Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology

An introductory course in New Testament Greek grammar with intensive exercises intended to develop facility in reading simple passages from the Gospels.

Introduction to New Testament Greek vocabulary and grammar, focusing on noun declensions and elementary verb tenses. Reading, translation and analysis of short passages from the New Testament.

Further study of New Testament Greek vocabulary and grammar, focusing on more advanced verb tenses and moods. Reading, translation and analysis of passages from the New Testament.

An introduction to the most basic elements of Hebrew grammar with accent on the noun and the qal stem of the verb, Hebrew thought patterns and sentence structure, plus instruction in use of a Hebrew lexicon. A study of grammar accompanied by selected readings from Genesis.

A continuation of BIBL 6113

This course takes up the issue of difficult moral questions and the way in which the Bible provides resources for resolving these questions in a Christian manner. The course is divided into two parts: Part 1 deals with difficult moral questions provided by biblical narratives themselves and reviews ways in which Christians have addressed them. These questions include the “dark passages of scripture,” such as laws commanding genocide in the book of Joshua, and Old Testament legislation on polygamy, slavery, adultery and homosexuality. Part 2 deals with the biblical principles of New Testament Christian ethics and how they apply to difficult contemporary moral problems in beginning, middle and end-of-life issues, sexual morality, capital punishment, pacifism and war.

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to biblical archaeology. The course (1) introduces students to the history of archaeology in the Holy Land, (2) reviews the nature, goals, and methods used by archaeologists in excavating and studying the material and religious cultures of the Bible, and (3) explores ways in which archaeological data can be placed in dialogue with the study of Scripture. (Cross-referenced to HSTD 6122)

Introduction to critical theories useful to Pentateuchal research; historical and geographical context of the Pentateuch; literary genres; development of Pentateuchal books and their underlying theologies; and exegesis of selected passages.

A study of the authority, role and key concepts of the Hebrew prophets in the context of their own times and the possible paradigms for the present; an in-depth study of significant passages in the classical prophets; exegesis of selected texts.

An examination of the notion of wisdom in the ancient Near East; genre of wisdom literature; close examination of selected sapiential books; study of various types of Psalms, their significance in Israel and their importance to the Church today; and exegesis of selected passages.

Exploration of how divine calls bestow dramatic meaning and personhood upon the lives of various figures in the Bible and those who hear and receive their message. Such figures include Adam and Eve, Cain, Abraham, Jonah, St. Paul and the Church-Bride of the Apocalypse. Clarification of the nature of human objections to the divine call and the way in which they are divinely resolved. Exploration of how biblical narrative can enrich a theology and philosophy of vocation and personhood and strengthen the capacity to live and work in

This course explores the books of the former Prophets (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings) the Chronicler's History and the remaining books classified as historical in the Septuagint (Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther,Judith, Tobit and 1, 2 Maccabees).

Many Old Testament texts explore the meaning of human suffering, but the most sustained reflection on this subject is the Book of Job. The book focuses on how Job, a man renowned for his righteousness, is forced to prove by his suffering that this righteousness is authentic. In doing so, it prompts its readers to explore their own assumptions about suffering and righteousness and leads them to perceive how the meaning of human suffering is linked to religious freedom and love. The book will be of interest to all who wish to understand the poetic and spiritual power of the Old Testament and its pastoral applications to life’s deepest problems.

This course explores violence-ridden and morally challenging passages of the Bible, including those that apparently sanction capital punishment, child-sacrifice, extermination of noncombatants in warfare, polygamy, slavery, lying and making the Cross a gateway to eternal life. The course seeks to familiarize students with these passages and illuiminate Jewish and Christian ways of explaining their meaning and function in the canon. (Web-based).

The course explores the themes of forgiveness in the Old and New Testaments, with a view to supplying the student with Scriptural resources for thinking about and developing a theology of forgiveness. Rabbinic, Patristic and Catholic scholastic interpretations of biblical passages are explored to compare and contrast Jewish and Christian, Catholic and Protestant approaches to understanding forgiveness. The Scriptural passages explored include: 1) The themes of divine mitigation of punishment in the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and the atonement rituals; 2) Forgiveness motifs in the Psalms and the Wisdom books; 3) Forgiveness motifs in the Prophets, e.g. in the Book of Jonah; 4-6) Forgiveness in the Synoptic Gospels, e.g. the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ Parables, Jesus’ Practice of Forgiveness in his life and Passion; 7) Forgiveness in the Epistles of Paul and James in the context of their theologies of justification by faith and works.

