MINI-SESSION 2006
THE 601 M1: 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:
a. The magisterial documents (Providentissimus Deus, Divino Afflante Spiritu, Dei Verbum, Historicity of the Gospels, and Mysterium Ecclesiae)
b. The NCCB's Pastoral Statement for Catholics on Biblical Fundamentalism
c. Brigid C. Frein, "Fundamentalism and Narrative Approaches to the Gospels."
d. The PBC's The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church
e. Joseph T. Lienhard's The Bible, The Church, and Authority, Chps 3,5,6,7.
f. Peter S. Williamson's Catholic Principles, Introduction, Part I (Introduction & Chp 1) & Part III (Chps. 6-11).
g. J. A. Fitzmyer's Scripture, The Soul of Theology, pp. 56-62 & Chp. 4.
h. 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 interpretation?
4. Using Lienhard, Williamson, and O'Keefe & Reno, explain the analogy (rule) of faith (truth)and how it operates as a hermeneutic.II. Reflecting on Class Lectue/Discussion and the following required reading, answer ONE of the questions below:
a. Fides et Ratio
b. Ratzinger's, article "Foundations and Approaches of Biblical Exegesis."
c. Gunton's Enlightenment and Alienation (excerpts).
d. The PBC's The Historicity of The Gospels and The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church.
e. J. A. Fitzmyer's Scripture, The Soul of Theology Chps 1-2.
f. R. Brown's "The Contribution of Historical Biblical Criticisms to Ecumenical Church Discussions," and The Critical Meaning of the Bible.
g. J. T. Lienhard's The Bible, The Church, and Authority, Chp 1.
h. Peter 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:
a. Magisterial documents (see question #1).
b. S.M. Schneiders, "Faith, Hermenentics, and The Literal Sense of Scripture."
c. F. Martin, "Literary Theory, Philosophy of History and Exegesis."
d. J. A. Fitzmyer's Scripture, The Soul of Theology, chp 3.
e. J. T. Lienhard's The Bible, The Church, and Authority, Chps. 1, 2, 4.
f. 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 the fatherÕs 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 604 M1: 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 660 M1: PI: Conscience (Fr. Donald Frinsko, T.O.R.)
Answer all parts:1. What is conscience and what is it not? Is there a crisis of conscience and of culture in our world?
2. What erroneous "PHILOSOPHIES" have aided in this crisis?
3. What is the solution to these crises?
4. Also discuss conscience and authority and conscience and pastoral practice.In formulating your answer to this question, use class notes and readings from the course. Include, for example, John HaasÕ article about conscience, The Splendor of Truth (Veritatis Splendor), and other sources from the course.
THE 691 M1: Catechetical Methods I (Prof. James Pauley)
The General Directory for Catechesis states, "the catechist is essentially a mediator. He facilitates communication between the people and the mystery of God..." (no. 156). As a mediator, therefore, the relationship which the catechist has with God is crucial as is the relationship the catechist has with those he/she catechizes. First, using course readings and discussion, discuss the impact and significance of the spiritual life of the catechist on the catechetical endeavor. Secondly, discuss the importance of presenting the Deposit of Faith in such a way that it can be received by those we catechize. Particular issues of relevance here will be the adaptation of the Gospel, the applicability of multiple intelligences theory, and a respect for personal dignity as seen in the methodology of St. John Bosco.
THE 732: Sacraments (Dr. Regis Martin)
Define and elaborate upon the three massive, systemic, and historic assaults made against the Church, particularly in the institutional and sacramental life.
SUMMER I 2006
THE 655 T1: Mary in the Modern World (Dr. Regis Martin)
Mary constitutes the pedagogy which the world needs if it is to recover the Gospel message in its fullness. Discuss this proposition in the light of the six reasons cited in class which underscore the continuing importance of Mary in the scheme of Salvation and in the life of the Church. (In other words, using Ratzinger's phrase concerning "the equilibrium and completeness of Catholic faith," how does an authentic Mariology contribute to this necessary integration?)
