THE 602A: Theological Foundations (Fr. Dan Pattee, TOR) (back to Index)

"Now we believe that You are something than which nothing greater can be thought." So writes St Anselm in the Proslogion. The fact that St Anselm begins by saying, "we believe," has led theologians like Karl Barth to conclude that Anselm's "ontological argument" is based solely on faith. Many scholars have disagreed with Barth's position, especially since another reason for this assertion on the part of Karl Barth was the fact that he rejected the "analogy of being" as the invention of the anti-Christ. Both of these positions of Karl Barth, as well as the alternative positions, are related to the nature of theology and the key distinction made between God and creatures within it. In light of these comments, answer the following questions:

  1. What is theology according to St Anselm and how does this definition of theology play itself out in the "ontological argument"?
  2. What is the "analogy of being" and how does this figure into the "ontological argument" itself?

THE 602B: Theological Foundations (Dr. Scott Hahn) (back to Index)

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, Athanasius, Augustine, Aquinas) employed it in their theology.

THE 603: Historical Foundations (Dr. Alan Schreck) (back to Index)

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 641A&B: Catechetics: Content & Curriculum (Prof. Ron Bolster) (back to Index)

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 its systematic presentation.

THE 645: Pastoral and Spiritual Direction (Sr. Maria J. Walsh, CSJ) (back to Index)

Write an integrated essay for each of the following:

1) Show how the human and spiritual experiences in the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola formed the foundation for The Spiritual Exercises. 2) Explain the structure and content of the "4 weeks" of The Spiritual Exercises including the Ignatian rules for spiritual desolation and spiritual consolation. 3) Elaborate on current literature in the overall field of spiritual direction from various insights, programs, retreats, books, class readings and discussion.

THE 650: Christian Liturgy (Fr. Dominic Scotto) (back to Index)

By 380 A.D. the Latin language had worked its way into the entirety of the Church's liturgical worship. Please explain this development beginning with the language of the primitive Church.

THE 660A: PI: Management and Administration in Parish and Diocese (Prof. Ronald Bolster) (back to Index)

One of the presenters made the statement, "The Church is a business." With reference to Carnegie, Shaughnessy, Nelson & Economy, Mackenzie, Maxwell, and class discussion, explain how issues of human relations, law, management and administration, far from being foreign to the Church's mission, are integral to the "business" of Catechesis and the making of disciples.

Secondarily, discuss specific ways in which each is a component of the catechetical leader's work. With reference to the Official Catholic Directory (Kennedy), Canon Law, and web-based resources if available (including the USCCB), discuss the Diocese of Steubenville, your home

diocese, or the diocese in which you expect to serve. Include "fact-sheet" information, diocesan organizational structure, and a discussion of the Bishop, his geographical and educational background, USCCB committee `assignments, and written work.

THE 660B: PI: Catechetical Saints (Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, FSGM) (back to Index)

  1. Discuss the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph as "catechetical" saints, supported by material from Redemptoris Mater and Redemptoris Custos.
  2. Discuss the elements necessary for a saint to be noted as a "Catechetical Saint". You must cite catechetical documents of the Church and then illustrate these characteristics in the life of one specific catechetical saint.

THE 660C: PI: Women's Rights Threatened at UN (Atty. Brian Scarnecchia) (back to Index)

From your experience and reflection on the writing of Pope John Paul II On the Dignity and Vocation of Women and the USCCB's The Genius of Women compare and contrast Church teaching with one or more of the 12 points of action in the Beijing Declaration reconsidered at the Beijing + 10 UN Conference you attended.

THE 678: PI: Sacramental Preparation (Prof. Scott Sollom) (back to Index)

Course Cancelled

THE 692: Catechetical Methods II (Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, FSGM) (back to Index)

  1. Discuss Truth, Beauty, and Goodness as applied in a comprehensive use of the Ecclesial Method. Answer must include specific references to art, music, and literature. Appropriate citations of magisterial documents must be made, as well as references to the work of Saward and Viladesau.
  2. Discuss inculturation in a catechetical framework. You must include a discussion of how 1 John 1 and the Liturgy make a Catholic world view possible both in the catechist and in those being catechized. Cite all pertinent magisterial documents used in class.

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

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: Gospel of John (Dr. John Bergsma) (back to Index)

The theme of nuptiality is important to the Gospel of John. Explain the OT background to the concept of Jesus as "bridegroom," including how the figures of Adam, David, and Solomon fit into this paradigm, citing the relevant OT texts. Then, in the Gospel of John, identify at least three pericopes where the nuptial motif comes to the fore. With regard to each incident, point out the nuptial details of the text. Also point out how this nuptial theme is continued in the Revelation of John, and reaches a climactic point in this book. What is theologically significant about marriage such that it forms such a consistent theme throughout salvation history, especially in the Johannine writings?

THE 721: Christian Spirituality (Dr. Mark Miravalle) (back to Index)

Discuss the transition between the Prayer of Acquired Recollection and the Prayer of Infused Contemplation as treated in the Teresian grades of prayer;

And explain how this prayer transition exemplifies the ascetical-mystical transition in the bridge from the Purgative Way to the Illuminative Way.