This course presents the Epistle to the Hebrews together with the seven Epistles, known as the seven Catholic or General Epistles: James, 1-2 Peter, 1-2-3 John and Jude. These works present a witness to Jesus of those who had seen him in his earthly career, namely two members of his family (James and Jude) and two of the most important of the Twelve (Peter and John). While discussing various scholarly debates about the Epistles, the course emphasizes basic themes and structure. (Cross-referenced to STHO 5631).

«Who do people say that I am?» (Mk 8,27). This question of Jesus has intrigued all who have come into contact with him since his ministry in Galilee. For much of Christian history, the faithful were content to live with the answer volunteered by Simon Peter. However, with the 18th century advent of the use of historical critical methods in biblical studies, academics in the West began to formulate a new understanding of who Jesus was, who the first Christians believed him to be, and how that belief developed over time. After a brief review of these investigations, we will explore the criteria used by exegetes for exploring historicity in Gospel narratives. The bulk of the course will then examine significant events in the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth to see how/if the «Jesus of History» is reconciled with the «Christ of Faith».

An historical and critical approach to the study of the gospels, its limits and benefits and its acceptability to the Church. The “synoptic problem” and the consequences of its resolution for study of the gospels. Diverse forms within the gospels and the characteristics of each gospel.

Consideration of the general characteristics, literary relationships, possible sources, overall structure and recurrent themes in John’s Gospel; numerous passages exegeted. Overview of the Johannine epistles and their historical context.

Treatment of Paul’s life and background; introduction to each of Paul’s letters with attention to the historical situation and major interpretive concerns associated with each; theological development as evidenced from letter to letter; exegesis of selected passages.

This course aims to introduce the student to an appreciation of various historical, literary and theological aspects of the Fourth Gospel and of Paul’s Letters, especially those to the Galatians and Romans. Special attention is paid to the way in which these writings reflect, interpret and develop the early Christian kerygma (proclamation) and thereby contribute to the Christian interpretation of Jesus, person and mission (Christology and Soteriology) and the means by which faith in him as the Christ and Son of God communicates abundant life (the Sacraments and Ecclesiology).

This course takes a detailed look at Luke’s Gospel and its sequel the Acts of the Apostles. St. Luke’s Gospel is the longest of the four canonical Gospels and includes many unique details absent from the others, including some of the most moving and famous of Jesus’ parables like the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan. It also includes a unique infancy narrative which has shaped Christian celebrations of Christmas. The Acts of the Apostles is St. Luke’s account of the early Church. In this course, students will read carefully through these texts historically and from the heart of the Church.

The Old Testament insight into the progressive revelation of Divine Presence and Fidelity. A study of the creation stories; the Exodus event; the sagas; Divine forgiveness and faithfulness; the call to holiness and its particular and universal aspects.

The purpose of this course is to explore the depth, wisdom and power of the Lord’s Prayer by exploring its scriptural contexts and sources. Versions of the Prayer in all the Gospels and in the writings of Paul are studied to highlight the Trinitarian dimension of the Prayer and the way in which it maps out the Christian spiritual journey and enables Christ’s disciples to escape from various cycles of violence that impede their quest for God’s Kingdom.

A study of Scriptural texts and themes related to the Blessed Virgin Mary: Old Testament texts/institutions that prefigure Mary; New Testament texts that refer to Mary. Exegesis of select Lucan and Johannine texts using both modern and traditional methods of interpretation. Scriptural foundations of Marian dogmas/doctrines, liturgical feasts and devotional practices

From the Prodigal Son to the Good Samaritan to the Good Shepherd, there are few things as familiar to us as these disarmingly simple yet penetrating narratives that Jesus used to articulate and proclaim the Kingdom of God during his ministry. They were fashioned by him both to awaken insight and to provoke response in his listeners. This course provides a close study of selected parables of Jesus from the Synoptic Gospels. Particular attention is paid to the cultural, biblical and literary contexts of the parables examined, so that students might approach “hearing” the parables as did their first audiences, both grasping their profound insights and responding to their call to conversion. Through doing so, students will come to appreciate the parables as indispensable sources of theology by and about Jesus, and as fonts for authentic Christian spirituality in our own day.

Planned lectures include: “Encountering the Mother of God in the New Testament,” “Encountering the Mother of God in the Church Fathers,” “Encountering the Mother of God in Medieval Spirituality,” “Encountering the Mother of God in the Renaissance & Baroque,” “Encountering the Mother of the God in 19th century Spirituality” and “Encountering the Mother of God Today.” (Cross-referenced to HSTD 6577, PTHO 6577 and STHO 6577)

Survey of the Jewish roots of Christian spirituality, with special attention to prayer (personal and communal) and liturgy (particularly the Eucharist). Theological roots of Jewish spirituality; Psalms; Catholic-Jewish dialogue today.

