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

 INSTRUCTIONS: Be prepared to answer ONE question of your choice from each of the three sections (I, II, or III). The proctor will select the section (I, II, or III), and the student will select the question within that section assigned by the proctor.

I. Reflecting on Class Lecture/Discussion and the following required reading, answer ONE of the questions below:

1. The magisterial documents (Providentissimus Deus, Divino Afflante Spiritu, Dei Verbum, Historicity of the Gospels, and Mysterium Ecclesiae)
2. The NCCB's Pastoral Statement for Catholics on Biblical Fundamenetalism
3. Brigid C. Frein, "Fundamentalism and Narrative Approaches to the Gospels."
4. The PBC's The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church
5. Joseph T. Lienhard's The Bible, The Church, and Authority, Chps 3, 5, 6, 7.
6. Peter S. Williamson's Catholic Principles, Introduction, Part I (Introduction & Chp 1) & Part III (Chps. 6-11).
7. J.A. Fitzmyer's Scripture, The Soul of Theology, pp. 56-62 & Chp. 4
8. John J. O'Keefe and R. R. Reno, Sanctified Vision, Chp 6 (pp. 114ff.).
   

   ANSWER ONE of the following questions:

   1. How does the theology of divine revelation as set forth in Dei Verbum (augmented by the CCC) provide context, support, and direction to the questions related to biblical interpretation.
   2. How does the magisterial hermeneutic addressing the issues of inspiration, inerrancy, and canonicity provide context, support, and direction to the questions related to biblical interpretation?
   3. What is biblical fundamentalism and why is it inconsistent with the Catholic approach to the bible itself and to biblical interpreation?
   4. UsingLienhard, Williamson, and O'Keefe & Reno, explain the analogy (rule) of faith (truth) and how it operates as hermeneutic.

II. Reflecting on Class Lecture/Discussion and the following required reading, answer ONE of the questions below:

1. Fides et Ratio
2. Ratzinger's, article "Foundations and Approaches of Biblical Exegesis."
3.  Gunton's Enlightenment and Alienation (excerpts).
4. The PBC's The Historicity of The Gospels and The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church.
5. J.A. Fitzmyer's Scripture, The Soul of Theology Chps 1-2.
6. R. Brown's "The Contribution of Historical Biblical Criticisms to Ecumenical Church Discussions," and The Critical Meaning of the Bible.
7. J.T. Lienhard's the Bible, The Church, and Authority, Chp 1.
8. Peeter S. Williamson's Catholic Principles, Parts II (Chps 2-5) & V (Chps 15-16).

   
   ANSWER ONE of the following questions:
   

   1. Write a response to R.Brown (book and/or article), analyzing and evaluating his hermeneutical stance, particularly his presuppositions for the positions he takes.
   2. Summarize the epistemology inherited from the Enlightenment, its impact on modern exegesis and on theological reflection and propose a remedy to this effect.
   3. Summarize the debate about whether or not philosophical presuppositions are inherent in and thus inseparable from biblical methodologies (especially diachronic ones, the historical-critical methods), explain your position on the debate, and a remedy to their use relative to the position you take.
   4. Answer any one of the 9 unresolved questions that Williamson (pp. 248-251) suggests a future PBC document might address.
      

III. Reflecting on Class Lecture/Discussion and the following required reading, answer the questions below:
 

1. Magisterial documenets (see question #1).
2. S.M. Schneiders, "Faith, Hermeneutics, and The Literal Sense of Scripture."
3. F. Martin, "Literary Theology, Philosophy of History and Exegesis."
4. J.A. Fitzmyer's Scripture, The Soul of Theology, chp 3.
5. J.T. Lienhard's The Bible, The Church, and Authority, Chps. 1, 2, 4.
6. P.S. Williamson's Catholic Principles Parts IV (Chps 12-14) & VI (Chps 17-20).
   
