Course Catalogue 2026-2027

Are people innately evil, or do they become evil due to negative life experiences? Can a universal internal moral imperative rooted in an innate good will exist independently of self-interest? Contemporary theorists from a variety of disciplines in the humanities and sciences argue that human beings are motivated by amoral internal forces that are shaped into moral action through diverse cultural learning processes. Notions such as the nature of subjectivity, agency, relationality, and capacities for critical self reflection are brought into question. These and other issues are explored through the lenses of philosophy, social theory, psychoanalysis and religion in dialogue with relevant classical and contemporary thinkers.

This course explores the role of emotion in biblical texts both within passages and within the reader. We integrate several elements: theories of emotion and the fuzzier category of affect, the cultural specificity of emotions, the expression of emotion beyond vocabulary, specific emotions (especially those that are often identified with religiosity), and the interplay between feeling and meaning. The overall aim of the course is to facilitate richer readings of biblical texts through attention to their affective valences.

This course assists students to reflect on the multifaceted experience and reality of radical evil and suffering in light of Christian faith and theology. Drawing from the work of significant contemporary theologians, the course aims at enabling students to meet the challenge formulated in and by the experience and testimony of Jewish, African American and Indigenous individuals and communities who were subjected to extreme evil and suffering by individuals, societies and nations reclaiming the Christian faith, values and way of life. The course will encourage students to contribute to forging and living out a contemporary Christian theology enabling lifelong transformative discipleship and service where Christians learn from their Jewish, African American and Indigenous neighbours how to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Central theological concepts such as affliction, kenosis, incarnation, discipleship, vicarious representation, passion and crucifixion will be studied using a methodological approach combining narrative testimony and constructive analysis/interpretation.

The goal of this intensive course is 1. to prepare a student to present the spiritual exercises 2. to allow the student to understand the dynamics of these exercises 3. to expose the student to the underlying theology of these exercises. All this will be done through an close reading of the text of the Exercises from the perspective of the experienced director using interdisciplinary studies in theology, literature, and the humanities. Pre-requisites: 1. Some personal experience of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola; 2.

This course intends to examin the dialogue betwen spirituality and culture in a post-modern world. It will trace the development of faith from the end of the medieval period to the present time and show why the narratives of our time with regard to spirituality are situated in that historical context and how they affect a reading of and engagement in our world today. Students will be presented with (1) a knowledge of contemporary critical theory and praxis (2) development of research skills (3) an exposure to the main issues of contemporary faith and culture (4) an exposure of the ways these issues are dealt with in contemporary art/film/poetry (5) a way of appropriating their lives through interiority analysis. For Basic Degree students: class participation and papers. For Advanced Degree students: active , intelligent and focused class participation, short papers and a major paper.

Close textual study of the Scriptural sources and doctrinal development of the Roman Catholic tradition of reflection on the identity of the God who is revealed in Jesus Christ Students develop a systematic understanding that addresses contemporary questions raised about traditional doctrine, leading to a personal and critical appropriation of traditional faith affirmations in light of preparation for pastoral ministry and theological leadership in the Church.

This course promotes the personal critical appropriation of the Scriptural and dogmatic tradition in Christology, whether in preparation for the M.Div. comprehensive exam, or as a solid foundation in Christology for other students. It helps the student preparing for ministry to bring a systematic understanding of the person and work of Jesus the Christ to bear on pastoral issues and exposes the student to the spiritual dimension of Christological teaching.

This course presents the mystical traditions of Christianity with reference to other faith practices as the experience of a sacred journey of transformation according to the narrative pattern of life, death, and resurrection (or in Richard Rohr's contemporary expression, "order, disorder, and reorder"). As we examine the rich history of Christian mystical experience and parallels within other ancient spiritual traditions, we will recognise the special role of entheogens, or sacred fungus and plant medicines, alongside other practices, in facilitating or deepening transcendent experience. We will examine the potential role of entheogens in mystical encounters today, mindful of both ethical considerations and diverse perspectives on their usage. Interdisciplinary reflection will draw upon research in human consciousness, psychology, anthropology, comparative mysticism, medicine, and spiritual care, and invited guest speakers from different contexts, including indigenous spiritual leaders and clinical researchers studying the benefits of psychedelic therapy (including for addiction, trauma, and end-of-life care), will assist students as future faith leaders and spiritual care providers to develop a holistic and coherent response to the current psychedelic revival. We will emphasise harm reduction and overall wellbeing, and uphold sacred narrative, ritual, and spiritual disciplines as essential elements of the "set and setting" for a healthy and transformative use of entheogens. Structured around the key concepts, practices, and texts of mystical tradition, as well as the lives and teachings of influential mystics within Christianity and beyond, the course provides the opportunity to explore the ongoing invitation of the sacred journey of transformation – both with and without entheogenic aids – for us to embrace change, navigate challenges, accept inner healing, experience personal and spiritual growth, and establish a more profound and interdependent connection with the divine, with others, and all creation. Please note that this course neither condones nor encourages illicit or unsafe behaviour.

