THE 502 A&B: Theological Foundations (Dr. Scott Hahn)Discuss the primacy of Scripture for doing Catholic theology. Briefly explain the uniqueness of Scripture in relation to the teachings of Tradition and the Magisterium. Show how all three are -- at the same time -- interdependent and equally necessary. Finally, briefly explain how the theological principle of "divine accommodation" functions in salvation history and dogmatic theology.
THE 503A: Historical Foundations (Dr. Alan Schreck)STUDY BOTH QUESTIONS AND THE PROCTOR WILL CHOOSE ONE
- 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.)
Patristic period (Christ-800 A.D.) either:
- the doctrine of the Son of God in relation to the Father, and in the Union of His divine and human natures or
- the development of the Papacy
Medieval period (800-1500 A.D.) either
- Church-State relations, especially the "lay investiture" crisis or
- the emergence, rise and decline of "Scholastic" theology.
The Reformation and Counter-reformation (1500-1750 A.D.) either
- the basic objections against Catholicism of the various Protestant reformers
- the Council of Trent's response to Protestantism and how it shaped the subsequent history of Catholicism.
The "Modern" era (1750 A.D.-present) either
- impact of Enlightenment thought on Christianity or
- significant movements of renewal in the Church (Catholic and Protestant) in this era.
- 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.
THE 503B: 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 610: Theology and Ministry of the Word (Dr. Andrew Minto)Explain one or more of the methods and/or approaches to the ministry of the word that prevail today, how these methods/approaches are deficient and addressed in Dei Verbum's Theology of revelation, and how these methods/approaches are practically overcome in one or more modalities of the ministry of the word discussed in class.
THE 650: Christian Liturgy (Rev. Dominic Scotto, T.O.R.)The oldest celebration of the Christian Eucharist took the form of a meal at least in some places and at least for a few decades. Please prove and develop this statement.
THE 660GA: Christian Marriage (Prof. Donald Asci)Write an essay on love, sexuality and chastity and how these concepts fit into a discussion of marriage. Define each of these and discuss their significance in the study of Christian marriage.
THE 675: Pastoral Perspectives on Marriage and the Family (Fr. Lawler, OFM Cap.)
- In what areas did Luther contradict traditional Catholic teaching on marriage? What were the root causes of his rejection of Catholic teaching? How did the Council of Trent respond to Luther?
- In what ways is Pope Pius XI's encyclical on marriage similar in spirit to the Pope John Paul II Apostolic Exhortation on Christian Marriage in the modern world? And in what ways are they very different?
THE 680: Applied Christian Ministry (Rev. Dr. Richard J. Tuttle)After making an outline in your blue-book, discuss the Spirituality of the Minister by defining each of these two terms and fleshing out their meaning from both our class notes and our textbooks. Make another outline in your blue-book and discuss methods: lesson plans and group management from our class notes and guest speakers plus some from observations and field experience in terms of methods as they apply to content.
THE 681: Catechetical Practicum (Rev. Dr. Richard J. Tuttle)No questions required
THE 692: Catechetical Methods II (Prof. Barbara Morgan)Outline and briefly discuss the following:
- the catechetical endeavor and liturgical practice
- the catechetical endeavor and inculturation
THE 694 A&B: 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 700: Contemporary Moral Problems (Prof. Kevin Miller)Discuss the relationship between moral philosophy and moral theology that is stated and/or implied in the writings of Pope John Paul II. In your discussion, give special attention to identifying the source(s) of John Paul's thought and situating his thought within the controversies of this century.
THE 721: Christian Spirituality (Dr. Mark Miravalle)
- 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 721GA: Western Spirituality (Prof. Donald Asci)Write an essay describing/explaining how and why the cross of Christ is at the center of western spirituality. This will require you to touch upon such ideas as the nature of the spiritual life, the imitation of Christ, grace, self-purification, sin…etc.
THE 740A: TI: Catholicism & Eastern Orthodoxy (Fr. Ray Ryland)What is, 'Eastern Orthodoxy'?
A reasonably adequate answer would explain:
- who the "Eastern Orthodox" are: be specific;
- how they came to be "Eastern Orthodox": theological, cultural, historical reasons;
- what unites them with, and what divides them from, Roman Catholicism.
THE 740B: TI: Christology in Balthasar (Dr. Regis Martin)By all accounts, the centerpiece of von Balthasar's theology is the Mystery of Holy Saturday. What exactly are we to understand by this otherwise obscure Article of Faith? And, leaving aside the doctrinal question for a moment, has it really any practical use for Christians living in the world?
THE 740C: TI: Intro. to Dogmatic Theology (Fr. Bevil Bramwell, O.M.I.)What are the underlying views of history that lead Rudolf Bultmann to treat parts of the New Testament as mythology and lead Hans Urs von Balthasar to use the New Testament as a template for the 'constellation' of the Church?
THE 740GA: Universal Catechism (Prof. Donald Asci)Write an essay on faith. What is faith? How is the person of Christ related to our understanding of the nature of faith? What is the relationship between Christian morality and faith in Christ?
THE 780A: Scripture, 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.
THE 780B: Scripture, Heart of Catechesis (Dr. Stephen Miletic)Describe in detail how Scripture is the heart of Catechesis. Be sure to include the following consideration:
- the relationship of Sacred Scripture to doctrine;
- the role of naratio to Catechesis;
- the role of lectio divina in the Catechist's personal journey of salvation and in the catechist's role as a teacher of the Word of God;
- the role of Jesus' teaching during the forty (Resurrection/Pentecost) in the formation of the Apostolic teaching. (Kevane, Jesus, the Divine Teacher)
