Offers an overview of the principles, resources, and central themes of Christian theology - revelation, the doctrines of the Trinity, the person and work of Jesus Christ, and humanity in relation to God. Discussion paper, final exam, class participation.

Basic principles of reformed theology and their significance in current theological debate. Lecture.  Evaluation by assignment and paper.

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.

A course focused on argument and inference with treatment of evaluation of evidence, explanation, deductive and inductive reasoning, fallacies, and criteria of credibility. Lectures, weekly assignments, and mid-term exam.

An introduction to the subjective dimensions of Catholic moral theology. Among the topics to be considered are concepts of the person, freedom and responsibility, conscience, aspects of moral decision making, virtue and vice. Lectures, discussions, readings, short papers and final exam; the course will also include a limited online component. (Prerequisite: Fundamental Christian Ethics I.)

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, short papers.

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.

An introduction to foundations of Catholic moral theology. 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. Readings, lectures, online discussion, short written assignments and final exam.

The course introduces beginning students to the New Testament together with critical tools and methodological ideas which make an Orthodox exegesis possible. The course will encounter modern "historico-critical" methodologies for New Testament study which have become dominant in Western theological studies, and which have raised many issues of meaning which faithful Orthodox often find puzzling; we must ask both what Orthodox faith ought to learn from modern exegesis and also what critique or correction an Orthodox critical exegesis of the New Testament might offer in response to recent Western critical interpretation.

This course examines selective themes and fundamental questions in Trinitarian Theology from a Catholic perspective as found in the New Testament, Ecumenical Councils, the Fathers and Scholastics, and to some extent, in modern times. This prepares the ground for making a few important inquiries in light of contemporary concerns from a systematic perspective.

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.

Systematic and pastoral approach to christology and soteriology. Emphasis on New Testament christologies, later developments, contemporary interpretations. Study of the impact on christology of such issues as the continuing quest for the historical Jesus, dialogue with other religions, and in particular with Judaism, the challenge of liberation and feminist theologies, and the new cosmology. Seminar participation, short paper, take-home exam.

Christian doctrine of creation; its scriptural foundation in Old and New Testaments; its difference from Greek philosophical theories; its history to present; its relation to evolution; contemporary theories. Man/woman: their nature and relationship to God and the world as understood in history of Christian thought. Monogenism vs. polygenism. The problem of evil, original sin and sin of the world. Lectures and discussion. Paper.

Christian anthropology, focussing on theology of creation, human nature, the fall and original sin, transformation by grace, eschatological call to glory. Biblical, historical, liturgical, and contemporary theological reflection, emphasis on contemporary reinterpretation of creation theology, problem of evil, and grace. Lectures, discussions, short papers, 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 an introduction to the history, theology and pastoral practice of Christian liturgy. Topics include: the role of ritual and symbol in human life, the historical development of Christian worship in both East and West, the relationship of liturgy to society and culture, liturgical theology, and critical approaches to liturgical practice. Lectures, readings, discussions, online postings, class presentation, research paper.

Introduction to sacraments in general, historical and systematic study of sacraments of initiation (baptism, confirmation, Eucharist) with special consideration of the pastoral viewpoint. Three short papers, seminars, final exam.

Theological reflection on the sacramental life of the Church in the context or worship and education in sacramentality. Lectures, course notes supplied and class discussions. Group presentations, mid-term test and final exam.

This course will serve to introduce students to a diverse range of Anglican authors from the English Reformation to the present employing the elements of the Lambeth Quadrilateral as a lens to focus our study and discussion of key themes in the tradition of Anglican theology: the place of Scripture, Creeds, baptism and Eucharist, and the historic episcopate in the one Church of Jesus Christ. Students will read carefully the assigned readings and come to class prepared to discuss them. Evaluation will be based on attendance and active participation in class; two exercises in fundamental catechesis; and a 12-15 page paer on some aspect of the key themes of the course.

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 aims to create an ecumenical and interdisciplinary discourse on the practice of church music which is an important factor in shaping Christian identity from a global perspective. We shall examine various issues pertaining to the role of music in contemporary Christian performance and explore the musical enterprises that represent the ethnic and national identities of World Christianities and of migration or diaspora Christianities. Topics covered will include the enculturation of Christian worship and music, music and popular religious culture, the globalization of church music, cultural hybridity and inclusivity in Christian music, and the encounter of indigenous musico-religious culture and traditional church music in the non-Western world.  Method: lectures, seminars, music listening, readings. Evaluation: Class participation (20%): Review (Book) (20%); Review (Worship) (30%); Presentation (30%)

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.

