IV. Theology A. Biblical

GC OT 501
Theology of the Pentateuch
General introduction to the topic, including: creation as foundational to all further revelation; the image of God and its implications for the nature of God’s kingdom and temple presence; the primacy of covenant in all of God’s dealings.
Hugenberger M 7-9:45 Fall Meets in Boston
Niehaus R 1:15-4:15 Spring

GC OT 505
Christ in the Old Testament
A survey of selected Old Testament messianic prophecies, as well as messianic types which are identified in the New Testament as fulfilled in Christ. The emphasis will be on the interpretation of these texts within their Old Testament context.
Hugenberger Daily 9-12 January 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 22-24

GC OT 587
Biblical Theology
(description unavailable)
Niehaus M 1:15-4:15 Spring

HDS 1801/2471
Biblical Theology: Seminar
Utilizing selected sections of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible and speeches/writings of contemporary religious and political leaders as well as Supreme Court decision, this seminar will explore the problem of the use and abuse of Scripture in relation to current domestic and international issues and discuss the challenge of developing a theo-political hermeneutic that is simultaneously faithful to a religious communitys system of morals and beliefs and respectful of the US First Amendment Tradition. Prerequisite: introductory level knowledge of the Bible and/or political science. Enrollment limited to 12.
Hanson TBA Spring

WJST ST/OT 241
Suffering and Salvation: Biblical and Theological Perspectives
An investigation of the mystery of suffering from biblical, theological, and spiritual perspectives. The approach, while reflectively inter-disciplinary, will concentrate on suffering as the fundamental test for any theology and pastoral ministry.
Harrington MW 8:30-10 Fall

ANTS THEO 501F
The Western Tradition: Ethics, Social Philosophy, and Theology
Major figures and motifs in philosophy, theology, and social thought from the Bible and the Greeks to the 19th century. Recommended for students without strong philosophical or historical backgrounds as a general introduction to theological education.
Heim F 9-11:50. Fall

ANTS THEO 611F
Systematic Theology I
This course offers an examination of the main theological themes, doctrines, and/or symbols of the Christian faith and their interrelationships in classical formulation and contemporary reconstruction. The nature, architecture and sources of theology, theological method, God, Creation, Humanity, Sin, and the Problem of Evil and Suffering will be considered. Limit: 60. This course fulfills the THEO introduction requirement.
Valentin W 2-4:50 Fall

ANTS THEO 614S
Systematic Theology II
This course offers an examination of the main theological themes, doctrines, and/or symbols of the Christian faith and their interrelationships in classical formulation and contemporary reconstruction. Christology, notions of salvation, the nature and mission of the church, and Christian responses to other world religions will be considered. Limit: 60. This course fulfills the THEO introduction requirement.
Valentin W 2-4:50 Spring

ANTS THEO 712F
Screening Theology: Theology, Culture, and Film
Highlighting the desireability, possibility, and potential of theology of culture, this course will put to use the medium of film as a source for theological reflection; ministry; and cultural analysis and criticism. Bringing together theological study, a cultural studies approach, Christian church; “American” culture; and the values by which we live. Through lecture presentations, reading materials, film viewing, and class discussion, students will be encouraged to wander over the intersections of theology and culture. This course fulfills the THEO upper-level requirement.
Valentin T 2-4:50 Fall

ANTS THEO 733S
Unitarian Universalist Theology
Liberal Christian, theistic, humanistic, naturalistic, existentialist, liberationist, and Buddhist forms of UU spirituality and theological reflection in relation to the concepts of progress and process are considered.
TBA M 2-4:50 Spring

BC TH 290
The Problem of Belief in Modernity
The various critiques of religion which have emerged since the Enlightenment have raised issues which call into question the possibility of Christian faith. This course will explore several of those issues (esp. regarding the doctrines of God, creation, incarnation, and grace) in order to appreciate the truth and relevance of the critiques. It will then consider how responsible persons today can express the Christian faith in such a way as to take account of the critiques.
M Himes M 3-5:20 Fall

