This course traces the theme of the merciful love of God in Scripture and Catholic Tradition, especially in the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Faustina Kowalska, and Pope John Paul II, as well as in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Mercy of God is presented as a central vantage point from which to view more clearly many important elements of Catholic doctrine and spirituality, ethics, and a common springboard for Catholic-Evangelical ecumenism—in other words, the contemporary Catholic world view.

An examination of European life during the sixteenth century reformations. This course includes discussions of sin and wholeness, of religion and secular power, of toleration and social order, and of efforts to reform the church and society, and an examination of the place of ritual in social life, life in the family, and attitudes to gender.

Examines key events in the history of the Catholic Church to posit how Catholic theology might shape one’s view of history, to consider how an understanding of history might be relevant to faith, and to investigate how the Catholic Church has developed and adapted as a protagonist in history. Topics. include the ecumenical councils, monasticism, Holy Roman empire, Crusades, East-West schism, inquisition, Reformation, Council of Trent, the effects of the French Revolution, rise of nationalism, Vatican II, and globalism.

The expansion of Christianity in the non-Western world from the first century to the present. Attention is given to critiquing those factors that hindered or enhanced the expansion of Christianity during specific eras.

A reading of selected texts from the New Testament, including a study of Greek syntax and an introduction to exegetical methodology. Students are also introduced to the reading of ancient manuscript.

A critical survey of the teachings of Vatican I, Catholic social thought, Vatican II, Humanae Vitae, and recent papal encyclicals. This course evaluates the Catholic Church’s engagement with late modern global society and considers the challenges posed to the Church’s ongoing relevance in diverse social contexts.

An analytical and critical study of the phenomena, the conceptual patterns, and the sacred texts of some of the major Eastern religions. Each religion is studied as a total perspective for life, which is embodied in interpersonal and communal life, in cult, and in ideology. This course provides a general introduction to the study of world religions as well as an historical and structural survey of Animism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Sikhism.

An analytical and critical study of the phenomena, the conceptual patterns, and the sacred texts of some of the major Western religions. Each religion is studied as a total perspective for life, which is embodied in interpersonal and communal life, in cult, and in ideology. This course provides a general introduction to the study of world religions as well as an historical and structural survey of Judaism, Islam, Christianity and new religions in the West.

Every area of human life requires a solid theological foundation, consisting of both an informed understanding of Christian doctrine and the ability to view life through the lens of Christian commitment. By exploring three major foci of systematic theology—the doctrines of the Holy Spirit (pneumatology), the church (ecclesiology), and last things (eschatology)—in the light of Scripture, the theological heritage of the Church, and the contemporary context, this course seeks to develop the student’s expertise as a theologically informed Christian for the sake of their life and service to God.