THE 731: Christology (Dr. Stephen Hildebrand) (back to Index)

This comp question has changed for those taking the comps June, 2006, and forward.

The proctor will choose two, from which the student may choose one.

  1. Write an essay on economic Trinitarianism. Treat the thought of Justin, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Origen, Eusebius, Arius, and Marcellus of Ancyra. Compare and contrast the thought of these figures, drawing inferences and general conclusions.
  2. Write an essay on Logos-sarx christology, tracing the development from Origen, through Arius and Eusebius, to Eustathius of Antioch, Apollinaris, and Athanasius. Be sure to explain for these thinkers the significance of Christ's human soul (or its absence).
  3. Write an essay on Logos-antropos christology, tracing it from Eusebius of Emesa and Diodore of Tarsus, through John Chrysostom, Theodore of Mopsuestia, to Nestorius.
  4. Write an essay on the Couoncil of Ephesus. Give an account of significant events and theological positions.
  5. Write an essay on the christology of Saint Thomas Aquinas. Explain in detail Aquina's technical and metaphysical language for the Incarnation and recount his understanding of Christ's unity.
  6. Write an essay on the Walter Kasper's christology. Explain his starting point(s) and outline the portrait of Christ that he builds from it.
  7. Write an essay on method in christology. Desribe what you think is proper christological method in light of the changes in the discipline over the years (especially in recent times with developments in the study of the Bible), explaining the reasons for your position and note arguments against the positions that you reject. Use concrete examples from the theologians we have studied this semester.

THE 740A: TI: Women in Christian Tradition (Prof. Patricia Donohue-White) (back to Index)

Answers are to be in essay form and should clearly illustrate a comprehensive knowledge of the relevant readings and lectures from the course as well as an ability to think clearly, critically and creatively about the subject matter. Answer One of the following:

1. Women and Holiness in the Early Church: Martyrdom, Virginity and Desert Asceticism (Texts: Brock and Harvey Holy Women of the Syrian Orient; Peterson, Handmaids of the Lord; Ward Harlots of the Desert). Your essay should include, but not be limited to, the following:

  • An analysis of martyrdom, virginity and desert asceticism as three ideals of holiness in the early church.
  • A discussion of the ways in the female body was/was not an obstacle for women in achieving these ideals.
  • Reflection on the significance of these stories for our understanding of holiness today.

2. In a Woman's Voice: Medieval Women and the Embodiment of Holiness (C. Bynum Fragmentation and Redemption and Holy Feast and Holy Fast, B. McGinn The Flowering of Mysticism and the specific woman on whom you wrote your paper). Your essay should include, but not be limited to, the following:

  • An analysis of the cultural, Eccesial, and theological factors that made possible the emergence of women's authorial voices in Medieval spirituality.
  • An analysis of the particularly embodied character of women's spiritual practices in the 13th &endash; 14th centuries, the religious meanings women attributed to these practices, and the ways in which the female body was viewed as granting privileged access to God.
  • Reflection on the significance of these writings for our understanding of holiness today.

THE 740B: TI: von Balthasar (Dr. Regis Martin) (back to Index)

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 740C: TI: Mariology II (Dr. Mark Miravalle) (back to Index)

Discuss the Franciscan thesis articulated by Bl. John Duns Scotus regarding the Absolute Primacy of Christ, and identify its immediate mariological ramifications concerning the predestination of Mary in one and the same eternal decree with the Incarnation.

THE 740D: TI: Canon Law (Fr. Whetstone) (back to Index)

Directions: Choose one from the following three questions and in your response elaborate your response in paragraph form.

Clarify in a practical fashion the respective positions of the Holy Spirit and that of the Canonist in the life of the Church, and the connection between their operations.

In Book 2 of the Code of Canon Law -- entitled the People of God -- we find within canons 208 to 223 what is commonly referred to as a Bill of Rights and Obligations. What does this mean, and in your response make reference to the canons to support your answer.

In Book 4 of the Code of Canon Law -- entitled The Sanctifying Office of the Church -- we find within its canons the regulations for divine worship. These canons reflect the liturgical renewal inaugurated at the Second Vatican Council. Give an overview of the canons regarding: Baptism, Eucharist, and Marriage. Quote the canons to emphasize your response in regards to these Sacraments.

THE 804: Philosophical Foundations of Catechesis (Dr. James Harold) (back to Index)

  1. One central theme running through Western Philosophy is the seminal idea that "intelligibility presupposes intelligence." How does this idea work its way out and develop in such figures as Anaxagoras, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine and St. Thomas? How is it denied by people like Gorgias and Protagoras, as well by religions as Mohammedism and Buddhism?
  2. What has been the impact of people like Spinoza, Voltaire, Hume, Rousseau, Kant Hegel, Comte, and Nietzsche on modernity? Is it true that "ideas have consequences"? What have been the consequences of these philosophies on the modern mind?