The theme of prayer is intrinsic to biblical narrative. The course contains four units, which explore, respectively: 1) The role of prayer in the Old Testament and the perennial relevance of Old Testament prayers, especially the Psalms, to Christian prayer; 2) Jewish and Rabbinic prayer forms and their relevance to the understanding of Christian New Testament prayers, especially the Lord’s Prayer, the Hail Mary and the liturgy of the Eucharist; 3) The Lord’s Prayer and the Hail Mary themselves; and 4) The role that Scripture plays in the prayers of great Christian thinkers, writers, missionaries and saints.

The Second Vatican Council exhorts one to study the “unity of all Scripture” (Dei Verbum n.12). This course proposes to address the process by which Catholics should interpret the Bible. It will combine a discussion of hermeneutical approaches with a study of key passages. The student can expect to develop the skills necessary to understand major biblical themes originating in the first covenant with respect to both their historical circumstances and their later interpretation in the New Testament.

This course examines the central characteristics of Roman Catholic moral theology in the post-Vatican II era: specifically, how the discipline currently appropriates Scripture, tradition, the magisterium, human experience and reason, the universal desire for happiness, and the realities of sin and grace, to express the dynamics of the Christian moral life conceived as a dialogic response to the gracious initiatives of God and ultimately, as an act of worship that finds its source and summit in the Eucharist sacrifice (Catechism 2031).

Perhaps no ethical topic is more hotly debated today than moral absolutes: whether there are some actions that are always and everywhere morally wrong. From abortion to artificial contraception, from torture to the death penalty, these issues are of pressing concern for marriages, families, associations, government and international relations. This course seeks to review the Catholic response to this question through encountering the Christian tradition. After a short investigation on the nature of moral evil in Thomas Aquinas, this reading seminar will begin its historical overview of the Christian tradition with Sacred Scripture and culminate with Blessed John Paul II’s Encyclical Veritatis Splendor. All of this as we seek to get a clearer grasp on the Church’s teaching on moral evil and moral absolutes. (Cross-referenced to STHO 6112)

Focusing on the question of the meaning and reason for suffering in redemption, a study of Aquinas' text of Christ's Passion. An examination of how Divine Providence acts through the Son's human actions of suffering to bring about his exaltation and a new relationship to God, the world and us. Concluding commentary on how Christ, as instrument of the Godhead and in His own person, influences our human acts of suffering, through the sacraments, to bring similar results.

This course examines moral strengths as lived through the four cardinal virtues- both how these virtues can be obtained and how they are related to the Christian life through the theological virtues (faith, hope and charity), the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Beatitudes. (Cross-referenced to STHO 6126)

A team-taught survey of Christian ethics, including fundamental moral theology and Catholic teaching in sexual morality, healthcare and social justice. Not applicable to M. Div. or M.A. with Christian ethics concentration.

This course begins with Benedict XVI's Deus Caritas Est and concludes with C. S. Lewis' The Four Loves and John Paul II's Love and Responsibility. Illuminating these works by engaging with the key philosophical and biblical texts that they cite, the course proceeds to illuminate the nature of love through the writings of Anglican, Protestant and Catholic novelists and theologians. The purpose of the course is to help people understand the spiritual nature of love in its manifold forms and so, gracefully to inflame and sustain their aptitude for courtship, family affection, friendship and charity. (Cross-referenced to PTHO 6134)

Few realities captivate us culturally, emotionally, and aesthetically, as the medium of film. In the complex multimedia culture we live in, film moves us in a way which no other media seems capable of doing. Moreover, films have a rich capacity to explore ideas and raise questions in something more than merely an intellectual manner. In this course, we will seek to capture film capturing us as we study three aspects of this draw: First, we will explore the medium of film itself and why it is so powerful. Second, we will examine the human emotional life to which film is intimately connected and on which it operates. Finally, we will explore some theological themes, issues, and questions – ranging from anthropology to morals to eschatology – which are raised in contemporary film.”

This course continues to explore the fundamental concepts of the Catholic moral theology by focusing its attention on the development of good moral character. The students will gain systematic knowledge in the area of virtue ethics, which encourages the pursuit of particular virtues, understood as primary means of spiritual and moral growth. Special attention will be given to the operation of four cardinal virtues, theological virtues, and their supports. Through an investigation of the life of virtue centered on Jesus Christ, this course will assist the students in discovering the profound meaning of the Lord's call to missionary discipleship. (3 credits; prerequisite: Fundamental Moral Theology I).

