Theological Courses for the 2011 Fall Session

This course provides an in-depth exploration of two central Christian doctrines - the Trinity and the person of Christ - as well as reflection on the role of Holy Scripture and the nature of theology. This is the first part of a two-part sequence in basic Christian doctrine. Lectures, tutorial discussions generated by students' questions, question-and-answer period. Short papers, final take-home exam. Tutorial 10-11 a.m.

Elements of theological reflection, with emphasis on theological method. Revelation, faith, scripture, liturgy, tradition, dogma, magisterium, the theologian, infallibility, and historicity. Lectures, discussions, short papers, final exam.

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.

This course seeks both to introduce the different theological subspecialties, even as it orients the whole enterprise. It uses as its organizing concept that of mission. This also brings into play questions of our own cultural moment and the practical task of the church. Lectures, tutorials. Evaluation: class participation, two short reflection papers, one major paper.

An introduction to the foundations and objective dimensions of Catholic moral theology. Among the topics to be studied are scripture, natural moral law, casuistry, relationship between faith and morality, magisterium, moral principles and norms, etc. Readings, lectures, discussions, short papers and final written exam; the course will also include a limited online component.

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.

An examination of formative and alternative theologies of redemption from Christianity's early years through the twentieth century, focusing on how theologians have variously conceived the problem to which redemption is addressed, the work and person of Jesus Christ, and the roles of God and humanity in effecting redemption. Theologians considered may include Irenaeus, Athanasius, Augustine, Calvin, Bushnell, Maurice, Niebuhr, Cone, Soelle, Heyward, and Ruether. Lectures, reading, discussions, presentation and final paper. Prerequisite: one introductory course in systematic theology.

Answering Jesus' question: "Who do people say I am?", course uses Old Testament expectations, New Testament data, Conciliar definitions and contemporary issues. Lectures, mid-term test discussion, essay, final exam.

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. This course is part of the Diaconate Formation Diploma program at St. Augustine's.

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. This course is part of the Diaconate Formation Diploma program at St. Augustine's.

This course examines the differing historical contexts (historical, intellectual and theological) of the Book of Common Prayer, including an exploration of the religious, political and social environs that produced each version in Anglican Church history. The course methodology is lecture, readings, and discussion. Course evaluation will consist of written responses and reflections based on assigned readings and a research project. 

By examining major elements of John Wesley’ theology in his sermons, journals and diaries, this course will explore the heritages of Wesley’s/-an theology within the tradition of Reformation theology and recognize the contribution of Wesleyan theology to the development of theology in general.  Because Wesley attempted, about 200 years later after Luther and Calvin, to revitalize Reformation theology and overcome its limits in various contexts, both Wesleyan and non-Wesleyan (especially Calvinist) students will have a chance to learn and exercise the traditional theology in the present post-modern world.  The course will be in seminar format with lecture input, analysis of readings, student presentation and class discussion.  Attention is given to the nuances of the denominations represented by those who enrolled in the course.

This course will explore major approaches to the relationship between the Christian faith and other religions in the context of the plurality and diversity of the contemporary world. Evaluation: paper/assignment. Prerequisite: A basic introductory theology course

An introduction to the terminology, categories and debates in both classical and modern metaphysics.  No previous philosophy courses are required.  Topics will include the following: categories of being; universals and particulars; substances, essences and accidents; causation; capacity and activity; possibility and necessity; materialism and idealism; realism and anti-realism; and natural theology.  Teaching methods: Lectures and class discussions.  Means of Evaluation: One short paper, two longer papers and class participation.

A philosophical examination of some fundamental topics in Christian metaphysics: creation, causality, the problem of evil, and freedom of the will. Readings taken from "classical" Christian theologians such as Augustine, Aquinas and Luther and also from contemporary sources. Lectures, discussions, short papers and final exam.

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

Will identify and deal with a complex set of issues involved in the relationship of the sciences -- natural, biological, and social -- to religion and theology. Particular attention will be given to methodological and epistemological matters. Assigned reading for class discussion and two short reports/papers related to lectures and class discussions.