THE 660 T1 A: PI: Catechism of the Catholic Church (Dr. Stephen Miletic)
Answer all four questions
1. Describe the Hierarchy of Truth as a principle of organization of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC).
2. Describe the four fold plan ("four pillars") of the CCC as a principle of organic structure.
3. Describe the typical content found in "Section One" and "Section Two" a "pillar" of the CCC.
4. Briefly outline one doctrine and identify is most basic premise.
THE 660 T1 B: PI: Personal and Parish Evangelization (Prof. James Pauley)
The General Directory for Catechesis helps us form a distinctly Catholic understanding of the LordÕs great commission to the Church to evangelize. How does the GDC define evangelization and what are the implications of this definition? What does it mean to say, "the Church exists in order to evangelize?" GDC 47 speaks of evangelization as a process that happens in "slow stages." Describe each of the stages that are mentioned and how evangelization happens within each of the stages. Finally, discuss the universal call to conversion in the light of GDC 53-58 and how a catechist invites those he/she teaches to lifelong conversion.
An authentically Catholic catechetical methodology is profoundly animated by liturgy and beauty. Using course readings and class notes, how would you articulate the importance of an integration of both liturgy and beauty into catechesis?
THE 692 T1: Catechetical Methods II (Prof. James Pauley)
THE 693 T1: Catechumenate and the RCIA (Prof. Scott Sollom)
Explain the periods of the catechumenate in terms of their liturgical, catechetical, and pastoral aspects.
THE 694 T1: Catechetical Practice Today (Prof. Ron Bolster)
Cancelled
THE 711 T1: NTW: Gospel of Mark (Dr. Stephen Miletic)
The Gospel of Mark is a product of the early Church's witness to Jesus Christ through evangelization (proclamation), catechesis (teaching) and spirituality (encounter). Answer only one question from each of the following three sets of questions. Treat each chosen question separately.Question Set #1
1. Outline Mark's program for evangelization for the whole Gospel.
2. Select and interpret what you take as the central text which displays Mark's program for evangelization.
3. How does MK. 1.14-15 set the stage for the Markan program of evangelization?Question Set #2
1. Outline Mark's program for catechesis for the whole Gospel.
2. Select and interpret what you take as the central text which displays Mark's program for catechesis.
3. How does MK. 1.14-15 set the stage for the Markan program of catechesis?Question Set #3
1. Outline Mark's program for Biblical Spirituality for the whole Gospel.
2. Select and interpret what you take as the central text which displays Mark's program for Biblical Spirituality.
3. How does MK. 1.14-15 set the stage for the Markan program of Biblical Spirituality?
THE 722 T1: Frs. & Drs.: Apostolic Fathers (Dr. Andrew Minto)
Be prepared to discuss any one of the three author's works of the examiner's choosing from the following list. In other words, the examiner chooses three works and you select one of these three. Your discussion must include matters of provenance (authorship, date, locale, audience, and historical situation), literary genre, and at least one major theme/motif, problem or issue (pastoral/theological) of the selected work.1) 1 Clement
2) 2 or Pseudo-Clement
3) Ignatius of Antioch, Epistles to:
Ephesians
Magnesians
Tallians
Romans
Philadelphians
Smyrnaens
Polycarp
4) Polycarp to the Philippians
5) Martyrdom of Polycarp
6) Didache
7) Epistle of Barnabas
8) Epistle to Diognetus
9) Shepherd of Hermas
SUMMER II 2006
THE 602 T2: Theological Foundations (Dr. Regis Martin)
In his summary of the basic and abiding content of the Christian belief, Joseph Ratzinger provides "a few graspable statements," pursuant to what being a Christian really means (i.e., his "Excursus: Christian Structures," from Introduction to Christianity). Seven (7) propositions follow in which the nub of a man's faith in Christianity crystallize. What are they and why is it necessary to present them in the way that he has?
