Crucifx at Brent Chapel
ST 502 Introduction to Theological Research 2 credits
Preparation for academic theological research on the graduate level, with special attention given to library resources. The skills needed to integrate new theological information with established patterns of understanding and to communicate the results of research in standard form.
ST 541 Fundamental Theology 3 credits
Introduction to theology, its nature, and its sources. Revelation, and the
transmission of Revelation in Scripture, Tradition, and Magisterium. Study of
the history of theological method as well as contemporary methods.
ST 582 The Trinity 3 credits
Examination of Christian faith in the triune God. Attention will be focused
on the development of Catholic teaching on the Trinity and contemporary
theological approaches. Discussion of proofs for the existence of God,
knowledge of the divine, God in human language, expressing the Trinity in
figures and art, the problem of evil, insights from other religions, angels and
demons.
ST 611 Christology 3 credits
Scriptural and theological study of Jesus Christ: the quest for the historical
Jesus; examination of his ministry, death, and resurrection; Christological
controversies and the councils of the first millennium; theological perspectives
on Jesus’ self-knowledge, freedom, and virgin birth; the nature and
uniqueness of Jesus’ saving work; insights from Latin American, Black,
feminist, and other Christologies.
ST 623 Missiology 2 credits
Multidisciplinary and crosscultural reflection on the aspects of the
propagation of the Christian faith; embracing theology, anthropology, history,
geography, theories of communication, comparative religion, Christian
apologetics, methodology and interdenominational relations. To distinguish
between practices that are essential to Christianity and cultural expressions of
Christianity.
ST 641 Theology of the Holy Spirit 2 credits
The person and the work of the Holy Spirit as understood in biblical and
patristic sources and as developed through the centuries. Special attention to
recent Protestant, Orthodox, and Catholic writings on the Spirit, particularly
John Paul II’s Dominum et Vivificantem.
ST 672 Ecclesiology and Mariology 3 credits
A critical and systematic study of the Church’s foundation, mission, nature,
and structure in the light of the Scripture, Magisterial teaching, the history
of theology, and the modern world. Special attention given to lay and
ordained ministry, the witness of religious life, the nature and function of
the Magisterium the Petrine ministry, ecumenism, interreligious dialogue,
missiology and Mariology.
ST 721 Theological Anthropology and Eschatology 3 credits
A theological consideration of the human person from the perspective of
scriptural, traditional, and contemporary Magisterial reflections. Human
origins, human dignity, and original sin treated in light of the theology of
creation and current theories of cosmology. The life of grace and human
freedom in relation to the incarnation and the redemptive work of Jesus
Christ. Human nature and gender differences, and eschatology from an
anthropological perspective.
ST 752 Theology of Sacraments 2 credits
Theological introduction to Catholic sacramental life. The development
of teaching on the sacraments in general from Scripture to the present,
with attention given to the nature of sacramentality, the minister, effect,
administration, and reception, the number of sacraments, ecumenical
concerns, pastoral issues, and the essential link between sacraments and the
struggle for a just world.
ST 775 Theology of Marriage 2 credits
Biblical, systematic, and historical study of marriage as a sacrament. Attention
will be given to the nature of marriage and to recognition of it as a sacrament,
sexuality in marriage, ecumenical and interfaith marriages, marriage and
baptized non-believers, theological and pastoral issues regarding divorce and
remarriage, and the theology of the family.
ST 780 Liberation Theology 2 credits
Latin American theology of liberation: its “precursors” (e.g. Bartolome de Las
Casas), its rise in the communidades de base, and its formulation in theological
works and the documents of Medellin, Puebla, and Santo Domingo. The
course will cover biblical hermeneutics, theological anthropology, Christology,
the ecclesiology, popular religion, and eco-justice. Controversy about
relationship between Latin American liberation theology and Black, Feminist,
and Asian theologies of liberation. Criticisms of liberation theology and
responses of liberation theologians.
ST 811 The Personalism of Pope John Paul II 2 credits
An introduction to the philosophical and theological aspects of Christian
Personalism as manifested in the writings and teachings of Karol Wojtyla
(Pope John Paul II) and its contribution to contemporary culture. Personalism
signifies a system of studying the nature of the human being as person; John
Paul II invites men and women to rethink their position in the world of things
from a transcendental, biblical framework where God and man are presented
in a personal, liberating partnership.
ST 842 Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick 2 credits
A scriptural, systematic, and pastoral study of the two sacraments. Treatment
of the sacrament of reconciliation including examination of sin and
forgiveness in Scripture, development of teaching and sacramental practice,
reform at Vatican II, and the present state of the sacrament. Sacrament
of anointing focuses on the mystery of suffering, sickness, and healing in
Scripture, development of teaching on anointing and sacramental practice,
reform of Extreme Unction at Vatican II, and possibilities for the future.
ST 851 Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue 2 credits
In a world of many religions, how do Christians understand other religions
in light of Christ? Key to the investigation will be the exegesis of scriptural
passages on the uniqueness of Christ, the history of the dictum “outside the
church there is no salvation”, attempts at a universal theology of religions, and
contemporary theologies of exclusivism, inclusivism, and pluralism. Present day
discussions between Christians, Jews, Moslems, and religions of the East.
ST 862 Theology of Ordained Ministry 2 credits
Theological examination of the orders of bishop, priest, and deacon. The
general discussion of orders focuses on Jesus’ ministry and priesthood,
Church office in the first centuries, development of Catholic teaching, and
ecumenical dialogues. Attention to history and theology of each order as well
as such contemporary issues including the history and theology of celibacy,
ordination of women, collegiality, and work for justice as constitutive of
preaching the Gospel.
ST 890 Seminar on Contemporary Systematic Theologians 2 credits
An opportunity to explore systematic theology and refine skills in its practice
by reviewing the lives and writings of contemporary theologians. After
an overview of the history of systematic theology since the 18th century,
instructor and students will examine the interests, themes, methods, and
conclusions adopted by select systematic theologians in the 20th and 21st
centuries. A seminar approach, with emphasis on the close reading of
principal primary sources.
ST 890a Seminar on the Thought of John Paul II 2 credits
An exploration of Karol Wojtyla/Pope John Paul II’s writings, with attention to
their philosophical, systematic and moral theological foundations.
ST 990 Directed Study 1-3 credit