BC TH 393
Suffering, Politics and Liberation
This course explores the role that religious faith plays in people's experiences and responses to suffering caused by systemic injustice in societies. Through the reading of biographical and theological texts, we investigate the relationship between the practice of faith and the work for justice, questioning what various people understand religion to entail, particularly in its rituals, texts, beliefs, and authority figures, as well as what they mean by politics. We study Christianity in North and South America and Europe, as well as examples of indigenous American religion and Islam, seeking perspectives of women and men of a variety of races.
Morrill T Th 10:30 Spring

BC TH 402
Jesus Christ: History, Tradition & Interpretation
This course will lead participants in a theological investigation of the person and work of Jesus Christ. It begins by 1) tracing in broad strokes the development of the early Jesus movement; 2) reviews post-biblical controversies and the development of christological doctrine from Arius to Chalcedon; and 3) explores the challenges posed to christology by contemporary realities, such as historical consciousness, social injustice, and cultural/religious pluralism. Students will have the opportunity to examine and critique implicit christologies in art, film, and literature.
Hinsdale M 4:30-6:15 Fall

BC TH 418
Theology of Bonaventure
A study of the theology of St. Bonaventure in his short writings including the Itinerarium, the De reductione artium ad theologiam, the Breviloquium, "On the Mystery of the Trinity" and his Paris sermons including "On the gifts of the Holy Spirit", "On the Ten Commandments", and "On the Six Days of Creation."
Brown T Th 12 Fall

BC TH 456
Narrative and Theological Personhood
Stories people tell about their lives have great import for meaningful construction and ownership of identities. After considering philosophical texts relevant within contemporary critical narrative theories, this course will examine various "autobiographical" texts and how they reveal the impact of narrative in the development of theological personhood. Through reading texts by notables Boethius, Augustine, Marguerite Porete, John Henry Newman, Edith Stein, Etty Hillesum, Maya Angelou, John Caputo, M. Shawn Copeland, and Richard Kearney, we will consider not only an individual's own theological self-understanding, but also examine what insights these stories yield for a deepened theological anthropology, and for theology generally.
Sweeney Th 3-4:50 Spring

BC TH 460
Images of Man
A study of the contrasting views of man in literary, philosophical, and theological writings. An attempt to see the underlying meaning and purpose of life as found in the literary portraits of man in the works of Augustine, Heschel, Algazel, Seneca, Lucretius, Descartes, Rousseau, Nietzsche and Dostoyevsky.
Brown T Th 9a- Fall

BC TH 488
Becoming God: The Eastern Orthodox Doctrine of Deification
Deification (theosis) is the belief that a person is called to participate fully in the divine life of God. Both medieval and modern Orthodox theologians have read Scripture and the patristic tradition through this interpretive lens, which has led to a consensus of theological vision that is unique among Christians. This course will survey the development of this mystical and soteriological tradition in the works of Athanasius, Dionysius the Areopagite, Maximus the Confessor, Symeon the New Theologian, Gregory Palamas, Vladimir Lossky, Dumitru Staniloae, and Panayiotis Nellas.
Katos M 3-4:50 Spring

BC TH 509
Black Theology
This is a third level course cross-registered in Theology and in African and African Diaspora Studies. Drawing on film, music, and textual study, the course interrogates some of the ways that religion functions both as an obstacle to and an impetus for the social and existential liberation of black peoples. Special emphasis placed on the emergence and development of black theologies in the US, Caribbean, and South Africa along with their critical role in liberation movements.
Copeland Th 3-5:30 Fall

BC TH 517
The Sacramental Principle
The Christian tradition can be understood and organized in various ways. Among the central systematic principles which have provided lenses through which to see the relationship among the elements of the tradition is sacramentality. This course will explore the sacramental principle using initiation, reconciliation and Eucharist as prime instances of its functioning. The focus of the course, however, is not on particular sacramental rituals but on the sacramental vision of reality which characterizes Christianity as it is understood in the Catholic tradition.
M Himes M 3-5:20 Spring

