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 ¢‚¬Ëœtheologies¢‚¬„¢ 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.