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.

Introduction to morality. What is the nature of good? What is the good life? Do rights exist. What does it mean to claim an act is good? Offered in alternate years.

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.

An examination of three different approaches to ethics. First, we will look at the foundations of Western morality through reading Plato's Gorgias; second, at Nietzsche's attack on Western morality in Beyond Good & Evil; and third at Aquinas' treatment of the virtues. Lectures, discussions, short papers, 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: in the areas of metaphysics, theory of knowledge, human nature and ethics. Lectures, discussion, short essays, final exam.

A study of the nature of postmodern homelessness in the light of a theological and phenomenological analysis of homecoming and homemaking. Biblical themes such as creation, exodus, covenant, land and kingdom will be interpreted in the context of present experiences of social homelessness, geo-political violence, international refugees, disconnectedness to the earth and an overwhelming sense of being nomads without roots in any place of community. Seminar. Evaluation: Class Participation 25%, reflection papers or one major essay 75%.

An introduction to the content, methods, and practices of Christian ethics through select key voices, past and present, in Christian ethics and using tools for moral reflection/action. Focus on moral issues, for example, poverty and ecological destruction.  Students will be encouraged to refine the ethical awareness they bring to a variety of moral challenges within their lives, the churches, society and wider world.  Lectures, small group discussions; analysis of a moral argument (30%); paper on a theological ethicist (figure) (30%); final integrative project on wealth and poverty (40%).  Prerequisites: Introductory Bible and 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.

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%.

To explore what it means to 'be in Christ' with particular reference to the question of the Imago Dei. Students will read from a wide variety of sources and explore different understandings of the Imago Dei from Western and Eastern Orthodox theologians. We will look at how these varied perspectives on the Imago Dei have informed classical theological categories including Trinitarian theology, Christology, Pneumatology, Theological Anthropology, Ecclesiology and Soteriology. These theological understandings will then be applied to appraise concepts of sanctification, a variety of ecclesial models and other issues of praxis. The course will consist of seminar presentations, weekly précis on assigned readings, and a final paper. Class participation 20%, Précis 15%, Seminar leadership 30%, Final paper 35%. The course is restricted to Wycliffe students in the M.Div. Honours program.

A theological study of the dynamics of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola with specific application in the life and ministry of the Catholic priest. At the centre of both the Spiritual Exercises and Catholic Priesthood is the Person of Jesus Christ.  The two basic interconnecting links in one's response to Christ dealt with in this course are: 1) the great desires elicited by the Exercises, and 2) the call to "labor with Christ" in his service of the world.  This course is designed specifically for those preparing for Roman Catholic priesthood and who have not yet made the Exercises. The student will deepen and understand better theologically the intimate connection (Vocational) between his deepest desires to be with Christ (Christological) and the priestly work with Christ (Soteriological) he is called to participate in. Lectures, structured discussions of readings, class participation, four papers. One year of theology is required, preferably with Christology and Grace.

A survey of eucharistic theologies, with special attention to the themes of the conversion of the creature, the metaphor of manducation, and the sacrificial character of the eucharistic liturgy. Selected readings from leading theologians of the Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, and Reformed traditions, and major liturgical texts.

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.

Ignatius of Loyola wanted Jesuits to be "contemplatives in a ction". This describes the desire of many Christians today and the imperatives thrust upon us to be at once boned with God and with our fellow travellers. Reading in Loyola Zizioulas, J Macmurray, early Christian and contemporary theologians and mystics. NT accounts of prayer and action in Jesus of Nazareth. 10-12 page essay.

This course examines Christian theology and doctrine of the human being in creation and redemption. Also to be explored are concepts of human evolution, consciousness, personhood, sexuality, family, ethnicity, work, community, culture, memory, faithful living as imitation of Christ.

The Church baptizes and catechizes. The Church celebrates Eucharist. What does it mean to perform these actions? How can we perform them more faithfully? This course provides a “systematic” theological overview of the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist, incorporating biblical and historical perspectives along the way. Although the goal of the course is to develop a constructive Anglican theology of the sacraments, we will engage texts and authors from across the ecumenical spectrum. Some attention will also be paid to the “other” sacraments, such as penance and holy orders. Final exam, short (10-15 page) final paper. Seminar discussions, lectures.

