Courses

An introduction to some seminal figures in the Western Christian tradition. The course investigates their thought and intellectual contributions within their socio-political context and experience.

An introduction to the Fathers of the early Church. The course covers the Fathers from the latter half of the first century CE to the Orthodox writings of St. John of Damascene (ca. 750). Attention is paid to the historical and intellectual contexts within which the Fathers lived and taught, and special attention is given to each one’s unique theological contribution to the development of Christian Orthodoxy—both East and West.

This course takes an in-depth look at the theological vision of the two most influential Catholic theologians of the second Christian millennium: St. Thomas Aquinas and Pope John Paul II. The main features of St. Thomas's synthesis of Christian thought, especially as found in his great Summa Theologiae, is explored. This is followed by an examination of the personalist Thomism of Pope John Paul II, and his program for the renewal of the Catholic Faith, especially as found in selected encyclicals and apostolic letters. The vision and worldview of St. Thomas Aquinas and John Paul II are presented as significant and enduring achievements of Christian thought.

How do Christians past and present relate to culture? Students are invited to examine some important aspects of Christianity's involvement in Western culture. Alternative models and historical examples of this involvement are considered as well as some specific current issues related to Christian cultural activity.

What is Worldview in relation to Theology? How does it influence us and others? Students are invited to investigate some of the salient moments in the history of Christian worldview thinking and its contemporary expressions as they relate to the discipline of theology. We will inquire into implications of this relationship in various spheres of life, including politics, art, science and the environment. Students will consider responses to the various expressions of Christian theology in contemporary pluralist society with a view understanding how it affects relationships in society and the world.

Investigates the theological implications of the historical development of the New Testament canon. Stress is laid upon the contextual reading of primary source evidence and its interpretation in important secondary source literature. New Testament canon development is explored as it relates to the Rule of Faith, the early councils, creeds, and the church fathers. These relationships are then investigated with a view toward how they influence our understanding of Scripture in the twenty-first century.

Independent but guided research in a specialized area of interest to student.

An examination of special topics or issues in Missiology that are not considered in depth in other courses.

An examination of special topics or issues in Religious Studies that are not considered in depth in other courses.