To develop skills in using Catholic Church teaching and Natural Law argumentation, an examination of the concepts of health, the human person, personal and social responsibility, confidentiality, reproductive technologies, abortion, medical research, experimentation, transplants, psychotherapy, addiction, suicide, euthanasia and care of the disabled, those with AIDS and the dying.

This course treats contemporary issues regarding the beginning of human life including cloning, embryonic stem cell research, reproductive technologies including in vitro fertilization, abortion, ectopic pregnancies, early induction and the ethical treatment of rape victims. This course seeks to apply the teaching of the Church and sound ethical reasoning to the issues raised by recent reproductive and prenatal technologies so that students will be able to advise effectively the people to whom they minister in making virtuous medical decisions. (Cross-referenced to PTHO 6217)

See PTHO 6224.

Marriage and family life is a great gift of God’s creation. Through the Sacrament of Marriage, spousal and familial love is taken up into the infinite love of Christ and the Church. In the communion of love open to God’s gift of life, all married couples and their children are called to holiness. Through readings based on the works of St. Paul, St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, Hugh of St. Victor and Pope John Paul II, this course explores the ways in which God’s sanctifying presence is manifest in and through Christian spousal love that is open to life and placed at the service of the human community. (Cross-referenced to PTHO 6254 and STHO 6254)

This course investigates the historical causes, nature, and value of secularism as a cultural, and socio-political phenomenon affecting Catholic religious experience in what was once called Latin Christendom. The course is not only interested in secularism as such, but also in various contemporary Catholic responses towards it. Throughout the investigation will be viewed through the theological lens of Christian faith as revealed in Jesus Christ and authoritatively interpreted through the teaching authority of the Church.

This course focuses on people who have sacrificed or suffered the loss of normal and vital bodily organs and physiological faculties but who nonetheless, or on account of that loss, have gained or developed wondrous faculties of perception and insight that have brought immeasurable wealth to humanity. A partial aim of the course is to explore how such cases can serve to challenge the pressures upon medics to abandon the Hippocratic oath "to do no harm" to the disabled. Thus, by exploring such accounts and the philosophical, ethical and pastoral issues surrounding them, the course seeks to train and sustain pastoral ministers and medical and legal professionals interested in sustaining our culture's adherence to the Hippocratic oath to nurture and protect human life. (Cross-referenced to PTHO 6266)

An historical and systematic study of Church teaching using the Scriptures, guest lectures, case studies and film to develop a cognitive and affective appreciation of the Catholic view of human sexuality. The course considers chastity, friendship, spousal love, procreation, natural family planning, extramarital sex, masturbation, homosexuality and birth control.

This course explores violence-ridden and morally challenging passages of the Bible, including those which apparently sanction capital punishment, child-sacrifice, extermination of non-combatants in warfare, polygamy, slavery, lying, and making the Cross a gateway to eternal life. The course seeks to familiarize students with these passages and illuminate Jewish and Christian ways of explaining their meaning and function in the canon.

The course explores the themes of forgiveness in the Old and New Testaments with a view to supplying the student with scriptural resources for thinking about and developing a theology of forgiveness. Rabbinic, Patristic and Catholic scholastic interpretations of biblical passages will be explored to compare and contrast Jewish and Christian, Catholic and Protestant approaches to understanding forgiveness. The scriptural passages to be explored will include: 1) The themes of divine mitigation of punishment in the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and the forgiveness motif in the stories of Jacob and Esau and Joseph and his Brothers; 2) Levitical atonement rituals; 3) Forgiveness motifs in the Psalms and the Wisdom books; 4) Forgiveness motifs in the Prophets, e.g. in the Book of Jonah; 5-7) Forgiveness in the Synoptic Gospels, e.g. the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ Parables, Jesus’ Practice of Forgiveness in his life and passion; 8) Forgiveness in the Epistles of Paul and James in the context of their theologies of justification by faith and works.

A survey of Canon Law with an emphasis on topics central for diaconal ministry. Topics include: general norms, rights and obligations of the Christian faithful, especially the clergy, Sacraments (other than Matrimony), particularly Christian Initiation, Christian Burial, Temporal Goods and Sanctions.

An exploration of the theological warrants for Catholic social justice ministry, its scriptural foundations and its major principles as articulated in papal and episcopal documents. The application of these principles to family, to work, to economic systems and to political orders. An examination of the various ways that local churches and parishes can be effective instruments in bringing about God's reign of peace and justice.

This course investigates what it means to make a decision as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Bringing forth both old and new, the course does this in two ways. First, it looks to the Catholic scholarly tradition on the various aspects and elements of a prudential Christian decision. Second, it examines the Catholic spiritual tradition of discernment – its rules, exercises, and daily practices – so that both one’s own life and those of others the student will encountered is daily opened more and more to Christ’s call. (3 credits)

The Biblical, historical, systematic and liturgical development of Christian marriage from Biblical origins, Patristic thought, medieval synthesis, Reformation issues and Tridentine responses, to its contemporary theology. Issues related to the theology of marriage, e.g., sacramentality of marriage, divorce and remarriage, faith and marriage, and the pastoral care of Christian marriage.