This course presents the mystical traditions of Christianity with reference to other faith practices as the experience of a sacred journey of transformation according to the narrative pattern of life, death, and resurrection (or in Richard Rohr's contemporary expression, "order, disorder, and reorder"). As we examine the rich history of Christian mystical experience and parallels within other ancient spiritual traditions, we will recognise the special role of entheogens, or sacred fungus and plant medicines, alongside other practices, in facilitating or deepening transcendent experience. We will examine the potential role of entheogens in mystical encounters today, mindful of both ethical considerations and diverse perspectives on their usage. Interdisciplinary reflection will draw upon research in human consciousness, psychology, anthropology, comparative mysticism, medicine, and spiritual care, and invited guest speakers from different contexts, including indigenous spiritual leaders and clinical researchers studying the benefits of psychedelic therapy (including for addiction, trauma, and end-of-life care), will assist students as future faith leaders and spiritual care providers to develop a holistic and coherent response to the current psychedelic revival. We will emphasise harm reduction and overall wellbeing, and uphold sacred narrative, ritual, and spiritual disciplines as essential elements of the "set and setting" for a healthy and transformative use of entheogens. Structured around the key concepts, practices, and texts of mystical tradition, as well as the lives and teachings of influential mystics within Christianity and beyond, the course provides the opportunity to explore the ongoing invitation of the sacred journey of transformation – both with and without entheogenic aids – for us to embrace change, navigate challenges, accept inner healing, experience personal and spiritual growth, and establish a more profound and interdependent connection with the divine, with others, and all creation. Please note that this course neither condones nor encourages illicit or unsafe behaviour.

This course presents the mystical traditions of Christianity with reference to other faith practices as the experience of a sacred journey of transformation according to the narrative pattern of life, death, and resurrection (or in Richard Rohr's contemporary expression, "order, disorder, and reorder"). As we examine the rich history of Christian mystical experience and parallels within other ancient spiritual traditions, we will recognise the special role of entheogens, or sacred fungus and plant medicines, alongside other practices, in facilitating or deepening transcendent experience. We will examine the potential role of entheogens in mystical encounters today, mindful of both ethical considerations and diverse perspectives on their usage. Interdisciplinary reflection will draw upon research in human consciousness, psychology, anthropology, comparative mysticism, medicine, and spiritual care, and invited guest speakers from different contexts, including indigenous spiritual leaders and clinical researchers studying the benefits of psychedelic therapy (including for addiction, trauma, and end-of-life care), will assist students as future faith leaders and spiritual care providers to develop a holistic and coherent response to the current psychedelic revival. We will emphasise harm reduction and overall wellbeing, and uphold sacred narrative, ritual, and spiritual disciplines as essential elements of the "set and setting" for a healthy and transformative use of entheogens. Structured around the key concepts, practices, and texts of mystical tradition, as well as the lives and teachings of influential mystics within Christianity and beyond, the course provides the opportunity to explore the ongoing invitation of the sacred journey of transformation – both with and without entheogenic aids – for us to embrace change, navigate challenges, accept inner healing, experience personal and spiritual growth, and establish a more profound and interdependent connection with the divine, with others, and all creation. Please note that this course neither condones nor encourages illicit or unsafe behaviour.

The human person in our contemporary culture has a fluid spectrum of interpretation. Biblical precedents suggest a certain Judaeo-Christian hermeneutic while cultural mores reference alternatives. This course looks to explore the Roman Catholic tradition in identifying the graced human person and contemporary papal guidelines stressing the inherent dignity of the human person. Accordingly, time will be spent considering biblical foundations and questions posed by the text of Genesis and the Noahic covenant. Aquinas and key documents from Vatican II assist our exploration. The question of whether we are discerning the human person or designing humans arises. Identity and the sense of self are important issues raised with reference to both the Qumran community and the work of Charles Taylor. Hans Urs von Balthasa's reclaiming of personhood and the ecclesial person bridges into consideration of the way in which contemporary papacies have identified the human person and the concomitant dignity of every human being made in the image of God.

Explores the transformative dynamics of grace in Scripture, representative early theologians, early doctrinal development, medieval theology and the Reformation period. Participants develop a contemporary systematic approach, especially with respect to ecumenical and interfaith issues. Draws on the thought of Bernard Lonergan.