention to the development of critical skills for seeing/understanding, especially text-image relationships, and to iconological programming.

Theology of creation. The human person in its created existence in the image of Christ; origin of humankind. Doctrine of original sin. One midterm test, one mini-synthesis and a final oral examination.

The mystery of the Church as seen in the light of Vatican II. Her foundation in Christ in Scripture and history that gives rise to her structure, mission, and four Marks. Mary as the Mother of the Church and eschatological icon. One midterm test, one mini-synthesis and a final oral examination. Preference given to St. Augustine

A theological exploration of Church, Ministry and Sacraments from a Presbyterian perspective in dialogue with other traditions and contemporary expressions of the Christian movement. Assignment and Paper. Prerequisites: A basic introductory theology course. Knox M.Div. students need to have Ref. Theology in Dialogue.

Theological reflection on the sacramental life of the Church in the context or worship and education in sacramentality. Preference given to St. Augustine’s Seminary Diaconate Formation Diploma students.

A study of the primary texts of the Church's first five centuries from the perspective of Eastern Christians, to identify and apply the vision of God and persons forged by the early doctors of the Church. Close readings of primary texts. Research paper.

Explores historical sources of division among Christian churches, origins of the modern ecumenical movement, the commitment of the Roman Catholic Church to Christian unity, growing agreement in sacramental life. Special attention to implications for catechesis and pastoral care of inter-church families.

The purpose of this course is to recognize themes and insights that are developed uniquely by Asian theologians, mainly from China, Japan, and Korea, such as C.S. Song, Kosuke Koyama, and Korean Minjung Theologians. This course will help non-Asian students to get some knowledge of Asian cultures and Asian indigenous religions, and Asian students to develop a theology based on their Asian heritages and experiences. Consequently, "Asian Theology" will help theological students to transcend Western parochialism and contribute to a development of Christian theology for the coming multicultural and pluralistic century we have been already embarked. The course will be in seminar format with lecture input, analysis of readings, student presentation and class discussion. Prerequisite: A basic introductory theology course.

An introduction for theology students to basic questions of nature, scope, and limits of knowledge. Central questions of belief, certainty and truth will also be investigated. Teaching Method: Lectures & Discussions. Means of Evaluation: 2 essays: each essay a 6 to 8 page critical evaluation of Philosophical problem. 1 two hour cumulative in class test (last class)N.B. Each is worth 33 1/3%

A focused study of philosophers and representative texts in the western philosophical tradition. Part I: historical development from pre-Socratics to Aquinas: metaphysics, theory of knowledge, human nature and ethics. Lectures, discussion, short expository papers, final exam.

This course assists students in acquiring greater skill and confidence in doing theo-ethical reflection, especially within the context of Christian life and ministry in an ever complex world. As a practical and integrative discipline of the church living in particular contexts, this course attends to identifications (who am I/are we?) and method (what am I/are we to do?) for seeking right relations and naming sources of hope. Lectures, short essays, final issue or integration paper. Prerequisites: basic courses in Bible, and history of Christianity or theology.

The primary goal of this course is to help us think critically and sensitively about Christian values, norms, and commitments in ways that preserve a Christian orientation while taking into account the non-Christian and pluralistic context of modern society. Such thinking will involve a dialectical process where universal principles, values, and norms will be examined with reference to the particular experiences and realities that constrain human action and interaction. The aim is not to structure a strict formalistic ethical framework but rather to canvall various ethical methodologies, religious and secular, as resources for ethical thinking and praxis. Method of Evaluation: Critical book response(s), one term paper; class participation.

For final year students, a comprehensive and synthetic review of Roman Catholic doctrine in Systematic Theology. Personal appropriation of the mysteries of faith as well as effective pastoral explanation and communication of these mysteries is also stressed. Seminar presentations and final oral exam. Contact professor for summer reading material.

This course examines the recovery and renewal of Trinitarian doctrine and theology since the turn of the twentieth century with a broad focus upon Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox theologians; the reexamination of the doctrine’s sources in Scripture through theological exegesis and current trends in its formulations. The course will proceed along a lecture / discussion format, with readings from relevant literature. Assignments will include short reflection papers and a research paper.

Theological perspectives and spiritual practices for integrating faith and the work for justice, peace and a healthy environment. Evaluation by essay.

Sacraments of baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, reconciliation, anointing of the sick, orders, and marriage as symbols of the world, challenge to human existence, life functions of the Church and features of Christology and revelation. Lectures, seminars, mid-term papers and final paper.

The Christological-Trinitarian foundation of Mary's role in salvation history and in the Church is developed in two areas: 1) the foundations from Vatican II, Scripture, Church Fathers, and the four Marian Dogmas; 2) the celebration of Mary in liturgy, popular piety, and spirituality. Finally, Mary is studied in light of ecumenism, and in one contemporary theologian and twentieth-century developments for her profound significance for today. One midterm test, one mini-synthesis and a final oral examination. The course is held at 2661 Kingston Road location.