THE 641 T2: Catechetics: Content and Curriculum (Prof. Barbara Morgan)
Cancelled
THE 660 T2 A: PI: Lectio Divina and Sacred Scripture (Dr. Stephen Miletic)
Answer all three parts:1. Present a theological description of lectio divina.
2. Present a praxis based description of lectio divina.
3. Present a pastoral application of lectio divina.
THE 710 T2: OTW: Genesis 1-11: Exegesis and Patristic Commentary (Dr. Andrew Minto)
1. Select one passage within Genesis 1-11 and demonstrate EXEGETICALLY (i.e., explain the details and features of the text):a. How this passage advances the theme of Genesis 1-11;
b. How this passage contributes to the thematic development of the Pentateuch and Deuteronomistic History as a whole;
c. How this passage contributes to the thematic development of salvation history as a whole;
d. How these thematic developments are taken up and deployed by later Patristic interpreters.
THE 740 T2 A: TI: Theology and Spirituality of the New Evangelization (Prof. Ralph Martin)
Using no more than one "blue book" give an account of some of the main theological and spitual factors that are important to the success or failure of the "new evangelization."
SUMMER III 2006
THE 603 T3: Historical Foundations (Dr. Alan Schreck)
Certain key issues emerged in the main eras of history of Christianity and became focal points of attention for the Church's leaders and scholars for decades. In this question, I would like you to summarize the key figures, issues, and development of thought or doctrine involved in one of the two topics from each of the four major eras of Christianity. (Therefore, you should summarize four issues, one from each period below.)A. Patristic period (Christ - 800 A.D.) either:
1) the doctrine of the Son of God in relation to the Father, and in the Union of His divine and human natures or
2) the reasons for the persecution of Christians and the Christian response to persecution
B. Medieval period (800 - 1500 A.D.) either:
1) Church-State relations, especially the "lay investiture" crisis or
2) movements of renewal in the Church in the early, middle, and late middle ages
C. The Reformation and Counter-reformation (1500 - 1750 A.D.) either:
1) the basic objections against Catholicism of the various Protestant reformers or
2) the contribution of the various saints of the Catholic reformation to the reform and renewal of the Catholic Church
D. The "Modern" era (1750 A.D. - present) either:
1) impact of Enlightenment thought on Christianity or
2) significant movements of renewal in the Church (Catholic and Protestant) in this era
THE 650 T3: Christian Liturgy (Fr. Giles Dimock)
(CHOOSE 1)a) Trace the development of the Eucharistic Prayer and celebration from their Jewish roots to St. Hippolytus and the Liturgy of the Word from the synagogue to St. Justin, and relate this to the current order of Mass.
b) Contrast Patristic and Medieval celebrations of the Eucharist, and show how the Reformation and Counter Reformation reactions grew out of this historical background.
THE 740 T3A: T1: The Nature of Love (Dr. Michael Healy)
Discuss the relation between love of the other person for his own sake and a concern for one's own happiness in life and love. Are these two attitudes necessarily contradictory Ñ the one altruistic, the other selfish? How can they be integrated?
THE 740 T3B: TI: Eschatology (Dr. Regis Martin)
Comment at length on the following passage from Hans Urs von Balthasar in which he invites the entire discipline of Theology to become, as it were, eschatologized, i.e., to be dominated by the eschata. He writes: "God is the 'last thing' of the creature. Gained, he is heaven; lost, he is hell; examining, he is judgment; purifying, he is purgatory...In this way, eschatology is, almost more than any other locus theologicus, entirely a doctrine of salvation. This is absolutely central."
THE 740 T3C: TI: The Trinity in Augustine and Aquinas (Prof. James Kruggel)
Please discuss the following points for either AugustineÕs De Trinitate, or Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologiae Treatise on the Trinity (student's choice):What were some issues being discussed in the period preceding and surrounding the writing of the work, including (if applicable) Church councils? What was the pedagogical intent or philosophy of the work? Also, discuss arguments about the one God, key arguments about the processions and about each of the three persons, and if applicable, relations.