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.  Short paper on ‘Symbol and Sacrament”, total 20%;  four short papers on one of the sacraments, 10% each (total 40%);  three case study critiques for in-class discussion, total 10%;  one final paper, total 30%.

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 will include, e.g., Irenaeus, Athanasius, Augustine, Luther, Muntzer, Calvin, Bushnell, Maurice, Niebuhr, Cone, S”lle, Heyward, and Ruether. Lectures, reading, discussions, presentation and final paper. Prerequisite: two introductory courses in systematic theology

A careful study of a book of the Summa contra Gentiles, where Aquinas explores Christian doctrines as an exercise in personally appropriating divine wisdom. The course teaches a method of close textual reading, and will interest students seeking an accessible introduction to Aquinas, those seeking an overall view of his methodology, and those preparing comprehensive exams in theology. Lectures and seminars. Assignments for 3551: 2 short papers, 2 learning reports, final take home exam. Assignments for 6551: 2 short papers, preparing and giving a 1 hour lecture, final exegetical essay.

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.

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.

The course will explore the major theological themes addressed by Jurgen Moltmann in relation to the traditions of Reformed Theology. Students will read key works of the author, engage in seminar presentations, and will do a research paper on an aspect of Moltmann's theology.

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%)

This course will develop knowledge of and practise skills for intercultural life and leadership in heterogeneous publics.  We will draw on interdisciplinary, intercultural materials, including: critical cultural and communication approaches, formation of complex identities and their racialization; scriptural, theological and ethical attention to difference and similarity; worship and educational resources; and the case of the United Church of Canada project, "Becoming an Intercultural Church" as a way of living out its commitment to racial justice. Seminar format with instructional input; participation through active listening, small groups, and short papers--a dialogue paper, a presentation of an intercultural site visit; and a final integrtive project.  Evaluation: dialogue paper (30%); a class presentation on intercultural site visit(30%), and a final integrative project (40%). Prerequisites: Basic Bible, Theology, Pastoral.                                           

The course will demonstrate how discourses of theology are employed as combative tools in contentious situations. It will involve an exploration of the inner dynamics of the religious or theological language used in the context of both inter-personal and inter-group disputes. Fragments of doctrinal configurations deployed in these circumstances will be examined in the context of a wider interdisciplinary scope in order to aid our understanding of the structure of these dynamics and our identification of problem areas. Lectures, class participation, assigned readings and term paper.

An introduction to the major theological interests of Reform movements in the pre-modern and Reformation-era Church, covering the figures of Francis, Wycliffe, Tyndale, Latimer, Luther, Calvin, Trent, Radical Reformers, and Hooker. This is a course that focuses on theology, not church history, but will seek to identify formative strands of thinking about the Gospel and the work of Christ among these Christian thinkers as they sought to re-shape the witness of the Church in their time.  The nature of ecclesial “re-formation” will be a sub-theme of the course. Evaluation:  Participation (attendance and discussion – 20%);  weekly quizzes (20%); papers (25% [midterm] and 35% [final])

This seminar (a combination of lecture, discussion, and case analysis format) will introduce principles and perspectives for biomedical ethics. The course is divided into two sections. The first part of the course will examine basic themes, principles, methodologies, and professional responsibilities in healthcare ethics. Special attention will be given to Catholic Church teaching and the Catholic tradition of moral reflection more generally, comparing and contrasting it with the currently dominant secular approach to bioethics. In the second section, we will examine particular ethical issues for healthcare ethics, employing the case analysis method. We will seek to bring to bear our earlier ethics and theological explorations as well as practical wisdom in our evaluations of these cases. Students will present analysis of particular problems, and others will respond to their analysis.

An examination of the relation of theology and culture and exploration of various positions on culture and its influence on theology, based on the premise that all theology is conditioned by the cultural context from which it emerges. Students will develop skills in discerning how cultural traditions shape their own theologies, and sensibilities for enhanced cultural competence. Lectures, discussion, and theological reflections; evaluation by class participation, presentations, and papers.

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 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, student presentations, one short paper and a research paper.  Prerequisite: one year of theology, at least three theology courses.

This course explores issues in the philosophy of religion, with special reference to The Brothers Karamazov. Major themes include: the existence and nature of God, religious language, religious experience, faith and reason, the problem of evil, religion and morality, and afterlife beliefs. Readings include Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov and selections from theologians and philosophers of religion. Lectures, discussion, participation, and critical reflection papers.

