THE 601A & B: Biblical Foundations (Dr. Andy Minto)

Study all three (3) questions. The proctor will choose one for you to answer at the examination.

  1. Reflecting on the magisterial documents (Profidentissimus Deus, Divino Afflante Spiritu, Dei Verbu, Historicity of the Gospels, and Mysterium Ecclesiae), the NCCB's Pastoral Statement for Catholics on Biblical Fundamentalism, class lecture, and the articles by Frein and Lindbeck, address and answer the following questions. What place and role does Scripture occupy within the Church with respect to the mediation of God's word. How does this view of Scripture, as the privileged instrument of God's word, rest on certain fundamentals, yet, at the same time, resist and contradict fundamentalism?

  2. Reflecting on the article by Ratzinger, the excerpts from Colin's Enlightenment and Alienation, Hayes & Holloday's Biblical Exegesis, and class lecture, write a response to the two articles by R. Brown addressing the key issue of the effect of Enlightenment thinking on modern exegesis and theological reflection and a remedy to this affect.

  3. Reflecting on the magisterial documents (see question #1), the two articles by de la Potterie, the articles by S. M. and F. Martin, and class lecture, write an essay that discusses the meaning and interrelation of the senses of Scripture.

THE 604A & B: Teachings of Vatican II (Dr. Alan Schreck)

Study and answer both questions:

 
  1. Discuss how each of the four constitutions of the Second Vatican Council express both continuity with past Catholic teaching and new approaches that present Catholic doctrine in light of the present situation and understanding of modern people; and
  2. How would you evaluate both the successes and shortcomings of the implementation of the teachings of the Second Vatican Council in the Catholic Church from the close of the Council in 1965 to the present? Include in your answer the evaluation of the Catholic bishops from the "Extraordinary synod" in 1985.

THE 610: Theology and Ministry of the Word (Dr. Scott Hahn)


  1. Discuss the interrelationship between Scripture and the Liturgy. Briefly explain Danielou's understanding of "sacramental typology" and then show how it applies to a selected theme (e.g. Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Lord's Day.)
    THE 641: Catechetics: Content & Curriculum (Prof. Barbara Morgan)

    In light of the General Directory of Catechesis and Catechesi Tradendae, discuss the content of the catechesis regarding the maintenance of its integrity, the hierarchy of truths, and the need for a systematic presentation of it.
    THE 660A: PI: Sacramental Preparation (Prof. Barbara Morgan)

    Discuss the unchangeable, universal elements of sacramental prep and correlate them with the modern situation of religious ignorance, especially sacramental/liturgical ignorance.
    THE 660B: PI: Catechetical Saints: Content & Methodology
    (Sr. M. Johanna Paruch)
    1. Discuss the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph as "catechetical" saints, supported by material from Redemptoris Mater and Redemptoris Custos.

    2. Discuss the elements necessary for a saint to be noted as a "Catechetical Saint". You must cite catechetical documents of the Church and then illustrate these characteristics in the life of one specific catechetical saint.

    THE 650: Christian Liturgy (Rev. Dominic Scotto, T.O.R.)

    The oldest celebration of the Christian Eucharist took the form of a meal at least in some places and at least for a few decades. Please prove and develop this statement.
    THE 680: Applied Christian Ministry (Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, OSF)

    Describe the ideas of communio and holiness as applied to Christian ministry, using the documents Christifideles Laici, Pastores Dabo Vobis, Vita Consecrata. Be specific in the use of these documents.
    THE 691: Catechetical Methods I (Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, OSF)

    In Catechesi Tradendae #20, Pope John Paul II states the aim of catechesis. Authentic catechetical methodology must reflect that aim, while keeping in mind the faith, spiritual, and moral development of those to be catechized, as well as their age, intellectual/physical ability, and their social condition. A) Explain this premise, supporting your explanation with statements from the catechetical magisterial documents and required reading for this course. B) Explain how the Ecclesial Method defined by Msgr. Francis Kelly and St. John Bosco's Preventative Method of Reason, Religion and Kindness keeps the catechist faithful to the mind of the Church regarding Catechetical Methodology.
    THE 693: The Catechumenate in the RCIA (Prof. Barbara Morgan)

    Discuss the similarities and any divergencies between the fourth century catechumenates and the present-day Order of Christian Initiation.
    THE 700: Bioethics (Prof. Brian Scarnecchia)

    Discuss "embryo adoption" (the implantation of a third-party frozen embryo that would otherwise be killed into the womb of woman in order that she may save and adopt the child). Consider the Church's teaching on marriage, in vitro fertilization, and the right to life in light of Christian moral principles. Is this procedure an intrinsically evil act? Why/why not? If not, is it ever morally obligatory? What would you advise?
    THE 721: Christian Spirituality (Dr. Mark Miravalle)

    1. Discuss the transition between the Prayer of Acquired Recollection and the Prayer of Infused Contemplation as treated in the Teresian grades of prayer;

    2. And explain how this prayer transition exemplifies the ascetical-mystical transition in the bridge from the Purgative Way to the Illuminative Way.

    THE 740A: TI: Foundations of Moral Theology (Prof. Kevin Miller)

    Answer either (1) or (2):

    1. Discuss/explicate Veritatis Splendor's understanding of the moral act, in light of Wojtyla's concept of self-determination, and in comparison and contrast with proportionalism. Include treatment of Wojtyla/John Paul's and proportionalists' respective interpretations of Thomas. How does Sokolowski's contribution enrich John Paul's?

    2. Discuss/explicate Veritatis Splendor's understanding of natural law, in light of Wojtyla's writings and in comparison and contrast with Grisez's. Include treatment of their respective interpretations of Thomas. In light of Veritatis Splendor and Rogers, how and why is it necessary to go beyond natural law in morality?

    THE 740B: TI: Theology of von Balthasar (Dr. Regis Martin)

    By all accounts, the centerpiece of von Balthasar's theology is the Mystery of Holy Saturday. What exactly are we to understand by this otherwise obscure Article of Faith? And, leaving aside the doctrinal question for a moment, has it really any practical use for Christians living in the world?

     

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