Credits
1.0
The approach of the course will be threefold: 1) a study of the historical development of ecclesial structures with special emphasis on understanding the ecclesiology of the second Vatican Council. This will include, a discussion of some pertinent issues arising from the Council such as the magisterium, collegiality, and ministry; 2) an understanding of the diverse ‘theologies’ of Church through some of the primary images and models in which it understands itself; and 3) an attempt to understand the ecumenical emphasis of Vatican II that has given rise to a renewed interest in interdenominational—interreligious dialogue, mission and inculturation, and the emergence of contextual approaches such as the feminist and liberationist methodologies.
Basic Degree:
Advanced Degree:
A detailed course schedule is available for download.
Week 1
Definitions, Introduction To Models Of Church, Towards A Systematic Ecclesiology
Week 2
The Church Of The New Testament – Models: Church As Sacrament
Week 3
The Church In The Early And Middle Ages – Models: Church As Mystical Communion
Week 4
The Divided Church: Eastern Schism/ Protestant reformation – Models: Church as Herald/ Trent
Week 5
The Authorative Church: Infallibility – Models: Church As Institution/ Mohler’s Two Ecclesiologies
Week 6
Vatican Council II: Lumen Gentium – Models: Community Of Disciples
Week 7
The Social Church: Vatican Council Ii: Church In The Modern World – Models: Church As Servant
Week 8
The Church As One And Many, Marks Of The Church
Week 9
The Charismatic Church: Ministry And Mission
Week 10
The Church in Dialouge: Foundations for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue
Week 11
Political Ecclesiologies: Feminist/Liberation
Week 12
Inculturation, Role of Mary and Finality of the Church