Introduction to theology and the elements of Catholic theology. Revelation, Faith, Tradition, Church doctrine, infallibility, biblical inspiration. Lectures, mid-term test, 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.

This course explores themes in fundamental moral theology that are required for an understanding of the moral subject and contemporary moral issues.  Topics include: a review of key ethical methodologies; the formation and role of conscience and ethical norms; the role of freedom, responsibility, the Christian community and magisterial teaching, virtue, and sin and conversion.   Format: lecture and discussions.  Evaluation: participation, papers, possible oral exam.

An introduction to the foundations of Catholic moral reasoning and its application to select contemporary issues. Among the topics to be studied are scripture, tradition, natural law, relationship between faith & morality, moral norms, virtue and vice, freedom, conscience and magisterium, etc. This course is part of the Diaconate Formation Diploma program at St. Augustine's. Readings, lectures, discussions, short written assignments, final exam.

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

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.

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.

Biblical, historical, systematic, and pastoral study of sacraments of initiation (baptism, confirmation, Eucharist), sacraments of healing (reconciliation, sacrament of the sick), sacraments of vocation (marriage and vocation). Readings, lectures, discussions, weekly assignments, short papers or research paper.

The goal of this course is to explore the heritage of John Wesley's theology and its contribution to the development of theology in general. Students will be encouraged to revitalize the evangelical heritage in the post-modern world. Both Wesleyan and non-Wesleyan students will benefit. The course will be in seminar format with lecture input, analysis of readings, student presentation and class discussion. Evaluation: Short Reflection Papers (10%), Class Presentation (20%), Final Reflection Paper (70%).

An examination of the modern Christian healing movement with its attending theologies and worldviews, giving particular attention to 19th century roots, Pentecostal and charismatic healers, revival in mainline churches, and the challenge of recent alternative therapies. Written online lectures, online discussion. Reflection papers, book review, and essay.

This course is for Christian theology students who wish to have a basic knowledge of the religion of Islam. Two basic questions are attempted in the course: "What is Islam?" and How do I engage the Muslim?". These two questions will underline the lectures and discussions.

In this course, we will examine different theories of human nature. We will be guided by two focusing questions: “What makes me happy?” and “What keeps me from being happy?”. We will address these questions on both individual and communal levels.  Students will constantly be encouraged to connect the theories discussed in class with their own experience. Lectures, discussion, and short papers.

In this course, we will look at some of the central problems of epistemology: What is knowledge?  How do we get it?  Exactly what do we know, anyway?  How does knowledge differ from belief?  And how do we respond to the challenges of scepticism and post-modernism?  After starting with a historical survey of the answers to these questions, we will examine the answers proposed by the Jesuit theologian Bernard Lonergan.  Lectures, discussion, short papers and 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.

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.

Close textual study of the Scriptural sources and dogmatic development of the Church’s reflection on the identity of the God who is revealed in Jesus the Christ. Students develop a systematic understanding of this material, leading to a personal and critical appropriation of the tradition in light of preparation for pastoral and theological leadership in the Church. Lectures and seminars. Assignments for 3222: exegetical paper, oral interview, 2 learning reports, take home final exam. Assignments for 6222: 2 mid-length papers, participation in 3 seminars outside of class time.

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 examines the writings of several contemporary Roman Catholic theologians who have received criticism from the magisterium of the Catholic Church for their work in Christology. The operative questions throughout will include: What are the Christological differences in each case and across each of the writers? What are the methodological differences at work? What are the emerging issues these theologians seek to engage? What is the task of theology? Students will be evaluated based on: active and informed class participation; one critical analytical report; and, one substantive final paper. Advanced Degree students, in addition to supplementary readings and a longer final paper will be required to facilitate one seminar presentation. Prerequisite: one graduate course in Christology or permission of instructors.

Study of the doctrine section of the United Church of Canada Basis of Union and other statements of faith; appreciative and critical discussion with the goal of contemporary/contextual theological expression. Recommended for students in their final (post-internship) year of studies. Small and large group discussion, required and recommended reading, five short papers and one final paper. Prerequisites: Old Testament I, New Testament I, Theology I or their equivalents, or permission of the instructor.