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).

While maintaining a stance of “methodical atheism,” Habermas’ work also exhibits a positive appreciation for many dimensions of the Judeo-Christian religious heritage, especially its moral and ethical dimensions.  Habermas’ critical appreciation of religious tradition is in continuity with his “Frankfurt School” forebears, who took religion to be integral to modern social and cultural evolution.  Religion must be studied, they felt, because it can both display forms of pathological socialization and yet be a resource for a critique of, and eventual emancipation from, such a repressive reality.  After exploring key writings of the first generation of critical theorists on the social relevance of religion, the seminar will culminate in an in-depth study of Jürgen Habermas’ contribution to this discussion.

Foucault and Deleuze came into prominence in European philosophy after the second world war. Both were critical of “humanist” assumptions in the interpretation of political and social life and interested in the theme of desire, its repression, and the political implications thereof. They argued, differently, that the humanist model of the individual is itself a reflection of a distinct set of power structures that had already co-opted desire and limited its possibilities. We’ll read a few texts from these authors, exploring their critique of humanism and their discussions of the nature of desire, political institutions, and power. Texts could include Discipline and Punish, History of Sexuality, Birth of the Clinic, Anti-Oedipus, and A Thousand Plateaus.

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.

Emergence of the scientific study of religion in the modern university and its relevance to/impact on religion and theology. Seminar participation, reports, one major paper.

Exploration in historical perspective of major themes in the Catholic Church's social doctrine by reading of magisterial documents in seminars. Relationship of ecclesiology and justice issues, and to crisis in contemporary Catholic social thought. Essay, participation, final exam.

The realities of human sexuality, marriage and family from a Christian perspective. Topics to be considered include: sexuality in the context of the person, marriage as sacrament, marriage permanence, marriage as procreative, marital fidelity, and homosexuality. Two short papers and seminar presentation.

 A study of the basis of sexuality and marriage and select related issues in light of the Catholic moral tradition. Readings, lectures, discussions, paper, mid-term test, final exam; the course will also include a limited online component. (Prerequisite: Fundamental Christian Ethics I and II or Permission of Instructor)

”The attitudes to save the environment should be imbued with a vision of the sacred.”
—David Suzuki at the Global Forum of the United Nations Conference on the Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, 5 June, 1992

Critics often blame Christian culture, and sometimes rightly, for either ignoring or contributing to the global ecological crisis.  This course will examine some Christian responses to the ecological crisis that contest this characterization. These include claims that the responsibility for the global ecological crisis is complex and multifaceted as well as arguments that Christianity can resist and undo the attitudes that helped create the crisis. We shall explore agrarian essays, ecological theology, and international initiatives on ecological activities. We may also visit a farm whose inhabitants integrate their faith and their lifestyle. In this discussion-intensive seminar, participants will consider what role Christian faith can and should play in a strong environmental ethic.

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)

The course will consider issues and documents that will help the student to develop an understanding of the ecological crisis as well as ethical and theological responses to it. Topics will include: the new cosmology; ecofeminism; the limitations of a human-centred ethics; issues of economic, social, and gender justice; and environmental-human health issues. Short papers; integration paper.

A textual reading of Longergan's magnum opus on The Triune God embracing the history and theological development of the Trinity. Principle amount of the course will pertain to Volume 12 of Lonergan's Collected Works on the Systematic party of the Trinity. Reference to Volume 11. Doctrines will occur when helpful. Special attention will be placed on Lonergan's continued development of the psychological analogy from the Augustinian-Thomistic tradition.

This course will focus on the crucial developments of the 18th century in pneumatology as a way of examining the radical innovations in pneumatology of the modern era in contrast to early- and pre-modern understandings of the Holy Spirit. In particular, the shift of interest in 18th-century to "pneumatic" religion, both among Christian and anti-Christian apologists, will be studied in the context of the Church's own specific historical challenges in this era. Readings will be drawn mainly from English and German writers in an effort to understand better the constraints of comtemporary pneumatology in contrast to the less systematic and particularistic construals of the Holy Spirit and his work in the pre-modern periods. Seminar format, with close reading of texts. Midterm exam; research paper.

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

A seminar course in which Chapters 3 and 4 of the Church Dogmatics will be studied. The topics will be: Scripture as the Word of God; Authority and Freedom in the Church; the Proclamation and Mission of the Church; the Task of Dogmatic Theology. Weekly readings, class presentation, oral examination.

