Previous Years' Course Catalogues

This course will focus on the way our attention to the poor, oppressed, and marginalized influences the way we talk about God. The content is practically focused, recognizing that while not all are interested in the language used by academic theology, most desire to reflect on the ways that theological concepts influence social and economic relationships. This class will explore the way theological tenets and practical action meet in the face of poverty and inequality. This goal will be accomplished through interaction with the centering text, Leonardo Boffa When Theology Listens to the Poor. Course readings will also include contemporary works on the topic as well as selections from the biblical narrative. Together, these readings will challenge us to question how compassion, justice, and mercy are demonstrated in our theologizing as well as in our ethical action.

What does technology have to do with theology? Technological developments have challenged our views about what it means to be real, to be good, and even to be human - all prime theological ground. Today we do not simply live with technology, we live 'in' it. While society wrestles with the ethical implications of particular technologies, Christian philosophers, social critics , and theologians have taken a leading role in discussions about the nature of technology itself. They have expanded our idea of what technology is and how it shapes our daily lives and our future. In this course we will survey some of their most important theologically informed ideas. We will also apply them critically to our technological society, which the church itself both inhabits and seeks to engage.

This course will investigate the relationship between (auto) biography and theological reflection by looking at the living examples of several significant thinkers. The course begins by summarizing the foundations for such a presupposition as rooted in Lonergan's claim that "objectivity (truth) is the fruit of authentic subjectivity." Secondly, the course looks at some paradigmatic examples from Christian history such as St. Augustine. Third, a large portion of the course will emphasize the life and thought of Thomas Merton, but will also include other examples some of which he admired such as Simone Wei!, Catherine de Heuck Doherty, and Dorothy Day.

A significant reappraisal of Paul's theology is currently underway, involving not only particular aspects (e.g. justification by faith, atonement) and overall structure, but also the more basic question of how we might speak of Paul as a theological thinker. This course will study major theological themes in Paul's letters - including the nature of human existence; sin; the law; the death and resurrection of Christ; life "in Christ"; Israel and the Gentiles - with special emphasis on salvation as liberation (from "the powers" to the new solidarity of life "in Christ"). Three short resumes, final paper.

Wittgenstein's philosophy continues to generate enormous interest, and his name is frequently cited in connection with radical developments in theology and the philosophy of religion. Via an exploration of the different accounts of language and meaning he presents in both his early and later work, this course will focus on his thought as it relates to religious belief and commitment in particular.

Wittgenstein's philosophy continues to generate enormous interest, and his name is frequently cited in connection with radical developments in theology and the philosophy of religion. Via an exploration of the different accounts of language and meaning he presents in both his early and later work, this course will focus on his thought as it relates to religious belief and commitment in particular.

Wittgenstein's philosophy continues to generate enormous interest, and his name is frequently cited in connection with radical developments in theology and the philosophy of religion. Via an exploration of the different accounts of language and meaning he presents in both his early and later work, this course will focus on his thought as it relates to religious belief and commitment in particular.

Wittgenstein's philosophy continues to generate enormous interest, and his name is frequently cited in connection with radical developments in theology and the philosophy of religion. Via an exploration of the different accounts of language and meaning he presents in both his early and later work, this course will focus on his thought as it relates to religious belief and commitment in particular.

Readers of Pauls letters have long noted the diversity of the Christian communities to which he writes and the different approaches he takes towards their problems and questions. This course will study Paul's letters from the point of his role as a pastor and theologian. Paul's theology does not develop out of a philosophical or theological "?system" but from the everyday encounters with the problems of the communities and people of different historical and social context whom he meets while preaching the gospel. Lectures. Preparation and participation in class 10%; Book Review assignments 70%; Final colloquium 20%.

Readers of Pauls letters have long noted the diversity of the Christian communities to which he writes and the different approaches he takes towards their problems and questions. This course will study Paul's letters from the point of his role as a pastor and theologian. Paul's theology does not develop out of a philosophical or theological "system" but from the everyday encounters with the problems of the communities and people of different historical and social context whom he meets while preaching the gospel.

Paul's Letter to the Romans is one of the most important and influential writings in the New Testament. This course is an exegetical study of Romans. Consideration will be given to Paul's idea of salvation history, natural knowledge of God, justification by faith, Christian freedom and the problem of Israel. Greek is not a prerequisite for the course.

The course will introduce students to the text of 1 Corinthians and to issues surrounding its interpretation. These will include exploration of the social context of the Corinthian church and the nature of the divisions within it, the problems of communal behavior and belief to which Paul responds, and the theological perspectives and convictions that shape his instructions and advice. Particular attention will be paid (i) to a diverse range of scholarly approaches to interpreting 1 Corinthians, (ii) to questions concerning the contemporary application of 1 Corinthians, and, above all, (iii) to questions of ecclesial and social identity and ethics. The nature of the church, its common life, and its relationship with Greco-Roman society will provide the principal focus of the class. This course aims to assist students in apprehending the distinctive contribution of 1 Corinthians to reflection upon the nature of the Christian church and the relevance of 1 Corinthians in contemporary contexts.