The course introduces the students to the person and moral teaching of one of the most influential popes of the 20th century. It explains the basic anthropological assumptions behind John Paul II's ethical thought, and studies selected moral issues pertinent to the modern-day climate. Throughout the course, the students will review the main works of the Holy Father, including earlier writings from before his papacy. They will also take notice of the many ways, in which John Paul II's teaching contributed to the shaping and advancement of moral theology in the Church. Upon completion of the course, the students will possess systematic, albeit introductory, knowledge of the Holy Father's moral teaching.

Why has the complaint against God for innocent suffering arisen only in recent times? What are its philosophical presuppositions? Lectures will examine various theological and philosophical positions that give rise to the complaint or offer answers. Then the Catholic answer will be proposed; thereby the coherence of all Catholicism’s central dogmas will be explained and justified. The Church’s theology will be shown to offer the only possible coherent solution to the problem. For the Church lives from Jesus Christ crucified and risen, Eucharistically present in her midst.

The development of Christianity from the Reformation to the present day. The course utilizes primary source materials and audio visual presentations.

The institution of the papacy and individual holders of the papal office; a survey of major periods in the development of Catholicism from the perspective of the papacy; special attention given to the last century and an investigation/analysis of the papal office. 3 credits.

A survey of the history of Christian spirituality: Biblical origins; Patristic period; Desert Fathers; Benedict; Augustine; Benedictine Reforms; Franciscan and Dominican renewals; medieval spirituality; Rhineland Mystics; Ignatius; Francis de Sales; Sulpician influences; 20th-century movements; Vatican II; and contemporary situations (Cross-referenced to PTHO 6726)

The early centuries of the Church are surveyed using the Fathers of the Church as the primary lens of inquiry. While the Eastern Churches are examined, the focus shifts to the Church of Western Europe from Charlemagne through the Gregorian Reform, the building of the great cathedrals, and the appearance of the friars. Finally, the changing ecclesiastical culture of the Renaissance is addressed.

This course presents an exposition and analysis of the various reform movements – organizational, monastic, theological, spiritual – within the Catholic Church beginning in the fifteenth century and culminating with the Council of Trent and its aftermath. The reform movements – Wycliffe, Hus, Zwingli, Luther, Calvin, Anabaptist, Radical – that gave birth to Protestantism and independent churches are presented and analyzed as well. After a brief exposition of earlier missionary activities, the evangelization of the Americas during the period of the European conquest and later evangelization of Asia and Africa during the colonial period are subjects of equal attention, with a focus on the methods of evangelization and analysis of their successes and failures. The Church of today is shown to be a result of these movements and evangelizing activities.

Examines St. Augustine's masterpiece, Confessions, in detail to see how Augustine seamlessly fuses Scripture, theology, rhetoric, personal history and spiritual growth into a comprehensive whole. (Cross-referenced to PTHO 6772 and STHO 6416).

Augustine’s spirituality aspires to participate in the life of the Trinity through deliberate, affective and sacramental love made possible by the grace of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. It was realized by one’s individual relationship with God, conduct in the larger society, and communal life in the Church. Using key works, including the Confessions, The Trinity and The City of God, the course will trace the outlines of this profoundly Christian spiritual vision.

At the heart of the Christian religion is the relationship between the believer and the Triune God as revealed and encountered through Jesus Christ. This relationship, revelation, and encounter contain a communal, ecclesial dimension that takes specific shape through the lived discipleship of one's individual vocation. From the beginning, early Christians reflected on and understood the vocation of Priesthood in this light. The distinct ways in which the Church Fathers developed and articulated this vision of Priesthood offer compelling and relevant insights into contemporary priestly ministry. (Cross-referenced to PTHO 6426 and STHO 6426)

HSTD 6430 Worshipping with the Fathers of the Church Examines the earliest records and descriptions of Christian worship alongside the spiritual and theological understandings the first Christians brought to their worship and how these factors contributed to forming the liturgical sensibilities, structures and cycles familiar to Christians today. Special attention is given to the writings of Church Fathers of the first 500 years.

See BIBL 6577.

