Course Description:
This introductory course in theology begins with a systematic examination of the Apostles’ Creed and surveys the topics as organized by the Creed with a view to highlighting various theological issues arising from the doctrinal statements. The goal is to begin to understand the various teachings as related to one another. Topics include: creation, Trinity, Mariology, Christology, Pneumatology, ecclesiology, forgiveness and eschatology.
General Course Learning Outcomes
• Begin to understand the central elements of Catholic teaching and theology as exemplified by various statements in the Creed.
• Identify significant areas of theology and the basic theological issues arising from them.
• Engage and interpret some important theological issues in the Catholic tradition faithfully and critically
• Relate issues of contemporary thought and life to a larger Catholic theological context
Readings: 1) Select readings available for download from course website and the library digital collection.
The writers of Genesis describe through narrative what it means to be human in relation to Israel’s God and in relation to the larger created world around them. The story commences long before human life began, and proceeds through the proliferation of life on earth before narrowing to focus on a single family who are finding their way in a diverse and sometimes dangerous world.
We will read the book of Genesis
together and examine its narratives and their underlying themes. We will
examine the book’s complexity and irregularities, its puzzles, and its crucial
messages for contemporary believers living in a society disconnected from its
origins. Alongside the biblical accounts, we will read commentaries, articles,
and chapters that further elucidate Genesis’s story.
