THEOLOGY DEPARTMENT
Faculty
Rev. Michael R. Carey, O.P., J.D., S.T.D., Department Chair
Joel Barstad, Ph.D.
Rev. Gerald Beigel, S.T.D.
Sr. Esther Mary Nickel, R.S.M., Ph.D., S.L.D.
Rev. Christopher Hellstrom, S.T.L.
Rev. Florian Martin-Calama, S.T.L.
Rev. Chrysostom Frank, Ph.D.
Sean Innerst, Ph.D. Candidate
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D.
Michael Woodward, Ph.D.
Course Descriptions
1510 Introduction to Liturgy (2 credits)
This course is an introductory study of the origins, developments, and doctrines that have shaped the rituals and worship of the Church and give them their meaning. This course surveys the history of liturgy from its Scriptural origins to the reforms of today in both Eastern and Western Churches. It looks at the structures, laws, and theology of liturgical celebration, especially at the biblical typologies that give meaning to liturgical signs and actions. Special attention is given to liturgical time as manifest in the cycles of the week, the year, and the daily Liturgy of the Hours. 1550 Sacred Art (2 credits)
Using select historical examples, this course introduces students to the theological and liturgical principles that inspired and governed Christian visual arts in their formative moments. It is not a conventional art history survey course, but focuses on three paradigmatic areas: the Art of the Christian Book, the Art of the Icon, and the Architecture of Cathedrals. The first part of the course explores the history and meaning of Gospel illuminations as practiced in Celtic and Armenian traditions; the second considers the canonical tradition of Byzantine and Russian icons; the third studies the genius of Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals. These areas and examples are chosen not only as exemplary of principles, but as witnesses to a common tradition in which identity is apparent even in the midst of great cultural diversity. Against this background of theological principle and historical example,students are challenged to reflect on the contemporary vocation of sacred artists. 2530 Introduction to Theology (2 credits)
Normally taken by students during the pre-theologate cycle, this course is an introduction to theology as the Christian re- flection on the mystery of God. The first part of this course introduces the relationship between the relationship between plurality and unity in Catholic theology. It then traces the various understandings and practices of theology as they emerged over the centuries from the patristic period to the present. Part two of the course explores questions surrounding the religious discourse and meaning within the context of the emergence of post-modernity. Part three deals with issues for Catholic theology raised by the new post-modern environment. 2540 Theology of the Body (2 credits)
Presupposing the catechesis given by Pope John Paul II, this course further examines the theology of the body. We will explore themes from Sacred Scripture, the Fathers, and the later theological tradition with reference to issues including sexual identity, masculinity, the sexual urge, and temperance, especially as these are related to priestly celibacy. 3120 Fundamental Theology (3 credits)
Fundamental Theology studies Christian Revelation as found in Scripture, Tradition, the living Magisterium. The guiding council document is Dei verbum. Christ is the author, center, fullness and sign of revelation. The course will deal with revelation, the signs for the acceptance of Revelation, the grace of faith, and our obedience of faith. The primordial sign is Christ Himself, his teaching, miracles, resurrection, who reveals to us the Father in the Spirit and his plan of salvation. The Church by guiding the faithful handing on of Revelation, its reception in faith, and the theological development of Revelation develops Christian theology. 3125 Baptism and Confirmation (3 credits)
This course gives the student a general understanding of sacramental theology and a specific understanding of the theology and liturgies of Baptism and Confirmation. The course has three components: general sacramental theology, the theology of baptism and confirmation, and the liturgies of baptism and confirmation. General sacramental theology will place the sacraments in the context of the mysterion of God's saving economy. The use of mysterion and sacramentum and the sacramental principle will be explained and defined. The relation of the sacraments to Christ and His Church are examined, along with the origin of the seven sacraments, the sacraments as a sign and cause of grace, as well as the effects of the sacraments, and the minister and recipients of the sacraments. Sacramentals will be introduced. The component comprising the theology of Baptism and Confirmation will study the themes of baptism and confirmation in the Old Testament and New Testament, dimensions of the baptismal mystery, the necessity and effects of baptism, and theological reflection on infant baptism. The theology of confirmation is examined biblically and historically. The liturgies the Baptism of Children, the RCIA and the Rite of Confirmation are studied. 3230 Patristics (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to the concept of “Fathers of the Church” and to the significance of the patristic tradition. It provides a survey of the lives, teachings, historical and cultural context, and significant texts of the Fathers of the Church and other ancient Christian writers. It covers the period from the Apostolic Fathers to the 7th Ecumenical Council. With this patristic tradition, which is unique, irreplaceable, perennially valid, and foundational for the development of all later theology, an understanding of the Church's theological vision is established. 3250 Trinity: The One and Triune God (4 credits)