This course focuses on Aquinas' Summa Theologiae and its systematic theology of the Christian life: faith, hope and love are the foundational principles that ground the concrete living out of the imitatio Christi in a life of prayer, service, preaching and leadership in the Church. Importance of philosophical, rhetorical and historical tools for reading the text. Weekly reading, weekly papers, term paper, participation in class discussion.

Theology of grace in representative Anglican theologians, including Thomas Cranmer, Richard Hooker, the Caroline Divines, the Tractarians, F.D. Maurice, Lux Mundi and William Temple. Prerequisite: introductory course in theology.

In recent decades hosts of “new” voices have joined and vastly expanded theological dialogue: African Americans, women, and “Third World”–Latin American, South African, Filipino, Indian, Sri Lankan, Korean, etc.  More recently indigenous, Hispanic American, womanist, gay and lesbian, mujerista/Latina, Asian-American and Asian-Canadian, and ecological voices are expanding the dialogues.  And the number of new and newer voices continues to grow.  We will: trace the early history of dialogues among these new voices and sample more recent voices; identify points of convergence and divergence; examine hermeneutical and methodological issues concerning experience, standpoints, perspectives; probe the riches of diversity, the dangers of relativism and new grounds for authenticity and authority; explore new theological frontiers in (re)discovering/recentering theology in the Spirit and reconceiving history; survey the challenges and opportunities confronting theology and the church accompanying the eruptions of new voices in a rapidly changing world, and the struggles over the future. Readings, class participation, short papers, and (for AD students) research paper - adult learning process.

This course of lectures will examine Luther's writings on the theology of the cross and on human freedom; and Calvin's writings on Scripture and the Christian life. Weekly readings; a final examination (oral or written).

An exploration of central issues in philosophy, as addressed by Herman Dooyeweerd, Dirk Vollenhoven, and the "Amsterdam School" of neo-Calvinian thought. The course tests the relevance of this tradition for recent developments in Western philosophy. Special attention is given to critiques of foundationalism, metaphysics, and modernity within reformational philosophy and other schools of thought.

This course explores the notion that subjectivity is not merely given but produced through an encounter with society, language and other selves. It explores the ethical and political consequences of this possibility. It examines the construction of ethnic, religious, racial, and gendered difference, the forces that have constituted them as ""other"" instead of the "same," and the consequences this has for the construction of the self and its obligations and responsibilities.

MTS Synthesis Paper

Investigating the faith/culture relationship from the perspective of worldview analysis, this course seeks to engender a cultural discernment rooted in a radical biblical faith. Lectures and seminars, reflection papers.

The course will survey ethical issues encountered by both Christian leaders and leaders in Christian institutions as well as the styles and theories of leadership and models for effective decision-making that might be employed. The course will use a combination of lectures, discussions and student led seminars. Evaluation: participation, seminar presentation, case analysis, integration paper.

Basis of sexuality and marriage in a Christian context and selected issues in these fields. Readings, lectures, discussions, paper, final exam. Prerequisite: Fundamental Christian Ethics.

Using contemporary articles from the biological and medical sciences, philosophical ethics, and magisterial teachings, the course will develop and apply critical thinking to contemporary issues in biomedical ethics including: issues pertaining to the creation of life (e.g., IV fertilization, reproductive technologies, surrogacy, stem cell research), the preservation of life (e.g., right to care, refusal of care, micro & macroallocation of limited resources, informed choice), and the end of life (e.g., euthanasia, allowing to die, elder neglect). Methods: lectures, discussions. Evaluation: response paper, integration paper, class participation.

The environmental crisis is a spiritual crisis. The social dialectic, that is, practicality/instrumentality in tension with the intersubjective component of community, has become a skewed global phenomenon primarily because of technological/communications, economic, and political realities, along with the consequences of massive human migration and environmental destruction. What are cultural values and ultimately, religious values, that can redirect the social order toward a renewed human community living harmoniously/authentically with earth and cosmos? The structure of converted ecological consciousness, incarnating cultural values informed by Transcendent value, can evoke a humble, blessed way of "walking on the earth." Teaching method: Lecture. Evaluation: Class participation, special topic presentation, final paper.

This course investigates certain key developments regarding God in the theological tradition of Augustine of Hippo, Thomas Aquinas, and Bernard Lonergan. The focus is three topics: God as knowable by natural reason, God as manifested by supernatural revelation, and the psychological analogy for the Trinity. Readings include appropriate sections of Augustine's Confessions and On the Trinity, Aquinas' Summa theologiae, and Lonergan's Method in Theology and Third Collection. Lecture plus seminar. Requirements: weekly seminar preparation and participation, four one-page reflections, final paper, and take-home exam.

