THE 601 A&B: Biblical Foundations (Dr. Andrew Minto)
Study all three (3) questions. The proctor will choose one for you to answer at the examination.
- Reflecting on the magisterial documents (Profidentissimus 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, 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?
- 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.
- 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 Scipture. How does this meaning and interrelation provide the foundation for an interpretative stance or hermeneutic?
THE 604A: Teachings of Vatican II (Dr. Alan Schreck)
STUDY AND ANSWER BOTH QUESTIONS:
- Discuss how eachof 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. Ronald Lawler, OFM)
Explain this liturgical doctrine of Vatican II:
The Eucharist is the summit of Christian life, and it is the source of all Christian life activity. Christ and his saving mysteries are really present in the Eucharist; but the Eucharist can be made preent validly only by Christ, acting in his priests, who have Christ's priesthood in direct succession from the apostles.
THE 630: Sin, Conversion & Evangelism (Dr. Scott Hahn)
Summarize our treatment of the major course -- Themes (sin,conversion, evangelism) 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 641: Catechetics: Content & Curriculum (Prof. Barbara Morgan)
In light of the General Directory for Catechesis and Catechesi Tradendae, discuss the content of catechesis regarding the maintenance of its integrity, the hierarchy of truths, and the need for systematic presentation of it.
THE 655: Mary in the Modern World (Dr. Mark Miravalle)
- Offer a competent theological definition of the Mariological terms: "Co-Redemptrix" and "Mediatrix of all Graces" with support from Divine Revelation, and
- Summarize the treatment of the Blessed Virgin Mary in her "maternal mediation" as contained in Pope john Paul II's Marian Encyclical, Redemptoris Mater.
THE 680 A&B: 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 daboUobis, 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.
- Explain this premise, supporting your explanation with statements from the catechetical magisterial documents and required reading for this course.
- 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. Barbara Morgan)
Discuss the similarities and any divergencies between the fourth century catechumenates and the present day Order of Christian Initiation.
THE 700: Contemporary Moral Problems (Prof. Kevin Miller)
Answer either (1) or (2):
- Discuss and evaluate the several understandings of the interrelationships among politics, morality, and faith, and the corresponding expectations for or explanations of the American experience, that were stated or implied in the readings on this topic.
- What is medicine, and what does the nature of medicine have to do with medical ethics? What does theology add to our understanding of the purpose and content of medical ethics? In light of these sources of medical ethics, what conclusions shuld be drawn about how to treat life at its beginning and at its end? When does human life begin, and when does it end?
THE 711: NTW: Pauline Soteriology (Dr. Andrew Minto)
Select one sub-heading from one of the major categories of the course (provided with the syllabus). For example, sub-heading #1, "Salvation in connection with the gospel," under major category A, "Soteriology in a Theology of the Word." Expound upon the sub-heading topic by (1) giving a thorough treatment of the relevant Pauline texts keeping in mind the context of the letter and the circumstances that it likely addresses; (2) explaining how the sub-heading topic functions within the broader topic of the major category and supports it.
THE 730: Grace and the Virtues (Dr. Regis Martin)
- Trace the development of the Church's teaching on grace from St. Paul, through Augustine, to the councils of Orange and Trent.
- What has been the impact of that teaching in terms of an understanding of virtue?