Taking into account recent paradigm shifts in the theology of mission, this course invites participants to consider the relationship of mission to biblical sources, culture and context, unity and diversity in the church, post-colonism and intercultural engagement, and especially religious pluralism. The goal is to foster critical theological reflection on how the church might best understand and embody its mission in a multifaceted and globalizing world situation today. Methodology: lecutres/discussions. Evaluations are based upon a mid-term paper, final research paper, and class participation. Prerequisite: Completion of first credit group or Level II.

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.

Inspiring and profound are terms often attributed to the theology of von Balthasar. Benedict XVI said of his work, "His theological reflection maintains intact, to this day, a profound timeliness and leads many to penetrate ever more into the profoundity of the mystery of faith". This course begins an exploration of his work. There is consideration of the Trilogy: Herrlichkeit, Theo-Drama and Theo-Logic; the influence of Ignatius Loyola and Adrienne von Speyr; and the place of Mary. Not a course for the faint-hearted, von Balthasar's work is at times dense and complex but the rewards are beyond price. Prerequisite: one year of theology, at least three theology courses. Lectures, student presentations, one short paper and a research paper.

The purpose of this course is to survey the contemporary trends in the theology of faith and culture with an emphasis on mission, dialogue, inculturation, and the emergence of contextual theologies.  We will survey some of the various models, methods, and issues involved in these trends.  The course will also highlight certain tensions arising from this context such as, the local—universal church tension, the dialogue—evangelism tension, the inculturation—syncretism tension, and the question of a theology of religions.  The orientation will be the Ignatian Presupposition for intercultural-interreligious engagement, and developing this with some ideas from Bernard Lonergan.
Format: Lecture/seminar
Grading: Basic Degree 3 brief papers (20%), 2 brief presentations (20%), and a final paper (40%), that flows from the class presentation, class participation (20%). 
Advanced: 2 brief papers (20%), Research report (10%), class participation (20%), final paper (50%)

Recent teaching of the Roman Catholic magisterium on war and peace, social teaching about justice, ecumenical dialogue, nonchristian religions, and women. This course provides an update on important new directions in Catholic magisterial teaching on these five topics. The course examines the varying authority of different magisterial documents and focuses on methods of interpretation. Auditors welcome. Lectures, discussions, papers, take-home exam.

This course introduces the major religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam in detail and also others in brief) of the world -- their historical setting, basic principles, significant features, Holy Scriptures, theology, etc -- and a Christian perspective on them with an urgency to enter into interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

Using the writings of Thomas Berry & theologians who work with the new cosmology, the course provides an introduction to eco-theology as well as the ways eco-theologians are articulating new understandings of theological anthropology, revelation, Christology, pneumatology, sin and salvation, and eschatology. Adult learning methods. Evaluation: participation, practical integration, reflection paper and integration paper.

An exploration of central issues in philosophy, as addressed by Herman Dooyeweerd, Dirk Vollenhoven, and the “Amsterdam School” of neoCalvinian 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 in other schools of thought.

The “linguistic turn” and the “interpretive turn” in twentieth-century philosophy play a role in many cultural controversies and academic debates. This seminar examines representative texts from three schools of thought: German philosophical hermeneutics (Hans-Georg Gadamer), French poststructural feminism (Julia Kristeva), and Anglo-American analytical philosophy of language (John Searle).

MTS Synthesis Paper

While theology has always found a fruitful dialogue partner in the arts, the course will approach the world of contemporary music in genres as diverse as rock, bluegrass, hip hop, folk and alternative rock as theological resources in their own right. Attending to the interweaving of biblical iconography, symbols, narratives, motifs and themes in the lyrics of these artists, we will explore the prophetic, pastoral, liturgical and theological contribution that they make for Christian reflection and praxis in a late modern socio-historical context. There will also be focussed attention on the artistry of Canadian singer/songwriter Bruce Cockburn. Seminar. Evaluation: class participation 25%, reflection papers or one major essay 75%.

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.

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 begin with a summation of Biblical teaching about wealth and poverty, and the succeeding sessions will study diverse interpretations of that teaching in the history of Christian thought. Attention will be paid to the historical context of the theology under study, including contemporary ethical teaching and economic practice. The goals of the course will be to appreciate the paradoxical character of Biblical teaching on wealth and poverty, as well as the diverse ways in which theologies on wealth and poverty have reflected the impact of socio-economic change. The value of the study will be its assisting students to cope with 21st century challenges in its uneven regional and social distribution of wealth and poverty. Lectures and seminars. Requirements: one essay and exam.