This course is a historical and theological study of the central Christian confession that the one God is Father, Son, and Spirit. Attention is given to the triadic character of the Church's worship, theology, and spirituality, which has grown out of the apostolic tradition. The course will focus on the conciliar articulation articulation of orthodox Catholic Trinitarian doctrine in the early centuries, later historical developments, some examples of contemporary Trinitarian theology, and the triadic structure of Church life and the pastoral application of Trinitarian faith in today's world. 3270 Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist (2 credits)
This course is designed to provide the students with a systematic study of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. An initial presentation of significant Eucharistic documentation in Sacred Scripture is followed by an overview of the development of the celebration of the Eucharist in the early Church. The second portion of the course underlines the Patristic and Medieval developments of Eucharistic doctrine. These presentations are followed by a study of the Council of Trent and the Second Vatican Council. The final portion of the course highlights the celebration and the Adoration of the Holy Eucharist to prepare the students to study the Encyclical Letter of Pope John Paul II: Ecclesia et Eucharistia and the subsequent Instruction on the Eucharist: Redemptionem Sacramentum. 4115 Christology (3 credits)
This course provides a comprehensive survey of Christology. It begins with the scriptural foundation of the Church's faith in Jesus Christ and then considers the historical development of that faith through the centuries. The final part of the course takes a systematic look at the whole, brought into focus by critical questions of the present, especially the question of the uniqueness and universality of Jesus Christ. 4120 Moral Theology I (3 credits)
This class is the first part of a two-semester study of Fundamental Moral Theology. There are four basic sections to the course. In the first section, seminarians examine the anthropological foundations of the science of moral theology, particularly the human person's call to beatitude. In the second section, we undertake a detailed study of the human act and the sources for determining the morality of human acts. The third section of the course covers the topics of sin, conscience, and the passions, and introduces the topic of virtue and its importance in the moral life (the second semester course in Fundamental Moral Theology will offer an indepth study of virtue). The final section of the course offers an overview of the three branches of moral theology: sexual ethics, bioethics, and Catholic social teaching. 4125 History of the Church I (3 credits)
Asurvey of the history of the Church from the beginning to the fall of Constantinople (1453). This will include an examination of the historical development of ecclesial structures, theology, worship, spirituality, evangelization, church-state relations, etc. Emphasis will be placed to the “Great Church” (Latin and Greek), but attention will also be paid to “Lesser Eastern” Churches, e.g., Armenian, Coptic and Syrian. The ongoing process of inculturation as the Church and her faith are transmitted to and within various cultural contexts will be used as a continuing point of reference, while socio-political history will be used to provide a structure for placing ecclesiastical developments in context. 4135 Sacrament of Matrimony (2 credits)
This course offers an historical, theological, and pastoral study of the sacramentality of the sacrament of Matrimony.This will require an examination of the understanding of Matrimony in its role within the economy of salvation, as part of the mysterion of God. Early Fathers of the Church and the Scholastics will lay the groundwork for a discussion of magisterial teachings. The works of Pope Pius XII, Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II will be especially developed. A commentary on the current Marriage Rite will be undertaken. 4210 Moral Theology II (3 credits)
This second part of a two-semester treatment of fundamental moral theology surveys the primary moral and theological virtues, their subsidiary virtues, and the vices opposed to them. This is done with reference to the Beatitudes and Gifts of the Holy Spirit, which, together with the virtues, are proposed as means to the spiritual growth and transformation of the human person. 4240 History of the Church II (3 credits)
This course covers the period from the Fall of Constantinople in 1453 to the emergence of Post-Modernity in the later half of the 20th century. The history of the Church is traced against the backdrop of significant social, cultural and political developments, such as the Renaissance, Protestant Reformation, wars of religion, the Enlightenment, revolutions and the emergence of Communism. The course explores how Christianity has shaped and been influenced by the world around it. Attention is given to important events in the life of the Catholic Church, including colonial expansion and Catholic missions in Asia and the New World, the Councils of Trent, Vatican I, Vatican II, and the rise of ecumenism. The course ends with a look at the waning of Christianity in what is now a post-Christian West and the resurgence of Christianity in other parts of the world as a new “global Christianity” emerges out of Africa, Asia and Latin America. 5120 Theological Anthropology and Eschatology (4 credits)
