THE 602A: Theological Foundations (Dr. Scott Hahn)

Discuss the nature of Theology as a spiritual science of the supernatural mysteries of faith - in view of our treatment of fundamental, biblical, and dogmatic theology.

First, briefly discuss the manner in which the Holy Spirit reveals God's Word through Sacred Scripture, Living Tradition, and the Magisterium. Second, briefly explain the unique importance and normative function of inspired Scripture for the ordering of Theology according to the divine economy of salvation history. Third, briefly discuss the principle of divine accommodation and how key patristic figures (e.g., Irenaeus, Chrysostom, Augustine) employed it in their theology.

THE 602B: Theological Foundations (Fr. Bevil Bramwell, OMI)

Give an overview of the basic project in Hans Urs von Balthasar's Theologik, dealing with the basic information in the Truth of the World, The Truth of God and The Spirit of Truth.

THE 603A: Historical Foundations (Prof. Stephen Hildebrand)

Trace the development of the doctrine of the Trinity OR of Christ from the early centuries to the Middle Ages. If you are considering the Trinity be sure to include the following: the thought of Tertullian and his opponents; an account of the Arian controversy, from its inception in 319 to its conclusion in 381; the thought of Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, and Bonaventure. If you are considering Christ, be sure to include the following: an account of Apollinarian and Arian Christology; the first stage of the Christological controversy centering around the dispute between Cyril of Alexandria and Nestorius and concluding in the Council of Ephesus (431) and the Formula of Union (433); the second stage of the controversy, centering around Eutyches, Flavian, and Leo and concluding in the Council of Chalcedon (451); and an account of the Christologies of Aquinas and Bonaventure.

THE 603B: 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 609: Church Renewal (Dr. Alan Schreck)

Answer all three parts (a, b, c)
 

  1. Discuss the meaning of "renewal" and some of the various models of or approaches to Church renewal.
  2. List some major examples of successful Church renewal in the history of Christianity and describe briefly the impact or result of each one of the Church and/or the world.
  3. Describe some of the ways that you see God at work renewing His Church today. How can Catholics foster this grace of renewal.

THE 645: Pastoral and Spiritual Direction (Sr. Maria Walsh, CSJ)

  1. List points for each essay before you...
  2. Write an integrated essay for each of the following topics:
    1. The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola are a School of Prayer
    2. The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola are a School of Discernment
    3. What human and spiritual experiences in the life of Ignatius formed the foundation for the above "two schools"?

THE 660: PI: Family Catechesis (Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, OSF)

Using the magisterial documents that stress the role of the family, discuss family as the domestic Church and cell of society. This discussion must focus on how these two themes provide the atmosphere in which parents are the primary religious educators of their children. Include the parish/school's role in supporting this premise.

THE 692: Catechetical Methods II (Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, OSF)

Outline and briefly discuss the following:

  1. the catechetical endeavor and liturgical practice
  2. the catechetical endeavor and inculturation

THE 694N: Catechetical Practice Today (Prof. Barbara Morgan)

Produce an outline for a model of adult catechesis OR family catechesis in a parish, incorporating salient principles from the most applicable magisterial catechetical documents.

THE 711: NTW: Discipleship and Mission in Luke-Acts (Dr. Andrew Minto)

Select one passage from the gospel of Luke and one passage from the Acts of the Apostles that present one of the two motifs (Discipleship & Mission) and explain them by examining the following:

  1. The literary context of the passage and its place in and contribution to the plot line of the book.
  2. How the passage treats or presents the motif, its features.
  3. How the motif interacts with the journey or prophecy/fulfillment or conflict motifs.
  4. Any other exegetical details that are pertinent.
  5. How this passage contributes to the Lucan theological concepts of discipleship or mission.

THE 721: Christian Spirituality (Dr. Mark Miravalle)

  1. Discuss the transition between the Prayer of Acquired Recollection and the Prayer of Infused Contemplation as treated in the Teresian grades of prayer;
  2. And explain how this prayer transition exemplifies the ascetical-mystical transition in the bridge from the Purgative Way to the Illuminative Way.

THE 722: Frs & Drs: 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 740A: TI: Theology of the Laity (Fr. Bevil Bramwell, OMI Ph.D.)

Write an essay on Congar's presentation of the participation of the laity in the priestly, prophetic and kingly functions of the Church. Be sure to deal with both the theoretical and practical points which he makes.

THE 740C: QCT: Power, Justice, and Mercy (Prof. Kevin Miller)

There are no graduate students in this course per Prof. Miller.

THE 740D: TI: Canon Laws of Marriage (Prof. Philip Gray)

Using Genesis 1-3, Matthew 19:1-15, Ephesians 5:21-33, and canons 1055-1057:

  1. Identify the essential elements and properties of marriage.
  2. Explain these elements and properties in relation to conjugal love.

Provide a practical example of how these elements and properties are lived out in marriage.

THE 740N: TI: Bioethics (Prof. Brian Scarnecchia)

Discuss "embryo adoption" (the implantation of a third-party frozen embryo that would otherwise be killed into the womb of woman in order that she may save and adopt the child). Consider the Church's teaching on marriage, in vitro fertilization, and the right to life in light of Christian moral principles. Is this procedure an intrinsically evil act? Why/why not? If not, is it ever morally obligatory? What would you advise?

THE 780: Scripture, the Heart of Catechesis (Prof. Barbara Morgan)

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.

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