A study of select life issues in light of the Catholic moral tradition. Among the topics to be considered are concepts of the person and the question of the meaning of suffering, new reproductive technologies, abortion, healthcare resource challenges, the new genetics and the ethics of enhancement , questions of cooperation, and various end of life issues. Lectures, readings, discussions, paper, book review, mid-term test and final written exam; the course will also include a limited online component. (Prerequisite: Fundamental Christian Ethics I and II or by Permission of Instructor)

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.

Both Karl Rahner and Bernard Lonergan devote much study to the role of philosophy in theology. Moreover, both are influenced importantly in this effort by the modern interpretation of Thomas Aquinas developed earlier by Belgian philosopher and mystical psychologist Joseph Maréchal. However, besides some obvious similarities in what they take from Maréchal, there also are certain crucial (if often unnoticed) differences. This course aims to investigate these crucial philosophical differences and how they influence the basic theological perspectives of Rahner and Lonergan. Special attention will be given to their differing theological accounts of religious experience, Jesus’ human consciousness, and the role of the “psychological analogy” in Trinitarian theology. Readings include selections from Maréchal, Rahner, and Lonergan. Weekly seminar preparation and participation, four one-page reflections, final paper, and take-home exam.

Pannenberg addressed all the great questions of modern theology- what kind of truth-claims can we make? What about openness to secular challenge? What about theodicy in the face of horror? He was a leading voice in the Trinitarian revival. How does the magnum opus compare with his methodological claims? What does it mean to talk about the future? What becomes of traditional substance-related claims about God? What role does Scripture play? Is Pannenberg more post-modern than he seems? Seminar format, class participation. Evaluation: class presentation, major paper.

This seminar will focus on the writings of Augustine, Aquinas, and Kant that have been and continue to be seminal texts for the contemporary discipline of moral theology/theological ethics. The goal will be to understand their conceptions of human happiness, the nature of morality, the means (actions, virtues, sin, law, grace, friendship) by which one pursues happiness or lives morally. We will also attend to their understanding of the individual and political society. While we will focus on primary sources, students will also be introduced to key interpretations of Augustine, Aquinas, and Kant by contemporary moral theologians.

An examination of the idea of self in Hinduism and Islam through representative contemporary thinkers Rabindranath Tagore and Muhammad Iqbal respectively. How is self understood? What is its relation to the ideas of person and personal identity? What are the philosophical and theological presuppositions of the idea of self? Answers are supplemented by classical and other contemporary writings of the religious tradition in question, thereby accessing the worldview associated with that tradition. Introductory lecture, weekly student presentations and discussions or assigned readings. Prerequisite: a course in theology or philosophy of religion. Requirements: Class participation and presentations 10% (weeks 2-12); Report/Critique (due 4th week) 15%; Midterm class test (week 7) 25%; Essay (due last week) 50%.

This course explores the current fascination with the writings of Paul among non-Christian thinkers engaged in the study of political theology. How has this turn to Paul changed secular thinking on political matters?  How has the work of these philosophers affected the Christian understanding of scripture?

What is at stake in Canadian discourses of multiculturalism and postcolonialism for religious communities becoming intercultural? What is at stake and for whom? What is the purpose of Christian moral engagement and who is it for? These queries will foreground attention to theo-ethics of the politics of social location; the power of social difference; an ethics of ambiguity and perseverance; identities and epistemology in global, local and transnational frames; living at interstices of complex difference, dislocation and connection; and the negotiation of shared meanings through discourses of class, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, sexuality, and place.  In-class honing of collegial skills for intellectual life based on comprehension of and critical engagement with texts and being willing to be self-reflexive and to communicate one’s own stance in relation to others. Seminar discussion format, some lectures. Book review, presentation, and final research paper.

Inquiry into the role and meaning of religion in a post/metaphysical, post/secular time within the frameworks of critical theory, psychoanalysis and ethics. Authors include Horkheimer, Adorno, Benjamin, Freud, Habermas and their theological/religious interlocutors, i.e. Charles Davis, Elisabeth Schuessler Fiorenza, Hent de Vries. Major paper.