Humans are story-telling animals. We find our identity, our memory, our vision and our meaning through the narratives of our lives. While the church has been a foundational story telling institution in our lives, it has clearly been eclipsed in the last half century by various forms of mass media, and most notably through cinema. In this course we will use the Toronto International Film Festival as our classroom. Engaging in a two way dialogue between film and Christian theology, students will develop a biblically theological understanding of contemporary film. We will explore the prophetic, pastoral, liturgical and theological contribution that contemporary cinema can make to Christian reflection and praxis in a late modern socio-historical context.

An analysis of the Bible’s teaching on government and perennial political issues, followed by an historical examination of how theology has interpreted this Biblical teaching in the context of historical issues; namely, church and state, war and peace, religious tolerations, economic justice, human rights. Lectures and discussions. Two essays on topics chosen by the student and approved by the instructor.

This course examines various theoretical and practical ethical issues that Christians face in today’s changing society, with special emphases on multicultural reality in Canada and the global ecological crisis today. The course consists of four parts: the theoretical foundation for Christian ethical thinking (part 1), social justice issues in Canadian multi-cultural multi-ethnic, and multi-religious society (part 2), ecological crisis and the church’s response (part 3), integration (part 4). Lecture and seminar. Minor and major papers, short weekly reading report and group discussion report, and one seminar presentation.

This course will study the documents of the Second Vatican Council with a view to understanding their theological foundations, their histroical context and development, and their pastoral implications for today's church. One book report, total 20%; one discussion facilitation, total 10%; one document analysis paper, total 30%; one disputed issue paper, total 40%.

Study of the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, as presented from a variety of perspectives: patristic, modern and feminist, with special consideration of implications for the concept of "person". Students will be asked to engage assigned readings in classroom discussions. Discussion paper, extended essay.

Explores the status of traditional doctrines of Christ in light of the scholarly movements to define Jesus "as he really was," and thus to develop a Christology without a theological agenda. Lectures, assigned readings, classroom discussion. Reflection papers, extended essay or book report.

The course provides an exploration of how Christianity has understood the relationship among God, creation, humanity and spirituality, and how that understanding has contributed to the ecological challenges we currently face as well as can contribute to a helpful response. The course begins with an overview of our understanding of spirituality and creation during the patristic, medieval and reformation periods, then shifts to contemporary understandings drawing from current discussions of Christology, creation-centred spirituality, eco-feminism, deep ecology, and the healing of nature and the healing of self. Methods: Lectures, discussions. Evaluation: reflection paper, integration paper, class participation, practical integration

Through analysis of doctrinal statements of The United Church of Canada, their historical origins and contemporary theology, this course will enable students to become acquainted with United Church theology and the processes by which it has been developed, and to articulate their own faith in relation to their own experience, the faith of the church, and the practice of ministry in the context of challenges of today. Students will participate in the process by which "Christians of each new generation are called to state [the faith of the church] afresh in terms of the thought of their own age and with the emphasis their age needs" (Preamble, A Statement of Faith, 1940). Doctrinal statements on which the course will focus include the Doctrine section of the Basis of Union (1925), A Statement of Faith I1940), and A Song of Faith (2006); theological statements from other United Church documents will also be considered. Course methods include readings, discussions, and papers, and will incorporate students' reflections on their experience and integration of theory and practice into discussions and papers. Regular attendance and participation required.

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 will examine a variety of theological voices coming out of contexts of abuse. How do we do theology in churches which include both survivors and perpetrators of violence? We will be reading about sin, repentance, restorative justice, healing and forgiveness in the context of child abuse, spousal violence, and abuse by clergy. How do churches help or hinder those in need of healing? This is a seminar and discussion based class, with reading summaries, a book report and a major paper. Teaching methods: Readings, seminars, student presentations. Means of evaluation: Class participation, reading summaries, book review, major research 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.

Reading and discussion of Bernard Lonergan's "Insight", with special emphasis on its relevance for theology. Lectures, readings, seminars, written assignments.

