Laudato Si: Foundations for an Integrating Spirituality - Cancelled on Sep 9, 2016

The recent encyclical of Pope Francis reaches across conventional religious and secular distinctions/divisions to offer foundational terms for a new, human community—a community fostering a shared ecological vision that acts on behalf of healing the earth and constituting the terms for both individual and communal conversion, as viewed through a Christian, ecological lens.

This course will entail a detailed study of the encyclical especially in light of the wide theological anthropology proposed by Pope Francis: namely, that there is no credible project for ‘saving’ or ‘sustaining’ the earth that does not acknowledge and embrace the need for a ‘saving’ of humanity as well from currently accepted ‘reductionisms’ in our public view of what constitutes a genuine path for becoming human. Pope Francis notes the intimate connection of economic, political, cultural and religious features required for advancing care for the world and care for human development in light of forming a more and more consensually chosen ‘common good’ for the good of all. At the heart of this course lies the view that our human and ecological vision and goal could be expressed in the terms suggested by philosopher John Macmurray, that: “All meaningful knowledge is for the sake of action, and all meaningful action is for the sake of friendship.”

Authors consulted within this study: John Macmurray, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Leonardo Boff, Naomi Klein, George Monbiot, the work of the Forum on Ecology and Religion, with reference to documents of the Anglican, Roman Catholic and United Churches of Canada as well as the Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission regarding Aboriginal Peoples in Canada.

Spirituality and Ecology: Integration and Implications - Cancelled on May 24, 2016

The course provides an exploration of how Christianity has understood the relationship among God, creation, humanity and spirituality, and how that understanding has contributed to the ecological challenges we currently face as well as can contribute to a helpful response. The course begins with an overview of our understanding of spirituality and creation during the patristic, medieval and reformation periods, then shifts to contemporary understandings drawing from current discussions of Christology, creation-centred spirituality, eco-feminism, deep ecology, and the healing of nature and the healing of self.

Ecclesiology

This course will provide an introduction to the theology of the Church and the Church’s understanding of itself as a principal mediator of the mystery and grace of God in the world. The approach of the course will be threefold: 1) a study of the historical development of ecclesial structures with special emphasis on understanding the ecclesiology of the second Vatican Council. This will include, a discussion of some pertinent issues arising from the Council such as the magisterium, collegiality, and ministry; 2) an understanding of the diverse ‘theologies’ of Church through some of the
primary images and models in which it understands itself; and 3) an attempt to understand the ecumenical emphasis of Vatican II that has given rise to a renewed interest in interdenominational—interreligious dialogue, mission and inculturation, and the emergence of contextual approaches such as the feminist and liberationist methodologies.

The Educator and Theology

The course deals with the relationship between the Catholic educator and theology. This course is distinct from a theology of education, but there are common themes. Students will be introduced to the themes that draw out the relationship between theology and the role of the educator in the context of Catholic education. Students will read texts on the nature of theology and how it informs and shapes the mission and vocation of the educator, and the place of theological reflection specific to the educator.