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 examines the writings of several contemporary Roman Catholic theologians who have received criticism from the magisterium of the Catholic Church for their work in Christology. The operative questions throughout will include: What are the Christological differences in each case and across each of the writers? What are the methodological differences at work? What are the emerging issues these theologians seek to engage? What is the task of theology? Students will be evaluated based on: active and informed class participation; one critical analytical report; and, one substantive final paper. Advanced Degree students, in addition to supplementary readings and a longer final paper will be required to facilitate one seminar presentation. Prerequisite: one graduate course in Christology or permission of instructors.

A comprehensive synthesis of primarily the Byzantine Orthodox doctrinal tradition. Themes include: the sources of Tradition, creation, eschatology, anthropology, soteriology, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, liturgy and sacraments, ecclesiology and East-West ecumenism. Lectures, seminars, short papers, research paper. Prerequisite: Three courses from the Theological or Historical departments.

Inspiring and profound are terms often attributed to the theology of von Balthasar. Benedict XVI said of his work, "His theological reflection maintains intact, to this day, a profound timeliness and leads many to penetrate ever more into the profoundity of the mystery of faith". This course begins an exploration of his work. There is consideration of the Trilogy: Herrlichkeit, Theo-Drama and Theo-Logic; the influence of Ignatius Loyola and Adrienne von Speyr; and the place of Mary. Not a course for the faint-hearted, von Balthasar's work is at times dense and complex but the rewards are beyond price. Prerequisite: one year of theology, at least three theology courses. Lectures, seminar discussions, student presentations, one short paper and a research paper.

The purpose of this course is to survey the contemporary trends in the theology of faith and culture with an emphasis on mission, dialogue, inculturation, and the emergence of contextual theologies.  We will survey some of the various models, methods, and issues involved in these trends.  The course will also highlight certain tensions arising from this context such as, the local—universal church tension, the dialogue—evangelism tension, the inculturation—syncretism tension, and the question of a theology of religions.  The orientation will be the Ignatian Presupposition for intercultural-interreligious engagement, and developing this with some ideas from Bernard Lonergan.
Format: Lecture/seminar
Grading: Basic Degree 3 brief papers (20%), 2 brief presentations (20%), and a final paper (40%), that flows from the class presentation, class participation (20%). 
Advanced: 2 brief papers (20%), Research report (10%), class participation (20%), final paper (50%)

Recent teaching of the Roman Catholic magisterium on war and peace, social teaching about justice, ecumenical dialogue, nonchristian religions, and women. This course provides an update on important new directions in Catholic magisterial teaching on these five topics. The course examines the varying authority of different magisterial documents and focuses on methods of interpretation. Auditors welcome. Lectures, discussions, papers, take-home exam.

Studies the documents and teachings of Vatican II. Brief overview of the historical background to the Council and to Councils in the life of the church. Seminars guide discussions based on close readings of the 16 documents with emphasis on the historical context and ecclesiological significance of each document. Seminar presentations; participation in analysis of the documents; integration paper.

The “linguistic turn” and the “interpretive turn” in twentieth-century philosophy play a role in many cultural controversies and academic debates. This seminar examines representative texts from three schools of thought: German philosophical hermeneutics (Hans-Georg Gadamer), French poststructural feminism (Julia Kristeva), and Anglo-American analytical philosophy of language (John Searle).

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. 

This course will begin with a summation of Biblical teaching about wealth and poverty, and the succeeding sessions will study diverse interpretations of that teaching in the history of Christian thought. Attention will be paid to the historical context of the theology under study, including contemporary ethical teaching and economic practice. The goals of the course will be to appreciate the paradoxical character of Biblical teaching on wealth and poverty, as well as the diverse ways in which theologies on wealth and poverty have reflected the impact of socio-economic change. The value of the study will be its assisting students to cope with 21st century challenges in its uneven regional and social distribution of wealth and poverty.

In the dramatic half century that followed the council of Nicaea in the fourth century, Athanasius rallied the theologians that sought a creative adhesion to the Nicene Creed. In doing this, he delved into the mystery of the Incarnation of the Lord and later on of the divinity of the Holy Spirit. In addition to this, he was instrumental in canalizing the momentum of monastic emergence into the Church, mainly through his "Life of Anthony." The course will engage in a detailed and contextualized reading of his main works and their relevance for the theological enterprise. Discussions, presentations. One essay.

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

This course will explore how the imagination is a constitutive dimension of spirituality, theological reflection and practical engagements. Each class will involve some theoretical considerations as well as examples from contemporary Christian Poetry.