Christian Theology
This course is an introduction to reflection on and analysis of the Christian theological tradition.
Outcomes: Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of the tasks of Christian theology in its efforts to understand the human situation from the perspective of faith, various challenges to theology in the contemporary world, and will focus on one or more current theological issues.
Introduction to Christianity
This course is an introduction to reflection on and analysis of the Christian theological tradition.
Outcomes: Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of the tasks of Christian theology in its efforts to understand the human situation from the perspective of faith, various challenges to theology in the contemporary world, and will focus on one or more current theological issues.
Foundational Theological Knowledge
Catholic Studies
European Studies
Our purpose in this course is to develop a basic understanding of Christian theology through the engagement of its principal sources. Students will learn about theology through both cognitive and sensory approaches; they will draw upon multiple academic and historical resources, and combine them with observations within contemporary Christianity. Our in-class discussions will utilize primary texts of Christian thought and historical surveys of key moments in Christian history. Emphasis will be given to learning about Christian thought through critical, objective analyses while seeking to understand it from the position of its adherents.
Our classroom will be a safe environment. Although this course will engage Christian theology and be taught from a Christian perspective, students are NOT obliged to hold any particular religious view, Christian or otherwise. Our class is academic in nature and our assignments can be completed comfortably by people of any religious or non-religious view.
Required Texts (to be brought to each class)
McGrath, Alistair E. Christian Theology: An Introduction, sixth edition, 25th anniversary edition. Wiley-Blackwell, 2017; ISBN - 13: 978-1118869574
Ratzinger, Joseph Cardinal (Benedict XVI), Introduction to Christianity, Communio Books, San Francisco, 2004. ISBN: 978-1-58617-029-5
Multiple PDF copies of articles will be available in Sakai throughout the semester. Please have copies accessible if they are applicable to a class.
Please have electronic or hard copy of the Bible (both Old and New Testaments) available for each class. Many fine English translations are available in print or are free online, such as at http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/ or www.biblegateway.com.
Class Details
Class Availability