THE 601A: Biblical Foundations (Dr. Andrew Minto)Study all three questions. The Proctor will choose one for you to answer at the time of the examination.
- 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?
- 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. BrownÕs "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.
- 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 601B: Biblical Foundations (Dr. 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 604A: Teachings of Vatican II (Dr. Alan Schreck)Answer both parts.
- 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
- 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. Pattee, TOR)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 relationship between these two important documents of the Council. The Decree on Ecumenism may be considered a practical application in the ecumenical forum of the communio-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 this light, develop an essay on the communio-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 655: Mary in the Modern World (Dr. Mark Miravalle)Answer both questions:
- Offer a competent theological definition of the Mariological terms: "Co-Redemptrix" and "Mediatrix of all Graces" with support from Divine Revelation, and
- 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 660 T2 A: PI: Lectio Divina and Sacred Scripture (Dr. Stephen Miletic)Answer all three parts:
- Present a theological description of lectio divina.
- Present a praxis based description of lectio divina.
- Present a pastoral application of lectio divina.
THE 691 Catechetical Methods I (Sr. 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 and the RCIA (Prof. Sollom)Explain the periods of the catechumenate in terms of their liturgical, catechetical, and pastoral aspects.
THE 700 Ð CMP: Sexual Morality ( Prof. Kevin Miller)Discuss and evaluate the key philosophical and theological objections to contraception according to Wojtyla/John Paul II, in comparison and contrast with Grisez, including (but not limited to) their respective understandings/uses of Aquinas.
THE 702 Ð Foundations of Moral Theology (Prof. Kevin Miller)Answer either one:
- Thoroughly explain Veritatis Splendor's understanding of the moral action, in comparison and contrast with proportionalism (include treatment of John Paul's and proportionalists' respective interpretations of Thomas).
- Thoroughly explain Veritatis Splendor's understanding of the importance of Christ for morality, in light of the contributions of Balthasar and Melina.
THE 710 OTW: Prophets (Dr. Bergsma)
THE 740A TI: Catholic and Ecumenical (Fr. Cienik, SA)The 20th century has been referred to as "The Century of Catholic Ecumenism". Please identify the pioneers in Catholic ecumenism and their contributions as well as commenting on the significant documents, decrees and encyclicals which have been produced by the Catholic Church beginning with UNITATIS REDINTEGRATIO, the Decree on Ecumenism until the present.
THE 740B TI: Theology of Karl Rahner (Fr. Pattee, TOR)
THE 740C: TI: von Balthasar (Dr. Regis Martin)So much of the life and thought of Hans Urs von Balthasar made be said to have been both intersected and enriched by a series of providential encounters with seminal figures of 20th century Christianity. The fallout from these friendships helped give distinctive and lasting shape to his theological vision. Explain.
THE 780 Scripture, the Heart of Catechesis (Prof. 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 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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