This course is a study of man's relationship to God as it is affected by grace. We will examine man as created, fallen, justi- fied, and glorified. This will require an investigation of the following issues: creation, sanctifying grace and original justice, predestination and actual grace, justification, and eschatology. 5125 Bioethics and Sexual Ethics (3 credits) This course surveys the Church's teaching on bioethics and sexual ethics. The ground of this teaching is the dignity of the human person as created in the image of God and the human vocation to communion. Within this perspective, the Church's teaching on bioethical issues is considered, focusing on “beginning of life” and “end of life” issues such as abortion, infertility therapies, neonatal care, experimentation on human subjects, stem cell research, euthanasia, organ transplantation, and care of the dying. From the same ground of theological anthropology, the Church's teaching on sexual ethics is also considered, demonstrating how sexual norms guide human freedom toward the true fulfillment of the human person. Among the specific topics of sexual ethics that are addressed are: chastity, contraception, natural family planning, and the moral evaluation of premarital, extramari-tal and homosexual activity. The goal of this course is twofold. First, to clarify the ethical principles drawn from the Catholic tradition that are applicable in the field of bioethics, to enable the student to undertake moral analysis of specific human choices and actions that bear upon the goods of health and human life, and to equip the student with the tools to present the Church's teaching on bioethics in pastoral settings. Second, to demonstrate the reasonableness of the Church's teaching on human sexuality, and to enable the student to present the Church's teaching on sexual morality with clarity and conviction in a pastoral setting. 5130 American Church History (2 credits)
The living Church continually interacts with the world around her, shaping that world and, in turn, being shaped by it in various ways. As the first Europeans to encounter the New World, Catholics have set the direction of such interaction. How did the Church adapt to conditions in America? What were her successes and failures in missions to the indigenous peoples? How is the Church in the United States unique, and what contributions has she made to the Church universal? What have been the struggles of the Church in Colorado, and how do they bear on our ministry today? These are some of the questions to be discussed in this course. We will pay particular attention to the formative years and missions, to conflicts and difficulties and the people who struggled to overcome them. 5190 Celibacy and Contemplation (2 credits - elective)
The ordained priesthood of the Roman Catholic Church has observed an ancient tradition of priestly celibacy, possibly since apostolic times. This ancient observance is called into question today in theory and practice. For men discerning the priesthood, the question is primarily existential and spiritual: How is celibacy fulfilling and worthwhile? This course attempts to address this question by exploring the primary purpose of celibacy in terms of service of the Lord and devoting time to prayer. The ancient Church connected continence and contemplation. The answer to the existential question of fulfillment lies in rediscovering this vital connection. We will survey the history, development of theological understanding, and contemporary discussions by lecture, discussion and guided research. 5220 Ecclesiology (3 credits)
This course begins with a study of the origin of the Church in the mystery of the Trinity. There is a particular focus on the preparation of the Church in the Old Testament. Then we focus on Christ's establishing the Church and the work of the Holy Spirit. We will examine the three analogies that define the Church: People of God, Body and Bride of Christ, Temple of the Holy Spirit. We will examine the properties of the Church as One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic. We will take up the different vocations in the Church: bishops, priests, laity and religious. We will study the questions connected with the Magisterium. Finally, we will examine the mission of the Church and the Marian dimension of the Church. 5230 Catholic Social Teaching (2 credits)
This course examines the development of the modern “social question” and the Church's teaching on social issues. The Vatican II document, Gaudium et Spes, and the social encyclicals are analyzed in order to grasp the principles and vision that support the Church's social teaching. The application of this teaching with regard to the economy, the state, and various social issues is then considered. 5240 Sacrament of Holy Orders (2 credits)
This course presents a systematic and historical study of Orders: the scripture texts, patristic sources, and subsequent development of dogma, leading up to the contemporary synthesis given in Presbyterorum Ordinis and other post-conciliar teaching. The development and theology of the three degrees of the sacrament of Orders is examined, with emphasis on the configuration to Christ, the Head and Shepherd of the Church, in His threefold office of priest, teacher, and pastor in the life of all who are ordained. 5280 Theology of Sacrifice (2 credits - elective)