BC TH 520
Encountering God in Classics of Spirituality
This seminar will undertake a careful reading of Classics of Spirituality from three historical contexts: Augustine's Confessions, Dante's Divine Comedy, and Teilhard de Chardin's Divine Milieu. Participants will probe the meaning and scope of transformation in Christ which each work articulates. We will seek to cull from them resources for a new Christological integration of theology and spirituality.
Imbelli M 12-1:50 Spring

BC TH 541
Understanding Church Through the Ages
This course considers key moments in ecclesiology, the Christian community's self-understanding. Beginning with its Jewish Christian roots and the broader Hellenistic world, and continuing through the patristic, medieval, reformation, and enlightenment periods, into the nineteenth and early twentieth century movements which contributed to the First and Second Vatican Councils. Lectures will review the church's history as illustrated by relevant documents of each era. There will be weekly reports, discussion and a short paper.
Kilcoyne T 4:30-6:30 Spring

BC TH 546
Christology II: On Redemption
The aim of this course is a systematic understanding of soteriology, the Christian doctrine of redemption, as mediated by Jesus Christ and especially by the "Paschal mystery" of his death and resurrection. The notions of sacrifice, ransom, satisfaction, expiation, and atonement will be considered, as will the relationship of soteriology to the theology of grace, the Trinity, and creation. Emphasis will fall on primary texts: the biblical data, Patristic and Scholastic explanations, and contemporary treatments. The material complements TH 503, but the course may be taken separately. Students who are unsure of their preparation should consult the instructor.
Hefling Th 2-3:50 Spring

BC TH 617
Heidegger and Lonergan
We will concentrate on the early Heidegger's lectures on St Augustine and on Aristotle, read sections of Newman's Essay in Aid of a Grammar of Assent, and then work on Lonergan, especially Insight, as well as essays early and late.
Lawrence M 4:30-6:15 Spring

BC TH 618
Development of Theology as a Scientific Discipline in the Middle Ages
A historical study of the way the monastic reading of the Scriptures developed into the university discipline of theology. The course examines the roles played by Scripture, by patristic and medieval authorities, and by philosophy in theological inquiry during the medieval period. The sources for this study are the translated primary texts from Robert Melun to Luther.
Brown W 12-:150 Fall

BC TH 625
Magisterium and Theology
The course will focus on the holders and exercise of teaching authority in the Catholic Church, and on the role of theologians in weighing and interpreting documents of this magisterium.
Sullivan W 3-4:50 Spring

BC TH 636
Seven Theological "Classics"
This course, conducted as a seminar, will devote two sessions to each of seven important texts from the Christian tradition of "systematic," "philosophical," and "speculative" theology. These may include works of Anselm, Thomas Aquinas, Athanasius, Barth, Calvin, Irenaeus, John of Damascus, Newman, Schleiermacher, or other authors as determined by the instructor. Discussion will emphasize "methodological" issues--what each author is doing by saying what he says. Students who enroll will be responsible for preparing brief seminar papers and distributing them in advance.
Hefling Th 2-3:50 Fall

BC TH 661
The Church in Scripture and Creed
The first part of this course will focus on the Church as witnessed in the New Testament. The second part will focus on the Church professed in the Creed as "one, holy, catholic and apostolic." Here special attention will be given to the ecclesiology of the Second Vatican Council.
Sullivan W 3-4:50 Fall

BC TH 796
Catholic Systematic Theology II: Karl Rahner and Hans Urs von Balthasar
Systematic Theology seeks to develop deeper insight into the salvific meaning and truth of the Christian faith. It explores that faith as an organic whole, treating the full range of the Christian mysteries, their inner coherence and harmony. This year the course will focus Rahner's Foundations of Christian Faith, supplemented by von Balthasar's Love Along.
Imbelli W 10-12 Spring

