The Christian Bible inspires faith for billions of persons worldwide and is a best-seller every year. In this course the Bible is studied as a product of God and of people. Students consider how the Bible actually emerged in the lives of Jews and Christians as well as how it sustains Christianity today. Typical areas of study are the Bible’s literary forms, historical contexts, and faithful heroes.

The Christian Bible inspires faith for billions of persons worldwide and is a best-seller every year. In this course the Bible is studied as a means of God’s revelation. Special focus is given to how different denominations vary in their respective use of the book as a source of divine revelation. Also considered is how broad assumptions about the nature of the text shape various theologies and how issues like inspiration, myth and ethics are determined both from and for the reading of the Bible.

The Christian Bible inspires faith for billions of persons worldwide and is a best-seller every year. In this course the Bible is studied as an example of the world’s Scriptures. Comparisons and contrasts are drawn between both the content and the use of Scripture in Jewish, Christian and Muslim denominations. Attention can be given to some of the uses of Scripture in eastern world views, for example, Hinduism and Buddhism.

This course explores the set of Catholic Christian doctrines and interpretation surrounding the question “what does it mean to be a human person?”: for example, the creation to the image of God, sin, redemption, sacramentality, and vocation. There is a focus on modern questions of the mind, conscience, embodiment, gender, and sexuality.

Prerequisite: TH112, TH113, TH114, or TH115.

Through comparison and contrast, students define and articulate how the Christian, especially Roman Catholic, world view relates to those of others. Prior to such comparisons students focus on being able to articulate the basic world view of several mainstream religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and the religions of the Far East, especially Shinto, Dao and Confucian thought.

Prerequisite: TH112, TH113, TH114, or TH115.

This course explores the tenets and practices of theology through the study of the interpretations of Christian doctrines noted in the Nicene Creed and select catechetical texts. Issues of method, authority, and the interface of faith with modern culture are highlighted.

Prerequisite: one of the following: TH112, TH113, TH114, or TH115 (may be concurrent)..

Students survey examples from the Pentateuch, Prophetic, Historical and Wisdom texts, their forms, settings and theology. This survey incorporates an appreciation for some basic contemporary interpretive methods. Methods encouraged by Vatican II’s Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation are studied.

Offered fall semester. Prerequisite: TH112, TH113, TH114, or TH115.

Students survey examples of texts from the Pauline, Catholic and Pastoral Epistles, the Gospels and Acts; Hebrews and Revelation are also introduced. Working with the interpretive strategies gained in TH210 Introduction to Old Testament, students begin to assess the dynamics of interpretation through the completion of an exegetical paper.

Offered spring semester. Prerequisite: TH210.

Students consider the history, theology, and practice of Christian sacramental life as they address the questions of ritual, celebration, and worship. The course also examines general principles of liturgy and ritual, as well as guidelines for planning and implementing pastorally effective liturgy.

Offered in alternate fall semesters. Prerequisite: TH209.

Theology majors and minors examine both the theological and practical dimensions of the tasks of ministering in different contexts, e.g., youth ministry, parish life, hospital chaplaincy, and campus ministry. The course encourages the development of theological perspectives and pastoral skills necessary for effective ministry in one or more of these settings.