Introduction to the theology of Karl Rahner. Attention to his place within Roman Catholic thought of his time. Special emphasis on his philosophical presuppositions and his understanding of revelation, human nature, grace, Christ, the Church, dogma, and ecumenical dialogue. Lectures, discussions, class presentations, short paper, final exam.

Examination of resources and methods in theological work, focusing on hermeneutics as a strategic way of thinking about the role of texts and traditions in theological reflection. Emphasis on interpretation theories in conjunction with liberal, postliberal, and postmodern theological methodologies, particularly regarding issues of faith, authority, revelation, and religious pluralism. Lectures, discussions, student presentations, research paper.

This course explores philosophical method for a theology of beauty. It takes Balthasar's assessment of the loss of beauty as a philosophical and theological reality as a context to survey the implications and the conditions for its recovery. Issues such as the nature of beauty, aesthetic experience/perception, judgments, the beauty of God/Christ, and other cultural notions of beauty will be considered. It will also investigate Lonergan's philosophy as a basis for theological aesthetics.

The course will explore the nature of religious experience from the perspectives of psychology, recent evolutionary theory and theories of the emergence of the modern mind. We will explore the ways in which ancient peoples forged a 'consciousness contract' that allowed those individuals and groups whose facility for entering altered states of consciousness that gave them access to the world of spirits and god(s) also gave them enormous political and social power and authority. Drawing on research in neuropsychology and contemporary evolutionary psychology, the course will consider that religious experience is not a mere result of the pressures of the material environment but rather an interaction between neurobiological capacities and their interaction with culture. Moreover, it will be considered that the human capacity for religious experience, symbol formation, the manipulation of images and altered states of consciousness that shape religious beliefs and rituals have significant impact on human action in shaping the environment and forming culture. Writers studied will include, but not be limited to, the theories of religion and the mind as elaborated by Ludwig Feuerbach, Sigmund Freud, William James, David Lewis-Williams, Brian Hayden and Walter Burkert. We will also examine specific cases of the religious experiences of medieval Christian mystics.

This course examines the recovery and renewal of Trinitarian doctrine and theology since the turn of the twentieth century with a broad focus upon Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox theologians; the reexamination of the doctrine’s sources in Scripture through theological exegesis and current trends in its formulations. The course will proceed along a lecture / discussion format, with readings from relevant literature. Assignments will include short reflection papers and a research paper.

This course surveys aspects of Christian thinking (not necessarily strictly theology) of the early modern period, concentrating on France, England, and representatives from other Western European countries. Lectures and readings focus on the question of (re)defining Christian identity, within several areas of religious concern: devotional life, epistemology, human history, and social relations. The course aims to provide students with first-hand knowledge of primary material that was either influential upon or typical of fundamental (though often conflictual) ways of construing Christian identity during this period and that have remained, in various guises, still a part of contemporary Christian outlooks. Course requirements include attendance at lectures and tutorials, the extensive assigned reading; 1-page weekly critical overviews, and the choice of a final exam or final paper.

Theology of grace in representative Anglican theologians, including Thomas Cranmer, Richard Hooker, the Caroline Divines, the Tractarians, F.D. Maurice, Lux Mundi and William Temple. Prerequisite: introductory course in theology.

In recent decades hosts of “new” voices have joined and vastly expanded theological dialogue: African Americans, women, and “Third World”–Latin American, South African, Filipino, Indian, Sri Lankan, Korean, etc.  More recently indigenous, Hispanic American, womanist, gay and lesbian, mujerista/Latina, Asian-American and Asian-Canadian, and ecological voices are expanding the dialogues.  And the number of new and newer voices continues to grow.  We will: trace the early history of dialogues among these new voices and sample more recent voices; identify points of convergence and divergence; examine hermeneutical and methodological issues concerning experience, standpoints, perspectives; probe the riches of diversity, the dangers of relativism and new grounds for authenticity and authority; explore new theological frontiers in (re)discovering/recentering theology in the Spirit and reconceiving history; survey the challenges and opportunities confronting theology and the church accompanying the eruptions of new voices in a rapidly changing world, and the struggles over the future. Readings, class participation, short papers, and (for AD students) research paper - adult learning process.

This course of lectures will examine Luther's writings on the theology of the cross and on human freedom; and Calvin's writings on Scripture and the Christian life. Weekly readings; a final examination (oral or written).

An exploration of central issues in philosophy, as addressed by Herman Dooyeweerd, Dirk Vollenhoven, and the "Amsterdam School" of neo-Calvinian thought. The course tests the relevance of this tradition for recent developments in Western philosophy. Special attention is given to critiques of foundationalism, metaphysics, and modernity within reformational philosophy and other schools of thought.