BC TH 957
Theology as Political
We will read Aristotle's Politics, and selections from Leo Strauss, Eric Voegelin, Johann Baptist Metz, and Graham Ward, as well as a couple of my own essays. We will emphasis not merely cultural critic, but also responsible constitutionalism, as well as the problems of political theology in a faith without a theologico-political project.
Lawrence M 4:30-6:20 Fall

BC TH 511
Jesus the Christ: Who Do You Say I Am?
Participants will investigate the theological meaning of Jesus as the Christ. They will survey Christological writings from the New Testament to the present with attention to key moments in the theological understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Special attention will be given to contemporary Christologies. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the ministry of Jesus, the meaning of the cross and resurrection, the universality of Jesus as savior and the pastoral implications resulting from Christological conclusions. By the end of the course, which is conducted entirely online, participants will be able to articulate their Christological framework and its roots in Scripture and Tradition. The course is available on a password protected Web site. It is not necessary to be online any particular day or time.
Radtke Online Fall

BC TH 644
Foundations of Theology: A Pastoral Perspective
A graduate-level introduction, this course will provide an overview of contemporary Christian theology, introduce basic theological constructs, consider theological methods, and investigate the sources that contribute to the construction of theological positions. The course is designed to explore foundational concepts of God, Christ, the human, and the world from a pastoral perspective.
Griffith Th 9:45-11:50 Fall

BC TH 644
Foundations of Theology: A Pastoral Perspective
Hybrid Course This course is presented in an online/on-campus format. There will be six meetings on campus. In addition, students are expected to participate in online discussion guided by focus questions and based on course readings. A graduate level introduction, this course will provide an overview of contemporary Christian theology. It will probe the great questions, arising out of human experience, that provoke theological reflection and will explore theological themes such as the triune God, Christ, revelation and faith, conversion and grace. We will be attentive in our investigation to theological methodology, how Scripture and Tradition shape theological discourse and are given normative expression in doctrine and dogma, and the pastoral and ecclesial contexts for doing theology. Campus meeting dates TBA.
Radtke T 4:30-6:30 Spring

BC TH 647
Sacraments in the Life of the Church
This course offers an introduction to the sacramental life of the church with a view to pastoral practice. The beginning few weeks we will focus on foundational elements of Roman Catholic sacramental theology. In subsequent 2-3 week segments, we will discuss sacraments of initiation, healing and vocation, inviting other Theology faculty to address the sacraments from their areas of expertise. These days will include sacraments and religious education; sacraments and spirituality; sacraments and pastoral care; and sacraments and ethics. The course will invite students into a fruitful and creative dialogue between contemporary ecclesial experience of the sacraments and the Catholic theological and liturgical tradition.
Bader F 10-12 Fall

BC TH 739
Christology
In this course, participants will undertake a theological investigation of the person and work of Jesus Christ. It will consist of a survey of the Christologies of the New Testament, the patristic and conciliar teaching on the person of Jesus Christ, and the insights of selected classical and contemporary Christologists. Participants will also probe current Christological issues such as the question of Jesus' self-knowledge, the cross of Jesus and the mystery of human suffering, liberationist and feminist approaches to Christology, and the issue of the universality of Christ's saving work.
Ritt Th 4:30-6:30 Fall

BC TH 767
Hispanic Ministry Seminar I: Theological Foundations
As the church in the United States becomes more culturally, racially and ethnically diverse, it becomes imperative that those preparing for ministry understand the different cultural contexts in which they will practice. This course is Part I of a year-long seminar designed for those in the Hispanic Ministry concentration but open to all IREPM and Theology Department students. Topics this semester include the methodology of contextual theology, God, Christology, theology of the human person, ecclesiology, the theology of Mary and social justice. The aim of this course is to familiarize the student with the various elements of systematic theology (which they are studying in more depth in other courses) from the perspectives of the U.S. Hispanic/ Latino/a Catholic context.
Ospino T 4:15-6:45 Fall