Of the 20th century Reformed and Lutheran Theologians of the generation directly indebted to Karl Barth: Eberhard Jüngel, Jürgen Moltmann, Wolfart Pannenberg, and Thomas Torrance make the most impressive and enduring contributions. Exploring their Evangelical theologies of the cross, the methodological importance of eschatology, the Trinitarian ground and catholicity of Christian Theology, this course engages their seminal works and ideas, considers them in context and explores their continuing influence.

Comparative exploration of the connections between liberation and postcolonial theologies. Study the various methodological shifts by liberation theologies and how these parallel postcolonial-decolonial theological debates. Focus will be to gain insight in the main ideas, specific methodologies, and key authors involved in the development and proliferation of these contemporary currents, and their relevance for the task of theology.

The course will survey a wide range of themes in religious and theological language and models from contemporary African thought. The themes will be explored from their socio-historical context but also against the wider context of orthodox Christian theology. This dialectic will enable us to examine the variety of positions and views that have developed and shaped the discourse of African theology. We will also examine briefly some implications of African theology on contemporary forms of African missiology and ecclesiology. Format of lectures and discussions; and evaluation by class participation and two papers.

The course evaluates the Ignatian contribution to comtemporary ecclesiology. Utilizing key texts it situates Ignatius' sense of "Church" and the Society of Jesus relationship to the Church. Explores key issues and potential problems faced by a twenty-first-century reader of Ignatius. Engagement with contemporary Jesuit theologians, and the writings of Pope John Paul II and Cardinal Ratzinger. Mid-term paper, research paper, oral exam, class participation.

MTS Synthesis Paper

This course will examine the key theological, mystical and philosophical notions of music that are of essential significance in relation to the history of Christian music from ancient to modern. Topics covered will include the relations of music and language, music and morality, music and monasticism, music and magic, the connection of music, body and spirit, and the musical syncretism of the so-called secular and the sacred. Class participation, major essay, final examination.

The seminar will undertake to study the Islamic Legal Theory (usul al-fiqh) and Practice (fiqh) in conjunction with Islamic ethics, which serves as an integral part of the juridical tradition of Islam. The sources of law like the Qur'an, the Tradition (Sunna), Consensus (Ijma'), Analogy (qiyas) and Reason ('aql) will be examined in connection with the process by which legal decisions in Islam are made. The course will provide an opportunity to students of comparative ethics and law to learn about one of the well-developed religious-ethical systems in Abrahamic traditions. In addition, this course will offer a study of interaction between faith and history in Islam which has impacted upon the development of ethical-legal judgments in the Shariʿa. Assessment: Reading papers, book reviews, and a final paper.

A critical survey of papal thought from Leo XIII's emphasis on workers' rights to John Paul II's focus on the broader theme of human rights. Reflection papers and book report, or major paper, exam. Prerequisite: Introductory course in moral theology.

Explores Christian Kenosis as an expression of the unconditional love of God made known in Christ. Here the mutual relations of self-giving in the Trinity may be reflected in the lives of human persons. Of key significance is Hans Urs von Balthasar's appreciation of the paschal mystery. Also in dialogue are: Sarah Coakley, John Paul II and Thomas Merton.  Lectures, discussion, class presentations, research paper, one short paper and a research paper.

This course explores a range of proposals in contemporary ecclesiology across the eccumenical spectrum. Special attention will be given to questions surrounding the Church's concretely historical character, as in the ecclesiology of "practices" and its critics. Authors read may include Ratzinger, Jenson, Hauerwas, Cavanaugh, Radner and Healy. Seminar discussion; brief, bullet-point responses to the readings; 2500-word final paper.

Examination of Augustine's writings against the Manichaeans, the Donatists, and the Pelagians. Discussion of weekly readings and a major paper.

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.

Contemporary struggles over globalization echo debates about modernization in the previous two centuries. How should we understand philosophical theories of progress and the sociocultural changes these theories address? By what criteria should supposed improvements in society be judged? The seminar pursues these questions through a study of Jürgen Habermas's The Theory of Communicative Action.

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

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.