This course explores the notion that subjectivity is not merely given but produced through an encounter with society, language and other selves. It explores the ethical and political consequences of this possibility. It examines the construction of ethnic, religious, racial, and gendered difference, the forces that have constituted them as ""other"" instead of the "same," and the consequences this has for the construction of the self and its obligations and responsibilities.

In the contemporary world, ecumenism must include dialogue between Christianity and world religions. This course will examine not only Christian attitudes to world religions, but also attitudes of world religions to other belief systems. Lectures, discussion, paper.

This course will explore the Bible as the ongoing story of and for God and creation, with special attention to how God's story is intertwined with that of humanity and the world. In asking whether and in what way the Bible is also our story, we will attempt to identify which hermeneutical methods might help us discern its significance for present day life, including the academic enterprise.

Although from the very beginning, Christianity appeared especially connected to the particular geography, it will only be with the Fourth century, that the “Holy Places” arose as such, becoming essential part of an emerging culture of pilgrimage. Jerusalem and the Holy Land gradually evolve into the epicenter of the Christian world. Liturgical practices of the Holy City and the Holy Land will develop into standard and normative as pilgrims from throughout the world return to their countries and establish there the usages of the “Holy Places”. This course explores the interaction of pilgrimage, liturgical, and spiritual life in Holy Land and their impact in the development of Early Christianity. Discussions, presentations. One essay.

A study of the life and works of major patristic authors who shaped and influenced the Eastern Christian tradition, including Ignatius, Irenaeus, Origen, Athanasius, John Chrysostom, the Cappadocians, Maximus the Confessor, Simeon the New Theologian, Nicholas Cabasilas, Gregory Palamas. Lectures-seminar, reflection papers, major paper.

Is beauty simply "in the eye of the beholder," or is it something more? Is it a way to God, a moral precept, or the specific locus for a unique kind of pleasure? This course examines a variety of subjective and objective views of beauty in the history of Western philosophy and theology from antiquity to the present (e.g. in the thought of Plato, Augustine, Aquinas, Kant, Weil, Barth, and Balthasar). It will also consider the implications of these views of beauty for the production of the visual arts, music, and literary culture in Western religion and society.

Mani, an inhabitant of 3rd century Iraq/Iran believed himself to be the Paraclete promised by Jesus. From that belief grew a church which reached from North Africa to China and lasted over a thousand years, including among its sympathizers the young St. Augustine. This course will use the writings of Manichaeans and their opponents, including Augustine, to address the criteria of Christian identity, and use a theological system not based on the incarnation to explore the meaning of creation, revelation, and redemption in more conventional contexts.

Although from the very beginning, Christianity appeared especially connected to the particular geography, it will only be with the Fourth century, that the “Holy Places” arose as such, becoming essential part of an emerging culture of pilgrimage. Jerusalem and the Holy Land gradually evolve into the epicenter of the Christian world. Liturgical practices of the Holy City and the Holy Land will develop into standard and normative as pilgrims from throughout the world return to their countries and establish there the usages of the “Holy Places”. This course explores the interaction of pilgrimage, liturgical, and spiritual life in Holy Land and their impact in the development of Early Christianity. Discussions, presentations. One essay.

A study of the life and works of major patristic authors who shaped and influenced the Eastern Christian tradition, including Ignatius, Irenaeus, Origen, Athanasius, John Chrysostom, the Cappadocians, Maximus the Confessor, Simeon the New Theologian, Nicholas Cabasilas, Gregory Palamas. Lectures-seminar, reflection papers, major paper.

Is beauty simply "in the eye of the beholder," or is it something more? Is it a way to God, a moral precept, or the specific locus for a unique kind of pleasure? This course examines a variety of subjective and objective views of beauty in the history of Western philosophy and theology from antiquity to the present (e.g. in the thought of Plato, Augustine, Aquinas, Kant, Weil, Barth, and Balthasar). It will also consider the implications of these views of beauty for the production of the visual arts, music, and literary culture in Western religion and society.

Beginning with a quick review of English grammar, the course will introduce the grammar and syntax of the Latin language and provide practice in their use in order to lead students to a reading knowledge of Ecclesiastical Latin: the Vulgate, Canon Law, Ambrose, Augustine, Jerome, Aquinas, hymns and other documents. Evaluation will be based on course assignments, weekly class participation, periodic tests and a final exam. Please note: the second hour of each class is a mandatory tutorial.

Introductory study of the Anglican communion as a worldwide form of Christianity; its history, key theological issues, worship, schools of thought, approaches to spirituality. 3 short papers. Interdisciplinary History and Theology.

An exploration of religious experience in various Hindu traditions, within the context of an overview of relevant beliefs and practices. Lecture, discussion, exam and critical reflection papers.

An exploration of religious experience in various Hindu traditions, within the context of an overview of relevant beliefs and practices. Lecture, discussion, exam and critical reflection papers.