   ANSWER ONE of the following questions:
    
   1. Discuss the meaning and interrelation of the senses of Scripture. How does this meaning and interrelation provide the foundation for an interpretative stance or hermeneutic?
   2. Explain the two approaches to the nature of the literal sense (inspired text and/or inspired intention). How should the tension between these two emphases be resolved?
   3. How do the senses of Scripture serve the aim of interpretation as outlined in Williamson, Chp 11?
   4. How are philosophical/hermeneutical considerations foundational to the spiritual senses?
   5. What are the lexical, dialogical, and associative strategies employed by the fathers (O'Keefe & Reno)? How do these strategies drive teh father's use of the spiritual sense? How do they assist us in understanding the manner in which the fathers interpreted Scripture? May these strategies be deployed today?

THE 604A: 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 604B: Teachings of Vatican II (Fr. Dan Pattee, T.O.R.)

 The Second Vatican Council published both the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium) and the Decree on Ecumenism (Unitatis Redintegratio) on the same day, namely, November 21, 1964. This is significant for establishing the relatinship between these two important documents of the Council. The Decree on Ecumenism may be considered a practical application in the ecumenical forum of the communioi-ecclesiology found in the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church. These two documents developed together during the Council in such a way that the Decree on Ecumenism cannot be fully understood without the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church.

 In ths light, develop an essay on the cummunio-ecclesiology of the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church and, subsequently, further develop the essay on the significance of this communio-ecclesiology for dialogue with the separated ecclesial communities of the West.

THE 609: Church Renewal (Dr. Alan Schreck)

 Name and discuss some principles of authentic Church renewal that may be drawn from a) the Sacred Scripture (both Old and New Testament "principles of renewal") and b) Church history (include specific historical examples or embodiments of each principle you list). Based on some or all of these principles, how would you seek to foster renewal in a particular segment of the Church today (e.g. a school, a parish) or in some dimension of the Church's life (e.g. renewal of religious life, knowledge of Scripture, Christian education, etc.). Choose one of these to discuss.

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

 Write an integrated essay for each of the following:

1) Show how the human and spiritual experiences in the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola formed the foundation for The Spiritual Exercises. 2) Explain the structure and content of the "4 weeks" of The Spiritual Exercises including the Ignatian rules for spiritual desolation and spiritual consolation.

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

 Answer both quesstions:

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 660A: PI: Biblical Spirituality (Dr. Stephen F. Miletic)

 

1. Define "transformation" from the perspective of one Gospel?
2. Find one Gospel illustration each of the following:

   a. partial transformation;

   b. complete partial transformation.

3. According to the Gospel you studies, what is the basis for transformation? Be sure to consider the issue of "spiritual consciousness/knowledge" as it appears in the Gospel you studied.

THE 660B: PI: Teaching Scripture in a Catechetical Framework (Dr. Andrew Minto)

Be prepared to answer any ONE of the following: THE EXAMINER WILL CHOOSE THE QUESTION.

 

1. Define biblical catechesis and explain the four-fold framework within which it should operate. Be sure to explain the relationsip between the elements of the four-fold framework.
2. Explain the "method of correlation" and its impact on catechesis since the 1960's and how "experience" might properly be incorporated into catechesis, especially biblical catechesis.
3. Explain why the interrelation of the senses of scripture is necessary for biblical catechesis.
4. Explain why the Heilsgeschichte (salvation historical) approach is necessary for biblical catechesis.
5.  Explain how the theologia and oikonomia of a biblical catechesis is supported either by the sense of scripture or by the Heilsgeschichte (salvation historical) approach.

THE 660C: PI: Personal and Parish Evangelization (Prof. Bob 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:

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

THE 660D: PI: Current Topics in Catechetics (Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, F.S.G.M.)

Argue the case for a rejection of same sex marriages from the pastoral, liturgical, and doctrinal positions. Cite catechetical documents as well as documents from the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith as well as from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

THE 691A: Catechetical Methods I (Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, F.S.G.M.)

 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 catechizedd, as well as their age, intellectual/physical ability, and their social condition. A) Explain this premise, supporting your explanation witih 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 693A&B: The Catechumenate and the RCIA (Prof. Scott Sollom)

 Explain the periods of the catechumenate in terms of their liturgical, catechetical, and pastoral aspects.

THE 700: CMP: Bioethics (Prof. Kevin Miller)

Discuss the key philosophical and theological foundations of bioethics, and apply them to a specific and significant contemporary issue of your choice.

