THE 601: Biblical Foundations (Dr. Andrew Minto)

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

  1. Reflecting on the magisterial documents (Providentissimus Deus, Divino Afflante Spiritu, Dei Verbum, Historicity of the Gospels, and Mysterium Ecclesiae), the NCCB's Pastoral Statement for Catholics on Biblical Fundamentalism, class lecture, the article by Frein, the PBC's "The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church," Joseph T. Lienhard's The Bible, The Church, and Authority, Chps 3, 5, 6, 7; Peter S. Williamson's Catholic Principles Parts I & III and Fitzmyer's Scripture, The Soul of Theology, pp. 56-62 & Chp. 4, answer the following questions. What place and role does Scripture occupy within the Church with respect to the communication 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 Fides et Ratio, Ratzinger's, article "Foundations and Approaches of Biblical Exegesis," the excerpts from Gunton's Enlightenment and Alienation; The PBC's "The Historicity of The Gospels" and "The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church," Fitzmyer's Scripture, The Soul of Theology Chps 1-2; R. Brown's "The Contribution of Historical Biblical Criticisms to Ecumenical Church Discussions," and The Critical Meaning of the Bible: How a Modern Reading of the Bible Challenges Christians, the Church, and the Churches; Lienhard's The Bible, The Church, and Authority, Chp 1; Peter S. Williamson's Catholic Principles Parts II & V; and class lecture, write a response to R. Brown, addressing the key issue of the effect of Enlightenment thinking on modern exegesis and theological reflection and a remedy to this effect.
  3. Reflecting on the magisterial documents (see question #1), the articles by de la Potterie, S.M. Schneiders, and F. Martin, Fitzmyer's Scripture, The Soul of Theology, chp 3; Lienhard's The Bible, The Church, and Authority, Chps. 1, 2, 4; Peter S. Williamson's Catholic Principles Parts IV & VI; and class lecture, write an essay that discusses the meaning and interrelation of the senses of Scripture. How does this meaning and interrelation provide the foundation for an interpretative stance or hermeneutic.

THE 601: Biblical Foundations (Dr. Scott Hahn)

Discuss the Church's teaching over the last hundred years on the inspiration and interpretation of Scripture. Briefly explain the theological analogy between the word incarnate/inspired. What are the distinctive meanings of revelation and inspiration, inerrancy and infallibility? Briefly discuss the meaning of the key phrase, "for the sake of salvation," in Dei Verbum II. How is Scripture's sacramental quality related to its saving purpose? Briefly explain the literal and spiritual senses. What are the various principles and methods used for determining the literal meaning and historical truth? What are the three "interpretive criteria" for spiritual exegesis (as presented in DV 12 and CCC 112-114)? Briefly explain the three spiritual senses, along with the notion of typology.

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

Answer both parts.

  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 form the "Extraordinary Synod" in 1985.

THE 605: Foundations of Moral Theology (Prof. Kevin Miller)

Answer either one:

  1. Explain Veritatis Splendor's understanding of the moral act, in comparison and contrast with proportionalism (include treatment of Wojtyla/John Paul's and proportionalists' respective interpretations of Thomas); and, in light of Sokolowski, what phenomenology can add concerning the relationship between action and morality.
  2. Explain Veritatis Splendor's understanding of natural law in the context of Wojtyla's earlier writings, and in comparison and contrast with Grisez's (include treatment of their respective interpretations of Thomas); and, in light of Steck, why it is necessary that moral theology go beyond natural-law reasoning.

THE 630N: Sin, Conversion & Evangelism (Dr. Scott Hahn)

Summarize our treatment of the major course - Themes (sin, conversion, evangelization) by addressing the following points:

First, discuss the nature of sin ("The mystery of iniquity") in the light of God's covenant with man. Briefly explain the meaning of original sin, concupiscense, and actual sin (both personal and social).

Second, discuss the divine gift of salvation and conversion. Briefly explain the various models of the atonement (temple, courtroom, battlefield, marketplace). Also, briefly treat how conversion necessarily entails a ritual process of sacramental transformation.

Third, discuss the basic steps of how you as a Catholic would personally share the gospel. How does the liturgy fit into the Church's mission of evangelization?

THE 645: Pastoral and Spiritual Direction (Sr. Maria J. Walsh, CSJ)

Write an integrated essay for each of the following:

  1. With concrete examples, show how the life experiences of St. Ignatius of Loyola became the basis for The Spiritual Exercises which includes the "Four Weeks" and the Supplementary Materials.
  2. Elaborate on contemporary literature in the field.

THE 655: Mary in the Modern World (Dr. Mark Miravalle)

Answer both questions:

  1. Offer a competent theological definition of the Mariological terms: "Co-Redemptrix" and "Mediatrix of all Graces" with support from Divine Revelation, and
  2. In light of Tim 2:5-6, a) provide a theological justification for secondary and subordinate mediation; b) specify whether such subordinate mediation obscures the glory of Jesus Christ, the one Mediator; and c) identify to what level the Mother of Jesus participates in the one mediation of Jesus Christ.

THE 660N: PI: Family Catechesis (Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, FSGM)

Using the magisterial documents that stress the role of the family, discuss family as the domestic Church and cell of society. This discussion must focus on how these two themes provide the atmosphere in which parents are the primary religious educators of their children. Include the parish/school's role in supporting this premise.