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.

What is authority in the Church and how should it be exercised? A study of answers to this question in major ecumenical statements and the discussions that surround them within the contemporary efforts to restore unity among Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and Anglican churches. Topics include ministry, apostolic succession, episcopacy, infallibility, papacy, and collegiality. Lectures, discussions, class presentations, short paper, final exam.

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%.

An examination of concepts of faith in both religious and non-religious contexts. Critical attention will be focused on Kierkegaard, Wilfrid Cantwell Smith, and Sartre and Camus. Seminar preparation and a major paper.

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.

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.

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.

Critical assessment of the most important and formative theories on the Christian doctrine of reconciliation with particular reference to those that have shaped reformed perspectives. Lectures and group discussion. Evaluation by essay. Prerequisites: A basic introductory theology course plus another theology course. Knox students should have completed Church, Ministry, Sacraments.

Life in the Spirit can appear to us as a melding in action of the "timeless" and the "timely", the universally true and the very particular. This course explores how views of culture and society join with faith and tradition in forming our spiritual living and our understanding of it. Implications for contemporary issues: e.g., globalization, inter-faith relations, social ethics, friendship and methods of praying. Evaluation: short mid-term paper and final essay.

Explores the transformative dynamics of grace in Scripture, representative early theologians, early doctrinal development, medieval theology and the Reformation period. Participants develop a contemporary systematic approach, especially with respect to ecumenical and interfaith issues. Draws on the thought of Bernard Lonergan. Written assignments, readings, discussion.

Exploration of figures and movements in Protestant Theology during the 20th century: Troeltsch, Neo-Orthodoxy (Barth, Brunner), Bonhoeffer, Bultmann, Tillich, the Niebuhrs, Political/Liberation (Moltmann, Metz, Gutierrez), Process (Cobb, Suchocki), Feminist/Womanist (Russell, McFague, Williams), Black (Cone), Asian (Pieris, Song), Postmodern and Postliberal Theologies. Lectures, discussions, student presentations, and research paper.

This course studies the main theological movements and some of the major Roman Catholic theologians of the twentieth century leading up to the Second Vatican Council. The focus will be on the nineteenth century notion of development in theology (Möhler, Scheeben), Modernism (Tyrrell, Loisy, Petre) and La nouvelle théologie (de Lubac, Congar, Rahner, Schillebeeckx, etc.). Attention will be given throughout the course to other influential renewal movements of the twentieth century (Biblical, Liturgical, Lay, Social Action, Missionary and Ecumenical) especially as they helped to prepare the way for Vatican II. Lectures and seminars. Students will be evaluated based on active and informed class participation and three shorter summary papers. Advanced Degree students, in addition to additional readings, will be required to write a longer final paper and facilitate one seminar presentation.

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.

The course will explore the major theological themes addressed by Jurgen Moltmann in relation to the traditions of Reformed Theology. Students will read key works of the author, engage in seminar presentations, and will do a research paper on an aspect of Moltmann's theology.

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 seminar (a combination of lecture, discussion, and case analysis format) will introduce principles and perspectives for biomedical ethics. The course is divided into two sections. The first part of the course will examine basic themes, principles, methodologies, and professional responsibilities in healthcare ethics. Special attention will be given to Catholic Church teaching and the Catholic tradition of moral reflection more generally, comparing and contrasting it with the currently dominant secular approach to bioethics. In the second section, we will examine particular ethical issues for healthcare ethics, employing the case analysis method. We will seek to bring to bear our earlier ethics and theological explorations as well as practical wisdom in our evaluations of these cases. Students will present analysis of particular problems, and others will respond to their analysis.

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.

This course explores the notion that subjectivity is not merely given but produced through an encounter with society, language, and other selves, and explores the ethical and political consequences of this possibility. We will examine the construction of ethnic, religious, racial, and gendered difference, the forces that have constituted them as “other” instead of “same,” and the consequences this has for the construction of the self and its obligations and responsibilities. We will set up the theoretical issues by reading Kant, Sophocles, Hegel, and Levinas, but will focus especially on readings from Frantz Fanon, Jean-Paul Sartre, Luce Irigaray, and Gayatri Spivak.