This course examines major aspects of Wesley's theology as expounded chiefly in his Sermons on Several Occasions. Theological, ecclesiastical, social and intellectual environments will be probed, as well as developments in post-Wesley Wesleyanism. Attention will be given to the nuances of the denominations represented by those enrolled in the course.

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-Canadian and Asian-American, and ecological voices are expanding the dialogues. And newer voices continue to emerge.  We will: trace the early history of dialogues among these new voices; sample more recent voices; identify points of convergence and divergence; examine epistemological, hermeneutical and methodological issues concerning experience, standpoints, perspectives; engage new–and very old–ways of reading the bible; explore new Christologies; probe the riches of this new theological diversity, the dangers of relativism and new grounds for authenticity and authority; explore new theological frontiers in re-centering theology in the Spirit and re-mapping earth and heaven, history and salvation.

The course evaluates the Ignatian contribution to comtemporary ecclesiology. Utilizing key texts it situates Ignatius' sense of "Church" and the Society of Jesus relationship to the Church. Explores key issues and potential problems faced by a twenty-first-century reader of Ignatius. Engagement with contemporary Jesuit theologians, and the writings of Pope John Paul II and Cardinal Ratzinger. Lectures, seminar discussion, student presentations, one short paper and a research paper.  Prerequisite: one year of theology, at least three theology courses.

The course will explore significant ways that Christians have theologized the arts, artistry and art culture. The course will compare the varieties of theologies that have emerged from within the Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions. The study will involve looking at paintings, icons, altarpieces, and socially and culturally engaged works of art as well as pertinent theological writings. 

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 engage in theological/biblical reflection on the nature of political economy by attending to themes of covenant, property, stewardship, justice and Kingdom. And we will bring that biblical reflection into dialogue with the work of Christian political economist Bob Goudzwaard. Professor Emeritus of the Free University of Amsterdam, former member of parliament, advisor to political parties, think tanks and NGO’s around the world, Goudzwaard has had a profound influence in shaping a Christian political-economic imagination. In this course we will read Goudzwaard’s most important books (in translation) and have the opportunity to spend four seminars in conversation with him early in the semester.

An introduction to Patristic thought to 451 AD, surveying principal writers East and West. Detailed study of Athanasius On the Incarnation and The Tome of Leo. Lectures, readings, four short reports and a final oral examination.

A history of Eastern Christianities through the study of the life and works of major early authors who shaped Eastern Christian traditions, including Origen, Aphrahat, Athanasius, Cyril of Alexandria, the Cappadocians, Maximus the Confessor, Simeon the New Theologian, Nicholas Cabasilas, Gregory Palamas. Lectures-seminars, short synthesis papers, major paper. Advanced degree students enroll in RGH6430H. Crosslisted to the Theology Department.

A history of Eastern Christianities through the study of the life and works of major early authors who shaped Eastern Christian traditions, including Origen, Aphrahat, Athanasius, Cyril of Alexandria, the Cappadocians, Maximus the Confessor, Simeon the New Theologian, Nicholas Cabasilas, Gregory Palamas. Lectures-seminars, short synthesis papers, major paper. Advanced degree students enroll in RGH6430H. Crosslisted to the Theology Department.

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.

The course develops major themes in the history of Christian spirituality, through a close reading of selections by Plato, Origen, Pseudo-Dionysius, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Gregory of Palamas, Julian of Norwich, St. Ignatius of Loyola, and Dorothy Day. Lectures, discussion, critical reflection papers.

A critical exploration of the mystical, liturgical and pastoral theology of Evelyn Underhill, as she develops these in her novels and scholarly writings. Her thought will be examined in light of contemporary issues in spirituality, such as the status of the body, mysticism and social action, the subjectivization of mystical experiences, and the effect of socio-political structures on spirituality. Lectures, discussion, presentation, critical reflection paper.

Foundational philosophical issues in education. The identity and distinctiveness of Catholic Education. Canadian Catholic education. Curriculum integration and unity of knowledge, unity of truth, and unity of the human person. Ecclesial documents and pedagogy. Lecture, seminar, attendance, participation, two papers.