Course Catalogue 2024-2025

This course is a philosophical examination of some fundamental questions in Christian metaphysics: Can we prove that God exists? What is God like? What is creation? How are God and creation related? More particularly, if God created everything, how do evolution and the Big Bang fit into the picture? We will attempt to formulate our own answers to each of these questions; but our discussion will make constant reference to the answers already present in the Christian tradition, especially to those of Thomas Aquinas.

This course is an historical examination of different philosophical approaches to morality. First, we will look at the foundations of Western morality found in Plato and Thomas Aquinas; then we will look at the Enlightenment approach of Immanuel Kant and at Friedrich Nietzsche's attack on Western morality, whether it be Platonic, Thomistic or Kantian. Due consideration will be given to the approaches of Emmanuel Lewinas and some Indigenous thinkers and see whether they are compatible with traditional Western morality and whether they can survive Nietzsche's scathing critique. Students will be constantly encouraged to apply different moral theories to their personal experience to evaluate both the strengths and weaknesses of the theories and of their own moral behaviour.

Moral and political philosophy differ from other branches of philosophy because they practical-which is to say, they tell us not just how we should think but also how we should live. This course is a historical examination of different approaches to living our lives both as individuals (= moral philosophy) and as communities (= political philosophy). First, we will look at the foundations of Western moral and political thought in Plato and Thomas Aquinas; next at the Enlightenment approaches of Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill; and then at Friedrich Nietzsche's attack on all of Western philosophy. Finally, we will consider the ideas of Emmanuel Levinas and of two contemporary Indigenous thinkers to see whether their approaches can survive Nietzsche's scathing critique.

Moral and political philosophy differ from other branches of philosophy because they practical-which is to say, they tell us not just how we should think but also how we should live. This course is a historical examination of different approaches to living our lives both as individuals (= moral philosophy) and as communities (= political philosophy). First, we will look at the foundations of Western moral and political thought in Plato and Thomas Aquinas; next at the Enlightenment approaches of Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill; and then at Friedrich Nietzsche's attack on all of Western philosophy. Finally, we will consider the ideas of Emmanuel Levinas and of two contemporary Indigenous thinkers to see whether their approaches can survive Nietzsche's scathing critique.

A survey of Pauline literature with a discussion of such themes as Paul's background and conversion, his teaching concerning the parousia, the resurrection of Christ and the faithful, hope, justification, the cross, love, community, ethics, Israel, etc.

A theological-canonical reflection on selected canons in Book IV of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, excluding the canons on the Sacrament of Matrimony. Particular emphasis will be placed on issues concerning parish ministry. Canons will be reviewed in light of the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, postconciliar legislation, and the process of revising the Code of Canon Law.

Roman Catholic Church legislation on institution of marriage with special attention to the teaching of Vatican Council II.

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.

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.

This course will explore an essential role of clergy in offering oversight and service to key aspects of the unfolding of congregational life. What is the relationship between this practical work of the laity, theology, and congregational health? How can clergy offer intelligent oversight and service to lay leadership without interfering and micromanaging? In dialogue and discussion with expert practitioners we will focus on basic skills and awareness necessary to effective leadership in the areas of congregational administration, including: finances and budgeting, property and buildings, stewardship, volunteer management and personnel
supervision and feedback, organizing the weekly Sunday liturgy. Though the course will draw on Anglican polity and examples, the issues addressed by the course are faced in various forms by congregational leaders across denominations.

This course will explore an essential role of clergy in offering oversight and service to key aspects of the unfolding of congregational life. What is the relationship between this practical work of the laity, theology, and congregational health? How can clergy offer intelligent oversight and service to lay leadership without interfering and micromanaging? In dialogue and discussion with expert practitioners we will focus on basic skills and awareness necessary to effective leadership in the areas of congregational administration, including: finances and budgeting, property and buildings, stewardship, volunteer management and personnel
supervision and feedback, organizing the weekly Sunday liturgy. Though the course will draw on Anglican polity and examples, the issues addressed by the course are faced in various forms by congregational leaders across denominations.

The responsibility of good administration and informed governance is a vital, if unsung, aspect of ministry in a conciliar system. This course will explore the mandates of collaborative congregational leadership, financial stewardship, effective communication and mission strategy in the context of current and emerging forms of United Church polity, and in view of the impact of changing demographics.