BC TH 785
Theology, Spirituality, and the Body
Issues of embodiment relating to theology, spirituality and ministry form the substance of this course. We will probe understandings of the body found in the historical Christian tradition and draw insights from contemporary theology, philosophy, psychology and social theory. Finally, we will examine the role of the body in lived Christian faith with a particular emphasis on spirituality, liturgy, education and pastoral care.
Griffith Th 10-12:20 Spring

BC TH 790
Historical Resources for a Contemporary Spirituality
This course will survey historical “classics,” examining the generative themes that are suggestive for our time and foundational in the construction of a contemporary spirituality. Authors will include Augustine, Benedict, Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila, Ignatius of Loyola, Catherine of Genoa, John of the Cross, Francis and Clare. Thematic questions will be brought to the reading of core texts. The course is taught with an eye toward leadership in spiritual formation.
Griffith T 12-2 Fall

BC TH 791
Twentieth Century Classics in Spirituality
This course will survey modern "classics," examining the generative themes that are suggestive for our time and foundational in the construction of a contemporary spirituality. Authors will include Thomas Merton, Evelyn Underhill, Teilhard de Chardin, Dorothy Day, Annie Dillard, Johannes Baptist Metz and Martin Buber. The course is taught with an eye toward leadership in spiritual formation. (TH 790.01 is not a prerequisite for TH 791.01.)
Griffith T 12-2 Spring

BU STH TT 704
Theology I: History of Christian Theology
A survey of the major philosophers of the West whose thought has contributed to the development of Christian theology. One-hour study section is required.
Green TTh 9:30-11 Spring

BU STH TT 751
Asian Religion: Health and Wholeness in Asian Religions
This course examines Asian religions in their theoretical and practical dimensions, focusing especially on their visions and methods regarding physical health and spiritual wholeness. We will look at the history and major sacred texts of five main Asian relisions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, and Shinto. In each case we will ask how they understand the human condition and what ways they see to transform and/or transcend it. (This is a 7 week Distance Education On-Line course, first in a series of four courses leading to a certificate in Asian Religions and Healing.)
Kohn Online Fall

BU STH TT 752
Asian Religion: Body Cultivation
The class will examine the body geography of traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine and then focus on the body cultivation practices of Yoga and Daoism, in all cases relating the practical methods to western scientific understanding. (This is a 7-week Distance Education On-Line course, second in a series of four courses leading to a certificate in Asian Religions and Healing.)
Kohn Online Fall

BU STH TT 753
Asian Religion: Meditation
The class will introduce and examine various forms of Eastern meditation and instruct students in their history, worldview, psychological effects, and contemporary setting. Students will learn to distinguish the different types of mediation and ask critical questions of any group, organization, or school that presents a specific practice. (This is a 7-week Distance Education On-Line, third in a series of four courses leading to a certificate in Asian Religions and Healing.)
Kohn Online Spring

BU STH TT 754
Asian Religion: Death and the Afterlife in Asian Religions
This course examines death in light of the ways people, and especially the followers of Asian religions, have attempted to accept, deny, defeat, or transcend it. Topics include the process of dying, funerals, grief, physical and spiritual immortality, the transcendence of the soul, near death experiences, spirit travels, and reincarnation. (This is a 7-week Distance Education On-Line, fourth in a series of four courses leading to a certificate in Asian Religions and Healing.)
Kohn Online Spring

BU STH TT 810
Theology II: Contemporary Christian Theology
Introduction to the basic themes of Christian theology geared toward the two-fold task of acquainting students with the historical development of doctrine and of encouraging them to add their own voices to the contemporary debate. Class sessions alternate between “summary” days, when the doctrines, their histories, and the contemporary debate are introduced, and “focus” days, when one or more important issues within each doctrine are addressed.
Rambo TTh 11-12:30 Fall

BU STH TT 842
Religion and Science Lab Placement
(description unavailable)
Wildman TBA Fall

