SUMMER MINI-SESSION 1999
THE 603: 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 604: Teachings of Vatican II (Dr. Alan Schreck)
STUDY AND ANSWER BOTH QUESTIONS:
- 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 bishop's form the "Extraordinary Synod" in 1985.
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 740A: TI: Catechism of the Catholic Church (Dr. Stephen Miletic)
Describe the relationship between doctrine and Sacred Scripture as found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Be sure to structure your answer as follows.
- Identify the article and its paragraph numbers.
- Outline the doctrinal theme within the designated article.
- Identify the chief doctrinal points according to your outline.
- Identify the role which Scripture plays in the presentation of the chief doctrinal points.
- Be sure to make clear which senses of Scriptures are present in the chief doctrinal points (i.e., literal, allegorical, anagogical, moral, theological).
THE 740B: TI: Power, Justice, & Mercy (Prof. Kevin Miller)
Based on the texts read in the course: 1) How can one distinguish between just and unjust use of power, and 2) What does mercy have to do with the realization of justice? In the course of your answer, discuss specifically what human will, human nature, God, and happiness have to do with justice. Anticipate significant objections to your answer based on other texts read in the course, and respond thoughtfully to them.
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 1999 THE 601: 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, Fides et Ratio, 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 711: Biblical Spirituality (Stephen F. Miletic, Ph.D.)
Answer all questions.
- Define (a) the interior life (b) te religious life (c) the spiritual life.
- Briefly explain the four stages of lectio divina.
- In which context does the individual encounter the objective proclamation of biblical truth?
- How does the objective nature of biblical truth transform an individual? Illustrate your answer by interpreting any three biblical texts. When appropriate or applicable, base your interpretation on what the text teaches about (i) the person and nature of God (theologia), the economy of divine salvation (oikonomia) (ii) the interpersonal character of "I-Thou," and, (iii) the link between the objective proclamation of biblical truth (e.g., DV 2, word/deed hermeneutic) and its personal appropriation (e.g., ongoing conversion to Christ, "obedience of faith," DV 5; fides qua).
THE 740: Mystical Theology (Prof. R. Martin)
Describe the stages of spiritual growth found in Teresa's "Interior Castle." How do John of the Cross' "dark nights" relate to these stages?
THE 780: Scripture, The Heart of Catechesis (Stephen F. Miletic, Ph.D.)
Elucidate on the statement, "Scripture is at the heart of Catechesis," in light of the following principles:
- Insertion into the mystery of Christ and saving knowledge of God and His plan.
- The relationship between narratio and Scripture.
- The specific function of the Divine Pedagogy as a true and authentic source of revelation (i.e., contact with and living knowledge of (i) the person of God (theologia) and (ii) His divine plan (oikonomiaI), and (iii) the developmental nature of our faith response (revelation in stages, the "obedience of faith," fides qua).
- The essential role of lectio divina within the spiritual and pastoral formation and growth of both (i) the catechist and (ii) the catechumen.
SUMMER II 1999
THE 650: Christian Liturgy (Fr. Giles Dimock, OP)
(CHOOSE 1)
- 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.
- Contrast Patristic and Medieval celebrations of the Eucharist, and show how the Reformation and Counter Reformation reactions grew out of this historical background.
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 the 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 (Sr. Johanna Paruch)
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 694: Catechetical Practice Today (Prof. Barbara Morgan)
Produce an outline for a model of adult catechesis OR family-based catechesis in a parish, incorporating salient principles from the most applicable magisterial catechetical documents.
SUMMER III 1999
THE 602: 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 645: Pastoral and Spiritual Direction (Fr. Giles Dimock)
- In counseling, describe the difference between sympathy, antipathy, empathy and "falling in love," manipulation and possessiveness. What should characterize the counseling relationship?
- Relate the classic grades of prayer to the classic stage of spiritual growth and purgative, illuminative and unitive.
THE 692: Catechetical Methods II (Prof. Barbara Morgan)
Discuss:
The relationship between catechesis and liturgy, showing in detail the importance of liturgical emphasis in all areas of catechesis.
THE 740: TI: Greek & Latin Fathers (Fr. de Margerie)
No question given to date.