An exploration of the phenomenon and meaning of mysticism. A study of the lives, times, and spirituality of such women mystics as Theresa of Avila, Therese of Lisieux, Edith Stein, Catherine of Siena, Faustina, Elizabeth of the Trinity and Julian of Norwich. An analysis of their major writings, including autobiographies, letters, and poetry. (Cross-referenced to PTHO 6710)

The development of Christianity in the Americas from the beginnings of evangelization to the present, focusing on the Catholic Church in the United States; the impact of the English Reformation as setting the stage for the major cultural forces influencing the present-day United States; growth of the Church in the English colonies and its subsequent expansion, particularly due to 19th and 20th century immigration; Catholic education and the evolution of pastoral ministry; issues facing Catholicism in its contemporary encounter with cultural forces in America today.

An overview of the development of Christianity from its origins to the present: the evolution of Christianity from a movement within Judaism to a world religion; Church polity, belief and spirituality in succeeding periods; current challenges facing contemporary Christianity. Issues such as Church-State relations, the Reformation and the influence of the Enlightenment on the Church are major themes.

This course investigates the principles of historical and contemporary ecclesiastical architecture and applies them to churches of the archdiocese of Newark. It includes tours of exemplary churches and the ateliers of prominent architects and designers. The students will achieve knowledge and skills to interpret and evaluate the design of churches they encounter.

This course consists of three one-hour meetings in which new students are instructed on effective study habits, on the use of the libraries and their resources, on the manner of conducting theological research and on the strategies and standards for composing research papers. Students are required to take this within the first three semesters of matriculation into a degree program. 0 credits.

This course will provide a general introduction to the resources (print, electronic, and personnel) of a graduate theological library. Students will receive an extended introduction to the theological resources and methods proper to each of the major sacred sciences. Students will be guided to develop the practice of critical reading and analysis needed for graduate academic study. Students will also be introduced to introductory graduate academic writing.

See CETH 6112.

See CETH 6126.

Few realities captivate us culturally, emotionally, and aesthetically, as the medium of film. In the complex multimedia culture we live in, film moves us in a way which no other media seems capable of doing. Moreover, films have a rich capacity to explore ideas and raise questions in something more than merely an intellectual manner. In this course, we will seek to capture film capturing us as we study three aspects of this draw: First, we will explore the medium of film itself and why it is so powerful. Second, we will examine the human emotional life to which film is intimately connected and on which it operates. Finally, we will explore some theological themes, issues, and questions – ranging from anthropology to morals to eschatology – which are raised in contemporary film.”

The permanent diaconate was restored by the second Vatican Council after being dormant in the Catholic Church for hundreds of years. This course will examine its origins, the rise and fall, its restoration, and the post Vatican II era with its emerging challenges and issues. A theology of the permanent diaconate, rooted in the ministry of Jesus Christ and guided by the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States will be developed to assist aspirants, diaconate candidates, and permanent deacons in their ongoing formation and for laity, seminarians and priests who collaborate with them in ministry.

An historical and systematic examination of the Catholic understanding of God's Self-Communication and humanity's correlative response in faith. On revelation: transmission of revelation; natural and supernatural revelation; Reformation and sola Scriptura; Trent and tradition; Newman on doctrinal development; and la nouvelle theologie and Vatican II. On faith: grace and faith; faith and scholasticism; Luther and sola fides; Trent on fides fiducialis; Vatican I and rational preparation for the act of faith; Blondel and the apologetics of immanence; and contemporary attempts (e.g., Rahner, Tracy, Metz) to ground the act of faith.

The faith response to the Mystery of Jesus Christ, God's gift to us, in Scripture and Church tradition; an attempt to answer the question "Who do you say I am?" [Mt. 16:15] in light of contemporary concerns.

A systematic and historical examination of the doctrine of the Triune God: dialectical nature of God as both hidden and revealed, immanent and transcendent; attributes and perfections of God; Patristic and Conciliar debates about the nature of the Trinity; persons, processions, relations and missions within the Godhead; speculation in relation to the "economic" and "immanent" Trinity as well as contemporary retrievals of psychological analogies.

Beginning with the Scriptural understanding of human origins, an examination of the human condition from the viewpoint of Christian revelation. The relationship of God with humanity; sin and redemption; the significance of grace, brokenness and healing; and the meaning of death and resurrection. Consideration of particular and general eschatology in developing a theological anthropology.

The mystery of the Church in its various human incarnations throughout history; the Church"s foundation, nature and fundamental structure. Themes: pluralism and the development of ecclesial life; "models" of the Church; the importance of Mary in the life of the Christian community.

An extended examination of the historical development and current expression of the various liturgies of the Paschal Triduum, applying the principle lex orandi, lex credendi, to discover the various Christologies expressed in those rites.

A study of the origins, development and role of the teaching office in the Catholic Church; forms of exercise of the magisterium; contemporary theological speculation regarding the magisterium.