THE 710: OTW: Wisdom Literature (Dr. John Bergsma)

 1. Nuptiality is an important theme in the Wisdom literature. First, trace the nuptial themes in all the Wisdom Books: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, Song of Songs, Wisdom, and Sirach (the theme is stronger in some books than others). Second, explain the importance of nuptiality: what is marriage an icon or symbol of? How does fidelity to the marriage covenant represent other forms of covenant fidelity? Third, point out how the nuptial theme relates to the personification of Wisdom as Perfect Wife. Within the Wisdom Books, with what "person" of the Godhead is Wisdom associated, and where do we find these associates made? Fourth, point out how the nuptial themes in the Wisdom Books find fulfillment in Christ. Where in the gospels is nuptial imagery applied to Christ? How does this relate especially to the Song of Songs?

THE 722: Frs & Drs: The Cappadocian Fathers (Dr. Stephen Hildebrand)

 The proctor will choose two of the questions, from which the student will choose one.

1. Write an essay on the historical and theological background to the Cappadocian fathers. In the light of what events and theological positions between 318 and 360 should we see their theological accomplishment?
   
2. Compare the trinitarian theology of Athanasius and the Cappadocians.
   
3. Describe Basil's development of Trinitarian language from Contra Eunomium through the epistles, to On the Holy Spirit.
   
4. Write an essay on Basil and the Antiochene schism. Explain the eproblem and how Basil wished to solve it. Describe Basil's efforts in his correspondence to realize his plan.
   
5. Write an essay on On the Holy Spirit. Describe Basil's main arguments as well as those of his opponents.
   
6. Write an essay on Gregory of Nazianzus' theological orations. Describe his main arguments and those of his opponents.
   
7. Write an essay on the anti-Apollinarian work of the three Cappadocians. Describe and compare their arguments.
   
8. Write an essay on Gregory of Nyssa's Great Catechetical Oration, summarizing its contents and noting matters of special interest.
   
9. Write an essay on Gregory of Nyssa's On the Soul and the Resurrection, summarizing its contents and noting matters of special interest.
   
10. Write a synthetic essay on the Trinitarian theology of the Cappadocians, noting what they teach in common as well as how they differ, one from another.

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 733: Cath Theology of Tradition ad Development of Doctrine (Fr. Dan Pattee, T.O.R.)

 Write an essay on the relationship between Tradition and what Yves Congar, OP calls its "monuments," and then answer the following question: how did Alfred Loisy conceive of this relationship and what were the weaknesses of his position?

THE 740B: TI: Aquinas Theology of the Episcopacy (Prof. Michael Sirilla)

 State and evaluate the essential elements of St. Thomas Aquinas's theology of the episcopacy found in the texts we examined in the course.

At the very least, be sure to include in your evaluation the following texts:

Summa Theologiae, supplementum on Holy Orders

Contra impugnantes

Summa Contra Gentiles, book IV, chs. 72-76

De perfectione spiritualis vitae

Lecturae on First and Second Timothy and Titus

Summa Theologiae, II-II, qq. 183-185

THE 740C: TI: Theology of the Body (Prof. Patricia Donohue-White)
Have not rec'ed quesstion.

THE 740NA: TI: New Age Religions at the UN (Prof. Brian Scarnecchia)

 

 Part I.

 

1. Describe the essential features of the New Age movement as given in the encyclical Jesus Christ Bearer of Living Water: A Christian Reflection of the New Age movement (2003) by the Pontifical Council for the Interreligious Dialogue and the Pontifical Council for Culture. Contrast what the encyclical has to say about the differences between Catholicism and the New Age with regard to God, man and the world.
2. Also, what has the Church to say about Freemasonry as per the 1983 letter by the Sacred Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith "Declaration on Masonic Associations"?

Part II.

1. Describe the influence of the New Age movement at the United Nations. Pay special attention to the way the writings of Teilhard de Chardin and the Gaia hypothesis (depth ecology) subordinate man to cosmic collective.
2. Also note what Fr. Schooyans has to say regarding how the New Age paradigm is used at the UN and by its agencies such as World Health Organization (WHO).
3. Finally, what is the United Religions Initiative (URI), what has the Church to say about it, and what is the relation of the URI to the UN?

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

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

THE 780N: Scripture, the Heart of Catechesis (Prof. Barbara Morgan and Prof. Bob Rice)

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

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