THE 602A: Theological Foundations (Fr. Dan Pattee, T.O.R.)
"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)
Discuss the nature of Theology in view of this course's threefold structure; i.e., summarize the major steps in our development of an integrated approach to 1. Fundamental Theology (reason & faith), 2. Biblical Theology (Old & New Covenants) and 3. Dogmatic Theology (nature & grace). Please note: Choose two of the sections below and treat them as thoroughly and succinctly as possible.

First, briefly discuss how Fundamental Theology is based on the unity of reason and faith, drawing from the teaching of Pope John Paul II in Fides et Ratio. Also, briefly treat what human reason is capable of knowing about God and the moral law (natural theology, natural law & natural religion). Finally, briefly discuss the teachings in Dei Verbum about how God's Word is revealed -- by the Holy Spirit -- in Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium.
Second, briefly discuss how Biblical Theology is based on the unity of the Old and New Covenants, and how the divine economy unfolds in salvation history according to the divine pattern of promise and fulfillment (typology). Briefly treat the divine covenants (using a timeline); and then describe the main features of the Abrahamic or Davidic covenants, and how it is fulfilled by Christ.

Third, briefly discuss how Dogmatic Theology is based on the unity and nature and grace, by tracing its development in the patristic period (e.g. Irenaeus, oikonomia; Athanasius, theologia). Briefly show how the Nicene formula (homoousios) expresses the Church's interpretation of Scripture. Finally, briefly treat the theological synthesis of Augustine (e.g., mystagogy, Trinity, theology of history).

THE 603A: 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.)

  1. 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 nature or
    2. the reasons for the persecution of Christians and the Christian response to persecution.
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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 603B: Historical Foundations (Dr. Stephen Hildebrand)
Describe and evaluate the significant events in the history of the Church and the history of theology. The proctor will choose two time periods, from which you will choose one.

N.B.: the time periods coincide for the most part with the dates of ecumenical councils.

  1. before 150
  2. 150 - 254
  3. 250 - 313
  4. 313 - 381
  5. 428 - 451
  6. 451 - 681
  7. 681 - 870
  8. 870 - 1123
  9. 1123 - 1245
  10. 1245 - 1312
  11. 1312 - 1445
  12. 1445 - 1563
  13. 1563 - 1870
  14. 1870 - 1962


THE 610: Theology and Ministry of the Word (Dr. John Bergsma)

Course Cancelled

THE 641A: Catechetics: Content and Curriculum (Prof. Ronald Bolster)
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 Walsh, C.S.J.)

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, book reports, class handouts, and discussions.
THE 650: Christian Liturgy (Fr. Dominic Scotto, T.O.R.)
The wonderful liturgical initiatives of Pope Pius X eventually had strong, practical and pastoral effects upon the Church's liturgical life. What were those initiatives and how did they affect the Church's liturgical life.
THE 660B: PI: Catechetical Saints (Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, F.S.G.M.)b

  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.
  1. THE 660C: Mariology II (Dr. Mark Miravalle)
    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 675: Pastoral Perspectives on Marriage and Family (Dr. Regis Martin)
    Identify and discuss the three (3) great ends of marriage as traditionally taught by Mother Church. What have been some of the recent threats mounted against the traditional teaching? In what sense might Pope Paul VI's encyclical letter of Human Life (Humanae Vitae) represent an advance of understanding these mysteries of Christian marriage?

    THE 678: Sacramental Preparation (Prof. Scott Sollom)
    Discuss the laws and dimensions of the liturgy as they apply to sacramental preparation for the sacraments of initiation.

    THE 692: Catechetical Methods II (Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, F.S.G.M.)
    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/Prof. Ronald Bolster)
    Produce an outline for amodel of adult catechesis incorporating salient principles from the most applicable magisterial catechetical documents.

    THE 711: NTW: Pastoral Epistles (Dr. Andrew Minto)
    Be prepared to answer any one of the following.
    THE EXAMINER WILL CHOOSE THE QUESTION.

    1. What portrait of the apostle Paul emerges from the Pastoral Epistles and why is it significant in relation to the situation of the community of faith and to the theology of the letters?
    2. What portraits of the apostle's two delegates, Timothy and Titus, emerge from the Pastoral Epistles and why are these significant in relation to the situation of the community of faith and to the the theology of the letters.
    3. Explain the offices of the presbyteroi, episcopoi, and diakonoi in the Pastoral Epistles and compare and contrast them with the treatment they receive in Ignatius of Antioch's letters.
    4. Describe the heterodox teachers and the features of their false doctrine in the Pastoral Epistles.
    5. Describe one of the following theological topics as treated in the Pastoral Epistles:

     

    1. Soteriology
    2. Men's and Women's Roles
    3. Eschatology
    4. Theology: Who is God?
    5. Christology
    6. Pneumatology

    THE 722: Frs. & Drs.: St. Catherine of Siena and her Female Contemporaries (Prof. Patricia Donohue-White)

    Your answer is 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. The theme of the essay is:

    "Catherine of Siena and Late Medieval Female Sanctity"

    Your essay should demonstrate the ways in which Catherine of Siena is representative of the female sanctity of her period and the ways in which she is unique. It should include but not necessarily be limited to the following points:

    • An analysis of the obstacles to women's authority in the period and the ways in which women negotiated those obstacles.
    • A description of the particularly embodied character of women's spirituality in the 13th - 14th centuries and an analysis of the religious meanings women attributed to these practices.

    THE 732: Sacraments (Prof. Michael Sirilla)
    Select five complete topics from the in-class presentations (topics listed below). For each, briefly state the essential points made by the author. A brief summary, rather than a detailed explanation, is required. Then evaluate the work with clear argumentation establishing the text's assets and liabilities. Do not simply state that a point is good or bad, true or false. Provide an argument establishing why it is so.

    1. Hugh: sacraments in general
    2. Bonaventure: sacraments in general
    3. Bonaventure: efficacy of the sacraments
    4. Aquinas: sacraments in general
    5. Vorgrimler, chaps. 1-3
    6. Vorgrimler, chaps. 4 & 5
    7. Ambrose and Hugh: on Baptism
    8. Aquinas: on Baptism (NB: there were two presentations on this single topic)
    9. Vorgrimler, chaps. 6 & 7
    10. Hugh and Aquinas: Confirmation
    11. Ambrose and Hugh: the Eucharist
    12. Bonaventure: the Eucharist
    13. Aquinas: the Eucharist (NB: there were three presentations on this single topic)
    14. Vorgrimler, chap. 8
    15. Hugh on Penance
    16. Aquinas: Penance (NB: there were three presentations on this single topic)
    17. Vorgrimler, chap. 9
    18. Hugh, Aquinas, & Vorgrimler: Anointing
    19. Aquinas: Holy Orders
    20. Vorgrimler, chap. 11
    21. Hugh: Matrimony
    22. Aquinas: Matrimony
    23. Vorgrimler, chap. 12

    THE 740B: TI: Theology of Pope Benedict XVI (Dr. Scott Hahn)
    Briefly discuss the theology of Pope Benedict XVI.

    First, briefly treat his formative influences and stages of theological training and development.

    Second, briefly discuss the major themes and emphasis in the two key areas of his theological writing: Fundamental Theology (faith & reason; scripture and liturgy; exegesis & dogma) and Ecclesiology (Davidic Kingdom & Church; Israel & Gentiles, Eucharist & Communion).

    Third, briefly summarize the distinctive features of his biblical theology (e.g., critique of criticism; hermeneutic of faith; analogy vs. dialectic; biblical authors as normative theologians).