See PTHO 6395.

See HSTD 6425.

A study of the background against which Pope John XXIII called Vatican Council II, the Council’s preparation and its deliberation, as well as some consideration of its implementation.

See PTHO 6224.

This course investigates the historical causes, nature, and value of secularism as a cultural, and socio-political phenomenon affecting Catholic religious experience in what was once called Latin Christendom. The course is not only interested in secularism as such, but also in various contemporary Catholic responses towards it. Throughout the investigation will be viewed through the theological lens of Christian faith as revealed in Jesus Christ and authoritatively interpreted through the teaching authority of the Church.

An exploration of key dimensions of effective ministry: the person of the minister, the invitation of the Gospel and the life of the community. The focus will be on central concepts drawn from various disciplines, including our theological and spiritual traditions, which will be applied practically to issues such as working from one’s strengths, empowering volunteers, designing change, and analyzing ministerial settings in order to more effectively develop vibrant disciples and communities of faith.

From his classic Introduction to Christianity to his three volumes on Jesus of Nazareth to his papal encyclicals, Joseph Ratzinger has affirmed the inseparability of theology, spirituality, and liturgy. For each finds its living center in Jesus Christ. The seminar will explore this Christocentric vision in major works of Joseph Ratzinger both before and after his election as Pope Benedict XVI. It will seek to provide a comprehensive introduction to the work of this key figure of post-conciliar Catholic theology and to serve as stimulus for the student’s elaboration of a personal theological and Christological synthesis.

A brief examination of the Church's origin and identity in the ministry of Jesus, the Gospels and Acts of the Apostles, her missionary self-understanding as expressed in her magisterial teaching, canon law, liturgical and sacramental life and catechesis, and the implications of this understanding for the diocese, parish and individual believer in making intentional disciplines. The contention of recent popes -- that evangelizaion is, in fact, the Church's sipreme duty, the reason for her existence and the key to her identity -- will be tested and confirmed.

The course explores the themes of forgiveness in the Old and New Testaments with a view to supplying the student with scriptural resources for thinking about and developing a theology of forgiveness. Rabbinic, Patristic and Catholic scholastic interpretations of biblical passages will be explored to compare and contrast Jewish and Christian, Catholic and Protestant approaches to understanding forgiveness. The scriptural passages to be explored will include: 1) The themes of divine mitigation of punishment in the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and the forgiveness motif in the stories of Jacob and Esau and Joseph and his Brothers; 2) Levitical atonement rituals; 3) Forgiveness motifs in the Psalms and the Wisdom books; 4) Forgiveness motifs in the Prophets, e.g. in the Book of Jonah; 5-7) Forgiveness in the Synoptic Gospels, e.g. the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ Parables, Jesus’ Practice of Forgiveness in his life and passion; 8) Forgiveness in the Epistles of Paul and James in the context of their theologies of justification by faith and works.

See HSTD 6416.

See HSTD 6426.

STHO6430 Worshipping with the Fathers of the Church Examines the earliest records and descriptions of Christian worship alongside the spiritual and theological understandings the first Christians brought to their worship and how these factors contributed to forming the liturgical sensibilities, structures and cycles familiar to Christians today. Special attention is given to the writings of Church Fathers of the first 500 years.

An introduction to the theology of liturgy and the historical development of liturgy in the Catholic Church, focusing on the Roman Rite; an introduction to the history and theological development of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours and the Roman Calendar. (Cross-referenced to HSTD 6501)

A Biblical, historical, theological and liturgical treatment of the sacraments of Christian initiation: the theologically normative adult initiation with restored catechumenate and its pastoral adaptation to infant baptism, confirmation and first Eucharist of children; anthropological, Christological and ecclesial dimensions of sacramentology as well as questions common to the seven sacraments.

The Biblical, historical, theological and liturgical development of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation, Christian Marriage, reconciliation, anointing of the sick and Holy Orders. Christological and ecclesial dimensions of sacramentology, as well as questions common to the seven sacraments will be explored.

A Biblical, historical, systematic, liturgical and pastoral treatment of the Eucharist and the development of the Mass. Questions relating to institution, Real Presence, sacred meal, sacrifice, eschatology and ecumenism are examined.

The sacrament of Penance in its systematic, moral, pastoral and liturgical aspects with special attention to the ministry of the priest-confessor. The Sacrament of the Sick in its Biblical roots, historical evolution, systematic theology and contemporary liturgical celebration.

The Biblical, historical, systematic and liturgical development of Christian marriage from Biblical origins, Patristic thought, medieval synthesis, Reformation issues and Tridentine responses, to its contemporary theology. Issues related to the theology of marriage, e.g., sacramentality of marriage, divorce and remarriage, faith and marriage, and the pastoral care of Christian marriage.

