THE 502: Theological Foundations (Dr. Scott Hahn)

Discuss the nature of theology as a spiritual science of the supernatural mysteries of faith. What are the two (2) chief mysteries and how do they relate to the other mysteries? What is the proper relationship between faith and reason in the task of theologizing? What are the "three channels of revelation," according to Doronzo, and how are they interrelated? What is the proper place of Scripture in the science of theology, and how should theologians regard the authors of Scripture, according to Ratzinger? Briefly explain how the Enlightenment altered this conception of theology as a science of faith; then, by way of illustration, briefly discuss three post-Enlightenment theological movements which exemplify the adverse affects of this alteration. Finally, briefly explain the closely related ideas of divine accommodation and the economy of salvation; how do these reflect the proper and specific form of theology as a science?

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THE 502B: 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?

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THE 503: Historical Foundations (Dr. Kimberly Georgedes)

Discuss the importance of the study of history to the study of theology. In conjunction with the discussion in relative detail discuss one example each from the Patristic Period (to A.D. 600), the Medieval Period (A.D. 600-1500) and the Early Modern to Modern Period (A.D. 1500-Present), in which the historical circumstances precipitated or even necessitated a response from the Church with regard to the development of doctrine, dogma, the institutional church, or any other relevant factor.

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THE 503GA: Historical Foundations (Dr. Alan Schreck)

STUDY BOTH QUESTIONS AND THE PROCTOR WILL CHOOSE ONE

1. Certain key issues emerged in the main eras of the 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 listed 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 natures or
      2. the development of the Papacy
         
          
   2. Medieval period (800-1500 A.D.) either:
      1. Church-State relations, especially the "lay investiture" crisis or
      2. the emergence, rise, and decline of "Scholastic" theology
         
          
   3. The Reformation and Counter-reformation (1500-1750 A.D.) either:
      1. the basic objections against Catholicism of the various Protestant reformers
      2. the Council of Trent's response to Protestantism and how it shaped the subsequent history of Catholicism
         
          
   4. The "Modern" era (1750 A.D. - present) either:
      1. impact of Enlightenment thought on Christianity
      2. significant movements of renewal in the Church (Catholic and Protestant) in this era
         
         
2. If you had to select the 10 most important events in Church history after the apostolic age (1st century), which would you choose? Explain and defend your choices.

1. Show how a good counselor or spiritual director needs empathy (not sympathy or antipathy) and yet needs to keep the ego boundaries intact between himself and his counselee.

   OR

2. Spell out the grades of contemplative prayer and discuss the various purifications that accompany those stages.

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.
2. Contrast Patristic and Medieval celebrations of the Eucharist, and show how the Reformation and Counter Reformation reactions grew out of this historical background.

1. parish pastoral organization and planning
2. the catechetical endeavor and liturgical practice
3. a comprehensive catechist training plan

Genesis 2:4b - 25

Genesis 3:1-19

Genesis 4:1-16

1. Discuss briefly the significant areas of the work of the Holy Spirit, as seen in some key texts (of your choice) from both the old and the New Testament.
2. Describe and compare the presentation of the Holy Spirit in the writings of St. Basil of Caesarea, St. Augustine, and St. Bernard of Clairvaux.

The presupposition of many of the problems discussed in class is that God immediately causes every effect, or, expressed otherwise, that God is operative in every other act. What reasons can be given for this position, and how can one avoid saying that creatures have no actions whatsoever (that is, how can one say that God and creature cooperate to produce an effect)?

(STUDENT MAY CHOOSE 1)

1. St. Francis of Assisi admonished his friars "to work in such a manner as not to destroy the spirit of prayer and devotion to which all temporal things should be subservient." As it was challenging for the medieval friar to maintain a contemplative spirit while active in the world, so is it for the modern Christian. Saint Bonaventure's Journey of the Mind into God provides a plan by which the educated Christian might be elevated from reflection upon creation to the contemplation of the Triune God.
   1. Explain the doctrine of exemplarity which underlies Bonaventure's plan.
   2. Discuss the prerequisites and conditions for the contemplative journey.
   3. Describe in some detail the steps by which Bonaventure would have the soul mount to the contemplation of God.

    

2. The apocalyptic thought of Joachim of Fiore and its influence upon the Franciscans has been widely studied and is not without interest in these waning days of the millennium.
   1. Explain the development of Joachim's thought by Gerard of Borgo San Donnino and the crisis which it caused, the involvement of Blessed John of Parma, and St. Bonaventure's handling of this affair.
   2. Explain Bonaventure's philosophy/theology of history
   3. Was Bonaventure a latent Joachimite? Explain

What are the chief reasons why many scholars have argued that it is permissible to reject for "good reasons" a teaching of the Church that is not infallibly proposed. Give a brief response to each of these reasons.

May also be listed as THE 700GA

QUESTION I

1. Explain sufficiently what is meant by the "Moral Determinants of a human act" and how they are seen to interact with each other, as well as providing the rationale behind the dictum, "the end does not justify the means."
2. Explain what is meant by the "Natural Moral Law," and show how St. Thomas Aquinas provides an understanding of its formulation into various levels of precepts, some of which admit of further development.

QUESTION II

1. What is the rationale behind the "Principle of Double Effect;" and the conditions that are required for its legitimate use?
2. What is the rationale behind the "Principle of Cooperation" and clearly distinguish between the various kinds.

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.

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.

Explain as fully and as precisely as you can why a proposition is understood as a timeless entity. What arguments can be offered for propositions in this sense? Why is the ideal existence of essences required for the necessary truth of some propositions? Explain your answer by showing how the existence of forms in the human mind is not compatible with the necessary truth of a timeless proposition.

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