Theology of The Sacraments
This course studies the realities of Christian faith life as expressed in the concrete rituals of Christian communities. Sacraments are more than just mechanical ways in which to experience God in Christian liturgy - defined traditionally as "visible signs of invisible realities." Certainly, the seven sacraments of the Catholic tradition perform the central mysteries of God's gracious self communication; however, as importantly, they also introduce and articulate a way of interpreting reality. This course will not only examine the historical development, central beliefs and communal practices of the sacraments, but will also explore the "sacramental principle" as a way to illuminate the theological dynamics that are such an essential component of Catholic liturgy and Christian spirituality. Students will investigate the nature of the sacramental system in Catholic worship, identify the key concepts of "sacramentality" and explore the religious practices that are part of the living tradition of sacramental theology. Finally, students will explore how, in the end, the sacramental principle affects everything and cannot be contained. Sacramentality is a way of being, an "eventing" that reminds us how dynamic and transcendent (as opposed to static and insulated) life is. So, we will follow the clues where they lead and assess current relationships among sacramental theology, liturgy, artistic reflection, cross-cultural expression, and daily life.