The primary effort of this seminar is to look at the sacrifi- cial aspects of the Paschal Mystery as articulated in Scripture, liturgy, and patristic and scholastic theology. Secondarily, it will bring that tradition into conversation with the very interesting work of Rene Girard. The instructor will not be setting forth a particular thesis, but inviting students to join in an exploratory expedition, the theological analog of a field biology course in which students will gain, first, deeper knowledge of one aspect of the Tradition, and, second, the confidence that comes from using that knowledge to address questions and proposals raised by a serious thinker whose provocative views arise from an intelligent reflection on human experience and thus provide an occasion for re-reading and re-appropriating the Tradition in the light of worthwhile questions. 6105 Spiritual Theology (2 credits)
This systematic presentation of Spiritual Theology provides the theological background for spiritual direction and formation in parochial ministry. This course explores spiritual theology as the completion of moral theological consideration, bringing the principles of Christian living to bear on the question of Christian perfection. In addition to a survey ofthe major spiritual traditions, lecture topics include the indwelling of the Trinity, nature of Christian perfection, transformation in Christ, liturgy, prayer, Mary, the means to spiritual maturity appropriate for the various states and stages of life, and the meaning of human suffering and death. 6110 Sacrament of Healing (2 credits)
(Prerequisites: Sacramental Theology or Baptism and Confirmation) This course includes a history of the doctrinal and liturgical development of the Sacraments of the Anointing of the Sick and Penance from the New Testament to contemporary rituals. An analysis of the current state of doctrine and liturgical law will provide principles with which to evaluate the merits of current pastoral practices. The course offers a theology of hope to be applied in the ministry through a survey of the doctrinal development of indulgences in the Church, the pastoral care of the sick, and the funeral liturgy. 6140 Evangelization and Ecumenism (3 credits)
This course combines the two pastoral imperatives of evangelization/ faith formation and ecumenism. In the first half of this course students study the nature and parochial application of the ministry of the Word from the standpoint of missiology, with particular attention to John Paul II's call for a New Evangelization, as well as getting a brief introduction to the theory and methods of parochial catechesis. The second half of the course is given to a brief study of the sad divisions in Christianity and the more recent overtures to repair those divisions, as well as the modern dialogue between the Catholic Church and non-Christian religious bodies. It is hoped, too, that this course will foster an increased admiration for the gifts of our separated brethren and those of other faiths. 6210 Mariology (2 credits)
This course surveys the position of the Mother of God in the economy of salvation: her typological precursors in the Old Testament; their fulfillment in the historical Mary of the New Testament; the eastern and western patristic commentaries and liturgical references with the history of dogmatic development; Mary, Mother of God; the perpetual virginity of Mary; the Immaculate Conception; and Mary's Assumption into heaven. A consideration of Mary, Mother of the Church, and focus on Marian spirituality and devotion completes the study of Mary's person and mission. 6220 Synthetic Seminar (3 credits)
The seminar for theological synthesis reviews and consolidates the main topics in theology studied over the entire four-year program of theological studies. This seminar also prepares students for the Comprehensive Examination in the areas of Sacred Scripture, Fundamental, Dogmatic and Moral Theology. The students have the opportunity to reinforce the assimilation of the essential contents of theology as a solid basis for further research and specialization. Emphasis is placed on the task of drawing out of the previous years of theological study the unity and coherence characteristic of the gospel message. 6250 The Mass and Roman Missal (2 credits)
This course treats certain aspects of the history and theology of the Holy Eucharist as a liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church. The course explores the theology of sacrifice and transubstantiation with special reference to the eucharistic theology of St. Thomas Aquinas. Then, together with a close reading of the form and language of some eucharistic prayers, students examine the reform of the Mass in the last century. Finally, students discuss some issues of liturgical practice. 6280 Von Balthasar: Is Hell Empty? (2 credits - elective)
Some authors have unjustly accused Balthasar of apocatastasis, or universalism; the ultimate salvation of all rational creatures, including the fallen angels and unrepentant sinners. They ask him to answer the question: Is hell empty? Balthasar follows Catholic teaching that universalist positions are not in accord with the teaching of Christ because God will judge our good and evil conduct. Balthasar emphasizes the incalculable impact of Christ's death and descent into hell for the work of the Church, the influence of the communion of saints, and God alone as final judge of human beings.
