Open Classroom

The fall of Constantinople (1453), the publication of Gutenberg's Bible (1454), and the discovery of the Americas (1492) signaled the end of the era of Latin Christendom and the beginning of the age we call modern. This period has been shaped by the founding and steady growth of a secular replacement for Christendom, first in Europe, then in North America, and, concurrently, the spread of the Gospel and the growth of the Church in the East and the Global South. This course will offer a narrative of the modern period down to the present, ,with special emphasis on the progress of evangelization, the saints and martyrs as teachers and models of Catholic thought and life, and the Church's response to secularism.

The four canonical Gospels constitute "the principal witness for the life and teaching of the incarnate Word, our savior" (Dei Verbum 18). For believers, the highest aim of all study of the Gospels is to know Jesus Christ ever more fully. In this course, students will gain insight into how historical, literary, and theological tools can be fruitfully engaged to that end. The relationship between the Gospels and the Old Testament receives special consideration. The course primarily follows a canonical itinerary, attending to the distinctive characteristics of each of the Evangelists' portrayals of the one Lord Jesus Christ.

January 15–May 1
Cost $400
Last Day to Register: January 15

The four canonical Gospels constitute “the principal witness for the life and teaching of the incarnate Word, our savior” (Dei Verbum 18). For believers, the highest aim of all study of the Gospels is to know Jesus Christ ever more fully. In this course, students will gain insight into how historical, literary, and theological tools can be fruitfully engaged to that end. The relationship between the Gospels and the Old Testament receives special consideration. The course primarily follows a canonical itinerary, attending to the distinctive characteristics of each of the Evangelists’ portrayals of the one Lord Jesus Christ.

This course analyzes the major literary, historical, and theological issues involved with the study of St. Paul's letters. Special attention is given to the Apostle's identity as a first-century Jew, his faith in Christ the Lord, and to the way the scriptures inform his theology. Students ,will learn how to explain and synthesize key aspects of his theology (e.g., his Christology, Ecclesiology, Soteriology, Eschatology). In addition, students will learn how to evaluate and critique different views of his teachings. Finally, this course will emphasize the way Paul's pastoral concerns are driven by in-depth theological reflection. In this, students will learn how Paul provides us with a model for dealing with the challenges involved with the spiritual life, evangelization, and ministry today.

The purpose of this course is to give an in depth introduction to the first five books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah. Pertinent matters relating to history, geography and cultural backgrounds will be drawn in as needed. Questions of authorship, dating and composition will be briefly considered, but emphasis will be given to understanding how these ancient Hebrew texts work literarily. By studying the rhetorical strategy of these foundational narratives and laws, the student will be in a better position to understand the major theological themes found in the Torah, such as creation, sin, covenant, blessing, sacrifice, priesthood, and election.

Mystagogy is the ancient practice of learning to "see" the invisible Mystery made present in the visible signs of the sacraments. In this course, the Catechism and other sources of mystagogical practice serve as guides for a deeper knowledge of the plan of God made present in these wonderful gifts. After a theological and liturgical study of Christian worship, we gaze into each of the seven sacramental mysteries, learning to decode the signs they employ to dispose us better to receive what they reveal and communicate. In addition to the Catechism, texts considered include Ratzinger, Spirit of the Liturgy, and Carbon, Wellsprings of Worship.

What does it mean to be made in the image of God? This course seeks to provide the rudiments of an answer by learning from the Church's tradition of thinking theologically in company with the best available philosophical reflection. Along the way, we ,will consider some questions about human nature that are common and pressing today, including: Is life more than a chemical reaction? Is the mind more than the brain? And, can we affirm from our reflection upon common experience that the human soul is incorruptible, or does the Christian belief in the immortality of the soul repose solely upon Revelation? What does the Gospel of Jesus Christ reveal about human nature and its destiny?