THE 660B: PI: Personal and Parish Evangelization (Prof. Robert Rice)

Explain the Catholic vision of evangelization as explained in Evangelii Nuntiandi, Redemptoris Missio, and the General Catechetical Directory. Explain how that vision is articulated into practical goals (with examples of each) in God and Make Disciples. In answering this question, show me that you have knowledge of:

  • The role the Holy Spirit (and prayer) plays in evangelization
  • How the Great Commission is the foundation for our understanding of evangelization
  • Matthew 28:18-20, EN 14, RM 18, RM 42, NMI 29, GDC 48, and GMD 81 (memorized)
  • Three essential movements of evangelization
  • The five criteria for spreading the gospel message
  • Three goals set forth by the bishops in GMD (memorized)
  • What the bishops meant when they said that evangelization must "every dimension of parish life".

THE 660C: PI: Management and Administration in the Parish and Diocese (Prof. Ron Bolster)

One of the presenters made the statement, "The Church is a business." With reference to Carnegie, Shaughnessy, Nelson & Economy, Mackenzie, Maxwell, and class discussion, explain how issues of human relations, law, management and administration, far from being foreign to the Church's mission, are integral to the "business" of Catechesis and the making of disciples. Secondarily, discuss specific ways in which each is a component of the catechetical leader's work. With reference to the Official Catholic Directory (Kennedy), Canon Law, and web-based resources if available (including the USCCB), discuss the Diocese of Steubenville, our home diocese, or the diocese in which you expect to serve. Include "fact-sheet" information, diocesan organizational structure, and a discussion of the Bishop, his geographical and educational background, USCCB committee assignments, and written work.

THE 660D: PI: Personal and Parish Evangelization (Prof. Robert Rice)

Explain the Catholic vision of evangelization as explained in Evangelii Nuntiandi, Redemptoris Missio, and the General Catechetical Directory. Explain how that vision is articulated into practical goals (with examples of each) in God and Make Disciples. In answering this question, show me that you have knowledge of:

  • The role the Holy Spirit (and prayer) plays in evangelization
  • How the Great Commission is the foundation for our understanding of evangelization
  • Matthew 28:18-20, EN 14, RM 18, RM 42, NMI 29, GDC 48, and GMD 81 (memorized)
  • Three essential movements of evangelization
  • The five criteria for spreading the gospel message
  • Three goals set forth by the bishops in GMD (memorized)

What the bishops meant when they said that evangelization must "every dimension of parish life".

THE 691: Catechetical Methods I (Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, FSGM)

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 710: OTW: Genesis 1-11: Exegesis and Patristic Tradition (Dr. Andrew Minto)

Select one passage within Geneis 1-11 and demonstrate EXEGETICALLY (i.e., explain the details and features of the text):

  1. How this passage advances the theme of Genesis 1-11;
  2. How this passage contributes to the thematic development of the Pentateuch and Deuteronomistic History as a whole;
  3. How this passage contributes to the thematic development of salvation history as a whole;
  4. How these thematic developments are taken up and deployed by later Patristic interpreters.

THE 722: Frs. & Drs.: Augustine (Dr. Stephen Hildebrand)

The proctor will choose three of the following questions; and the student will choose to write on two of these.

  1. Write an essay on St. Augustine's Platonism, including a brief account of the questions surrounding the nature of Augustine's conversion and the character of the Cassiciacum works.
  2. Write an essay summarizing the main arguments of Augustine against the Manichees.
  3. Write an essay on De Doctrina Christiana, explaining Augustine's theory of signs and its relevance to the interpretation of the Scriptures.
  4. Write an essay on the Donatist Controversy. Give an account of the course of the controversy and an explanation of the relevant theological issues.
  5. Write an essay on De Trinitate. Explain Augustine's aim; his use of psychological analogies (be able to give some examples here); and the relevance of the psychological analogies to his aim in writing the work.
  6. Write an essay on the Pelagian Controversy. Give an account of the course of the controversy, as well as of the respective teachings of Pelagius and Augustine.
  7. Write an essay on Ad Simplicianum. Explain Augustine's interpretation of Rom. 7 and Rom. 9.
  8. Write an essay on the reception (or lack thereof) of Augustine's teaching on grace in the West. Present Augustine's teaching systematically and its influence on Prosper and Second Orange.

THE 730: Grace and the Virtues (Dr. Regis Martin)

  1. Trace the development of the Church's teaching on grace from St. Paul, through Augustine, to the councils of Orange and Trent.
  2. What has been the impact of that teaching in terms of understanding of virtue?

THE 740N: TI: Theology of the Angels (Dr. Mark Miravalle)

Please answer the following in complete essay form:

1) Discuss a) the fundamental process of "angelic knowledge and understanding" as treated by St. Thomas Aquinas in the Summa Theologica (I. QQ 54-5); b) how it essentially differs from man's process of knowing and understanding; and c) how it is possible for the angel to err and sin in spite of his inability of falsehood in his natural knowledge.

According to Dionysius in his Celestial Hierarchies, a) discuss the nature of the first and third hierarchies and b) describe the essential characteristics and functions of the angelic choirs which constitute those hierarchies.

THE 740NA: TI: Human Rights in the US, EU, UN, and Canon Law (Atty. Brian Scarnecchia, Grey, McKeegan, and Von Gieusau)

Identify and explain the origin and foundation of rights possessed by the human person made in the image of God. What Church documents as well as National or supranational organizations documents concur and why?

THE 740NB: TI: Analyzing Doctrine for Catechesis (Prof. Barbara Morgan)

Discuss the keys to doctrine, their significance and application for catechesis. Analyze Baptism.

THE 780: Scripture, the Heart of Catechesis (Prof. Barbara Morgan)

Discuss the significance and content of the forty days from Easter to the Ascension in terms of Christ's relationship with and formation of the Apostles, being sure to substantiate this with Scripture citations.

Would you argue that Clarke's approach to metaphysics is superior to Descartes' approach as well as Aristotle's? Explain why you would or would not argue thus, focusing throughout on the object, aim and method of metaphysics.

 

 

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