Course Catalogue 2024-2025

An introduction to the content of a portion of the New Testament: 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 Corinthians, Galatians, Romans, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Peter, Hebrews and Revelation. The guiding question of the course is "Who is Jesus?".

The biblical and patristic tradition of the Orthodox Church is clear that the church is to advocate for the poor and the marginalised in the world, caring for their needs and pursuing justice on their behalf. We are not to neglect spiritual needs for social ones, nor social needs for those that are spiritual. This course will explore how the church, as the ongoing body of Christ in the world, should follow Christ in his self-sacrificing identification with all who are cast out or suffering, and care
for the whole person, body and spirit. It will explore the theological significance of suffering and illness, and develop a holistic and pastoral understanding of mission that situates the church in the margins of this present age, ministering to Christ in the poor, the sick, the alienated and the imprisoned.

The biblical and patristic tradition of the Orthodox Church is clear that the church is to advocate for the poor and the marginalised in the world, caring for their needs and pursuing justice on their behalf. We are not to neglect spiritual needs for social ones, nor social needs for those that are spiritual. This course will explore how the church, as the ongoing body of Christ in the world, should follow Christ in his self-sacrificing identification with all who are cast out or suffering, and care
for the whole person, body and spirit. It will explore the theological significance of suffering and illness, and develop a holistic and pastoral understanding of mission that situates the church in the margins of this present age, ministering to Christ in the poor, the sick, the alienated and the imprisoned.

An introduction to the theology and practice of evangelism in contemporary society. We will look critically at different evangelistic practices in light of scripture and culture, and consider how healthy evangelism might affect leadership, parish life, worship, preaching, lay ministry, outreach programs and personal relationships.

Introduction to the gospel and letters of John concerning authorship, unity, historicity and the situation of the Johannine church. Exploration of basic themes in this tradition and what they reveal about the life of Jesus and believing in him. Exegesis of selected passages from the Gospel and 1 John.

A survey of the Pauline literature from the Thessalonian correspondence to the Pastoral Letters. A critical study of primary and secondary sources for understanding Paul's life and ministry, followed by a detailed exegesis of selected texts. Key concepts in 'Pauline theology'.

In this course, we will examine different theories of human nature. We will be guided by two focusing questions: 'What makes me happy?' and 'What keeps me from being happy?'. We will address these questions on both individual and communal levels. Students will constantly be encouraged to connect the theories discussed in class with their own experience.

This course is a philosophical examination of some fundamental questions in Christian metaphysics: Can we prove that God exists? What is God like? What is creation? How are God and creation related? More particularly, if God created everything, how do evolution and the Big Bang fit into the picture? We will attempt to formulate our own answers to each of these questions; but our discussion will make constant reference to the answers already present in the Christian tradition, especially to those of Thomas Aquinas.

This course is an historical examination of different philosophical approaches to morality. First, we will look at the foundations of Western morality found in Plato and Thomas Aquinas; then we will look at the Enlightenment approach of Immanuel Kant and at Friedrich Nietzsche's attack on Western morality, whether it be Platonic, Thomistic or Kantian. Due consideration will be given to the approaches of Emmanuel Lewinas and some Indigenous thinkers and see whether they are compatible with traditional Western morality and whether they can survive Nietzsche's scathing critique. Students will be constantly encouraged to apply different moral theories to their personal experience to evaluate both the strengths and weaknesses of the theories and of their own moral behaviour.

A survey of Pauline literature with a discussion of such themes as Paul's background and conversion, his teaching concerning the parousia, the resurrection of Christ and the faithful, hope, justification, the cross, love, community, ethics, Israel, etc.

A theological-canonical reflection on selected canons in Book IV of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, excluding the canons on the Sacrament of Matrimony. Particular emphasis will be placed on issues concerning parish ministry. Canons will be reviewed in light of the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, postconciliar legislation, and the process of revising the Code of Canon Law.

Roman Catholic Church legislation on institution of marriage with special attention to the teaching of Vatican Council II.