A study of the development of the Christian celebration of time, historically considered and its contemporary expression, regarding the day (Liturgy of the Hours), the week (with the primacy of Sunday) and the year (in the Roman Calendar). Attention given to Marian devotions and the sanctoral cycle, the origins of various feasts and issues related to their proper liturgical celebrations.

This course aims to introduce the student to an appreciation of various historical, literary and theological aspects of the Fourth Gospel and of Paul’s Letters, especially those to the Galatians and Romans. Special attention is paid to the way in which these writings reflect, interpret and develop the early Christian kerygma (proclamation) and thereby contribute to the Christian interpretation of Jesus, person and mission (Christology and Soteriology) and the means by which faith in him as the Christ and Son of God communicates abundant life (the Sacraments and Ecclesiology).

In this course, we will read all of Dante's Divine Comedy, and perhaps sections of his treatises "On Monarchy" and "On the Eloquence of the Vernacular." Dante emphasizes the harmony of nature and grace, the path to God through the goodness of ordinary life and human love. Thus our focus in class discussions and papers will be on what Dante reveals about the spirituality of ordinary life in the world, as opposed to the "easier path" -- as Dante describes it at the beginning of the Divine Comedy -- of religious life.

See BIBL 6570.

New Testament origins of ministry; the history of ministry through the centuries; an exploration of contemporary developments in the ministry of the laity; the teachings of Vatican II which have given rise both to an expansion of ministry in the Church and a focus on ministry in the world; recent developments, both in the teaching of Pope John Paul II and grassroots initiatives. (Cross-referenced to PTHO 6575)

See BIBL 6577.

This course seeks to deepen a student’s understanding of the relationship between the Catholic theology of creation and contemporary empirical science. Topics to be covered include the birth of science; the historical-philosophical environment of this birth; the interventions of recent Popes on the issue; the specificity of the cosmos as shown by current science; the unity of the cosmos and its beauty; the importance of philosophical realism; the doctrine of creation ex nihilo et cum tempore; the theory of the Big Bang; and the theory of evolution. Primary sources will be emphasized..

The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus” (Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel). The promise of happiness echoes resoundingly in the Christian tradition, and yet Catholics are leaving the Church in droves because they feel the Church has not made good on its promise. Informed by contemporary research on happiness, this course prepares seminarians and lay ministers to help others discover fulfillment and joy greater than the world can offer through Christian teachings and practices. This course explores how the Church’s teachings guide one to true happiness, by experiencing a variety of Christian spiritual practices, and by drawing out implications for ministries like spiritual direction, pastoral care, catechesis, and preaching. This course will also benefit people who want to discover for themselves how practicing Christian faith more intentionally can bring greater joy to one’s day-to-day life.

Theology of the Christian spiritual life: biblical foundations; Patristic writings; classical sources; contemporary writings; anthropological foundations; progress in the spiritual life and its various stages; and mysticism.

See PTHO 6735.

This course sets forth the history and theology of the presbyterial office or priestly ministry in the Catholic Church and the relationship of priestly ministry to other ministries in the Church, such as lay ministry; the other two forms of ordained ministry, episcopal and diaconal; and the Petrine ministry.

This course provides a theology of Christian prayer, beginning in Scripture and then examining the teaching on prayer in Christian history. Various models of Christian prayer, expectations in prayer, difficulties in prayer, discernment in prayer, consolations and extraordinary phenomena in prayer, as well as some schools of prayer, are covered. The place of liturgical prayer and ecclesial prayer are discussed, along with contemporary writing on prayer. This course introduces exercises in prayer: meditation, vocal prayer, centering prayer, and lectio divina.

See PTHO 6872

A study of the history and theological development of the liturgy of the Roman Rite, with attention to the Liturgy of the Hours and the Liturgy of Vatican II, especially the Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian living. Course material has the goal of integrating these themes with the life and ministry of a deacon.

Why has the complaint against God for innocent suffering arisen only in recent times? What are its philosophical presuppositions? Lectures will examine various theological and philosophical positions that give rise to the complaint or offer answers. Then the Catholic answer will be proposed; thereby the coherence of all Catholicism’s central dogmas will be explained and justified. The Church’s theology will be shown to offer the only possible coherent solution to the problem. For the Church lives from Jesus Christ crucified and risen, Eucharistically present in her midst.

Capstone course required for all M.A. in Theology general format students, to be taken near the end of course work. Integration of the various theological perspectives gleaned from the student’s study of the several concentrations in the degree. Seminar topic to be established by the professor and student.