SUMMER MINI-SESSION 1998
THE 503: Historical Foundations (Dr. Kimberly Georgedes)
Discuss the importance of the study of history to the study of theology. Utilizing in detail at least two (2) specific examples (one example each from two of the three basic periods of church history: the Patristic Age, A.D. 100-600; Medieval, A.D. 600-1500; Modern, A.D. 1500-Present), explain how historical circumstances have affected the development of the Church and of Church doctrine or dogma. You may use more than two (2) examples if you wish, but you must discuss your examples in detail, and clearly show how they illustrate the importance of historical circumstances for the development of theology.
THE 711: Mark as Catechist (Dr. Stephen Miletic)Choose a passage from Mark's Gospel. Demonstrate how that passage:
- Is a catechesis of the mystery of the person of Christ.
- Illustrates the revelation/faith-response in a developmental fashion.
THE 722: Fathers and Doctors: 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 (3) works and you select one (1) of these three (3). 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 Clement
- 2 or Pseudo-Clement
- Ignatius of Antioch, Epistles to:
Ephesians
Magnesians
Tallians
Romans
Philadelphians
Smyranens
Polycarp
- Polycarp to the Philippians
- Martyrdom of Polycarp
- Didache
- Epistle of Barnabas
- Epistle to Diognetus
- Shepherd of Hermas
THE 740: Introduction to Systematic Theology (Fr. Frederick L. Miller)Explain the relationships that exist among Divine Revelation on the one hand, and Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition and the Magisterium on the other.
THE 802: Nature of Love and Sexuality (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. These two (2) attitudes are contradictory -- the one altruistic, the other selfish-- how can they be integrated?
SUMMER I 1998
THE 501: 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 (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, 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 Scripture. How does this meaning and interrelation provide the foundation for an interpretative stance or hermeneutic?
THE 700: Contemporary Moral Problems (Dr. Regis Martin)In Msgr. Caffara's text, Living in Christ, he identifies five characteristics of Christian ethics tracing back to their point of origin in Christ. Elucidate these, please. Then, in the light of any one of the moral problems presently vexing Christian faith and morals, discuss their relevance (i.e., their usefulness in resolving the problem).
THE 780: Scripture, Heart of Catechesis (Dr. Stephen Miletic)Answer any two of the following:
- Explain how the issue of the Divine Authorship of Scripture impacts on our understanding of its (i) unity (ii) prophetic character (distinguish the 4 types of "light") and (iii) the task of catechesis.
- Explain: (i) How the methods of narratio and explanation of the Articles of Faith represent two distinct but related forms of catechesis. (ii) What does each mode accomplish as catechesis?
- Relate the post-resurrection 40-day period of Jesus' instructions to the Apostles to (i) the Church's interpretation of Scripture (ii) the Church's commission to evangelize and catechize and (iii) the Church's answer to our culture's authentic but confused search for "real religion" or God.
- Explain (i) the primary source of discourse for catechesis (ii) the relationship between the catechist's language of delivery and that of (a) the Bible and (b) the Magisterium.
- What is the precise relationship between Biblical revelation and an individual's faith-response. Give five biblical illustrations.
- How does CCC 236 articulate the Catholic "open system" hermeneutics or system of biblical interpretation?
SUMMER II 1998
THE 641: Catechetics: Content and Curriculum (Prof. Barbara Morgan)
In light of the General Catechetical Directory and Catechesi Tradendae, discuss the content of catechesis regarding the maintenance of its integrity, its unity, and harmonies and the need for a systematic presentation of it.
THE 655: 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 691: Catechetical Methods I (Prof. Gloria Zapian)Discuss the catechist as the primary methodological element in catechesis. Cite Scripture and magisterial catechetical documents as applicable.
SUMMER III 1998
THE 502: 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 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 504: Teachings of Vatican II (Dr. Alan Schreck)Study both questions and the proctor will choose one.
- 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 692: Catechetical Methods II (Prof. Barbara Morgan)Outline and briefly discuss two (2) of the following:
- parish pastoral organization and planning;
- the catechetical endeavor and liturgical practice;
- a comprehensive catechist training plan.
THE 740: TI: Eucharistic Spirituality (Fr. George Tracy)Statement: Eucharistic Spirituality is understood throughout the teachings of the Holy Scriptures and the teachings of the Magisterium as a spirituality which is basic to and foundational for understanding and living out all charisms gifted to the Church for the development and ongoing direction for lay and religious life.
Question: Describe with clarity Eucharistic Spirituality, centered in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, as the living source through which one's personal spiritual poverty can be transformed into a personal and profound life of unity with the Immaculate Heart of Mary and all three Persons in the Trinity!
THE 804: Philosophical Foundations of Catechetics (Dr. Ronda Chervin)Show how false philosophies undermine catechetics and true philosophies undergird genuine catechetics with reference to Augustine, Thomas, Kant and Hegel. Refer to Von Hildebrand's book The Trojan Horse in the City of God.
