Courses

An introduction to the major writings of Sacred Scripture, with particular attention given to the narrative of salvation, and to the major themes and emphases of the individual texts. Emphasis is placed on a distinctively Catholic approach to reading scripture and its role in Christian belief and practice.

An engagement with the central doctrines and disciplines of Christianity as articulated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Students will consider an in-depth exposition of the traditional teachings of the Church as handed down in the Nicene Creed, and how these core beliefs shape the central practices of Christian life such as the sacraments, charitable living, and prayer.

Who is Jesus Christ? What is the Bible? What does Christianity believe and how is it relevant to my life today? These are the broad, overarching questions students will investigate in this course. Students will be able to explain how the centrality of the Gospel of Christ relates to how Christians have understood the Bible and Christian theology. This course provides foundational concepts that students will be able to apply to the more complex issues encountered in RELS 111 and RELS 112.

Religion asks foundational questions about human existence and identity. Who am I? What can I know about God, and does God’s existence give my life greater meaning and purpose? How should I regard my neighbor and the stranger? What are my responsibilities in this world? This course addresses these and other questions through the lens of the Old Testament. Students will develop skills of interpretation in order to gain insight into its literature, history, and beliefs. Students will learn to interpret the Old Testament contextually and respectfully, articulating the relevance of its theology, ethics, and spirituality for the twenty-first century.

Religion asks foundational questions about human existence and identity. Who am I? What can I know about God, and does God’s existence give my life greater meaning and purpose? Who is Jesus and how has his death and resurrection redefined conceptions of human identity? This course addresses these and other questions through the lens of the New Testament. Students will develop skills of interpretation in order to gain insight into its literature, history, and beliefs. Students will learn to interpret the New Testament contextually and respectfully, articulating the relevance of its theology, ethics, and spirituality for the twenty-first century.

What do Christians believe about God and what are their grounds for holding these beliefs? Introduction to Christian theology places Christian theology in the broader context of religion and invites students to consider their own beliefs in the context of the broader Christian theological tradition and to explore their relationship to scripture, tradition, experience, and reason. Students are encouraged to consider the importance and relevance of Christian theology in academic and ecclesial contexts with special attention to spiritual formation.

A study of the religious forms and institutions of the Hebrew people during the Old Testament period, including a consideration of the major theological motifs that pervade the Hebrew religion.

A study of the New Testament writings in their historical setting and chronological sequence with the goal of acquiring knowledge of their theological unity and diversity.

An introduction to biblical hermeneutics focusing upon the significance of divine revelation, primarily as represented in the sacred scriptures of the New Covenant. Students will be exposed to general principles of textual interpretation, perspectives from contemporary theological hermeneutics, and several of the historical debates in the reception of biblical texts, particularly surrounding the ecumenical councils of the first eight centuries. Students will also be encouraged to develop a critical awareness of their presuppositions as readers, with an aim of engaging constructively in debates which continue to divide Christians.