Wittgenstein is arguably the greatest philosopher of the 20th century, and is frequently cited in connection with developments in theology and the philosophy of religion. This course will focus on his accounts of language and meaning in both his early and later works, and on how his thought relates to religious belief and commitment. It will examine the role of language and the possibility of talk about God and explore the implications of our understanding of language for how we think about reality, knowledge, and God. Major paper.

Defined by Plato as lovers of truth, philosophers have long debated what truth is. Recently they have disagreed about how important truth is. This seminar examines prominent theories of truth since 1900, as proposed by such thinkers as Pierce, Heidegger, Davidson, Putnam, and Habermas. Feminist, deflationist, and postmodernist critiques of truth theory will be considered and an alternative proposed.

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.

Emergence of the scientific study of religion in the modern university and its relevance to/impact on religion and theology. Seminar participation, reports, one major 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.

Application of critical thinking to contemporary issues in biomedical ethics including: issues pertaining to the creation of life (e.g., IV fertilization, reproductive technology, 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).

Readings in contemporary concerns in Roman Catholic sexual ethics and their systematic development. Permission of professor is required.

An exploration of biblical textuality, its discursive reconstruction in the form of western knowledge/power, and its role in the formation of meaning, through a guided reading of Foucault, Deleuze and Guattari, Derrida, Bhabha, Spivak, later Heidegger, and Vattimo.  Seminar.  Essays, class participation.

Outlines the history of Christian missions from its beginnings in Pentecost to the end of the 20th century, followed by area studies of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe, and concluding with a consideration of the transition from missions to development to post-development. Short papers and collaborative internet project.

Cyril of Alexandria is one of the most influential characters in Early Christianity, not only theologically but also from the perspective of Church politics. In this course, a selection of different writings of Cyril will be read in their proper theological and political context. Discussions, presentations. One essay.

A textual and contextual study of representative writings on topics such as violence and the state, pacifism, whether a Christian is allowed to be a judge, soldier, etc., during the Reformation in German and Dutch regions of continental Europe. Chronologically the study will begin with writings from the pre-Reformation period and will end around the year 1540. The course uses lectures and seminar discussions to approach figures and texts of a wide-spread debate concerning the use of the sword in matters of religion that occurred throughout all Christian traditions in Europe as well as within those traditions. It will also examine how the arguments and positions of each document are related to others, alongside a study of the documents

Historical context and enduring influence of key theologians during the Silver Age of Russian culture: Vladimir Soloviev, Sergei Bulgakov, Pavel Florensky. Reading and analysis of representative works. Seminar, major essay. Lectures, seminars and discussion of texts. Reading knowledge of Russian welcome but not required.  Seminar: 30%; Essay: 70%

This seminar will explore the special relationship of the arts to the concept of the imagination in the history of Western thought. It will also consider the implications this relationship was had for art's role iin the areas of theology and ethics, areas in which reason has been thought to fail in providing adequate knowledge. Class participation; seminar presentations; and research paper.
 

Cyril of Alexandria is one of the most influential characters in Early Christianity, not only theologically but also from the perspective of Church politics. In this course, a selection of different writings of Cyril will be read in their proper theological and political context. Discussions, presentations. One essay.

A textual and contextual study of representative writings on topics such as violence and the state, pacifism, whether a Christian is allowed to be a judge, soldier, etc., during the Reformation in German and Dutch regions of continental Europe. Chronologically the study will begin with writings from the pre-Reformation period and will end around the year 1540. The course uses lectures and seminar discussions to approach figures and texts of a wide-spread debate concerning the use of the sword in matters of religion that occurred throughout all Christian traditions in Europe as well as within those traditions. It will also examine how the arguments and positions of each document are related to others, alongside a study of the documents’ contexts, using presentations and two papers. The first paper will be a comparison of Luther and Erasmus, the second a research paper to be determined in consultation with the instructor.

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.

A comparative study of selected mystical traditions of the major world religions. Themes of analysis will include: the nature and forms of mystical experience; perspectives on ultimate Reality; the role of the spiritual teacher or master; spirituality and social action; disciplines, methods and ideals of spiritual salvation or liberation. Readings will be drawn both from mystic writers and comparative theorists. Lectures, discussion, critical reflection papers. AD students enrol in RGP 6210H.

Exposes students to contemporary forms of critical and cultural analysis, using the analysis to look at spirituality and exposing students to contemporary manifestations of spirituality in a post-modern age. Eight reflection papers; class participation.

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. Special attention will be given to ideas of "love". Critical reflection papers.

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.