BU STH TT 855
Theology of Christian Mysticism
A contemporary review of the ontological tradition of the West. Includes a brief overview of Greek philosophical backgrounds and a close examination of Meister Eckhart, Nicolas of Cusa, Jacob Bohme, and poet/visual artist William Blake. Students submit an extensive research paper.
Green W 6-9 Fall

BU STH TT 858
Theologies of Dialogue
(description unavailable)
Berthrong TBA Spring

BU STH TT 868
Feminist and Womanist Theologies
(description unavailable)
Rambo TBA Spring

BU STH TT 880
Women’s Theologies and Ministry
This course will examine the reality of women in ministry, critically evaluating how women’s identities and roles have been structured in Christian contexts. It will also carefully analyze how these identities and roles can be re-evaluated and how women’s ministry can be envisioned in this modern ministerial context. Drawing on different women’s theological perspectives and identities, we will focus mainly on women and ministry in the areas of Biblical Studies, Worship, Preaching, and Pastoral Care and Counseling. Also offered as TC 828
Choi T 2-5 Fall

BU STH TT 898
Theology and Trauma
This course aims to bring the recent studies in the interdisciplinary study of trauma to bear on the field of theology. What unique challenges does the phenomenon of trauma pose to contemporary theology? The structure of the course is three-fold: The first part of the course explores recent studies in trauma, focusing on three areas of research: 1) neurobiology of trauma, 2) clinical/therapeutic studies, and 3) literary approaches to trauma. The second part of the course examines theological engagements with issues of radical suffering. We will study the work of contemporary theologians (in the Judeo-Christian tradition) who are rethinking the following questions through the lens of radical suffering: Who is the human person? What is the significance of the cross? What is sin? What is redemption? (Examples: Wendy Farley, Miroslav Volf, Delores Williams, Jurgen Moltmann, Catherine Keller, Mark Lewis Taylor, Melissa Raphael) These authors reveal both the limitations and the possibilities of reframing questions of suffering in relationship to contemporary discussions of trauma. The third part brings together the insights from the first two and focuses on the question of what it means to witness theologically to individual, societal, and global trauma. We will look at issues and contexts such as the criminal justice system, war, poverty, and racism. In this final part, students will be working towards constructive theological engagements with issues of trauma through interaction with a variety of mediums: art, literature, spiritual practices, and film. The course is not a counseling course. It aims to provide rich theological reflection around issues of suffering, violence, and trauma, both individual and global.
Rambo Th 2-5 Fall

BU STH TT 901
Core Text Motifs: West
An intensive year seminar, in English translation, of key primary texts and philosophical-theological-religious ideas of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Taoism. Particularly well suited to doctoral students. Advanced master's students with permission of instructor only.
TBA M 2-5 Fall

BU STH TT 902
Core Text Motifs: East
(description unavailable)
TBA TBA Spring

BU STH TT 925
Topics in Speculative Philosophy: Metaphysics
Certain leading thinkers in American philosophic tradition have positively engaged the nature of religion and conceptions of God in light of late modern developments in the natural and social sciences. In different, but curiously related ways, they construe both inquiry and the practice of humane living to be of a piece, uniting science and religion. They develop philosophical theologies and cosmologies in which value is an objective element of nature. This course will examine central essays of Charles Pierce on religion, scientific method, and cosmology; writings of John Dewey on the social and natural sciences, knowledge of value, and religion; and books of Alfred North Whitehead on science, religion, and a physical cosmology with God. Relevant books of the instructor will be used to bring the study up to date.
Neville T 2-5 Fall

BU STH TT 946
Advanced Systematic Theology I: God and Creation
A study of creations as the fundamental religious relation between God and the world, defining both. Develops an adequate Christian theology of God and explores alternate conceptions of God.
Neville T 2-5 Fall

BU STH TX 829
Modern Jewish Thought
Explores attempts of major modern Jewish philosophers to reconcile Judaism and the modern consciousness. Authors include Mendelssohn, Cohen, Rosenzweig, Buber, Kaplan, and Fackenheim. Responses of traditional Judaism to modern strategies of identity and self-preservation; Judaism and the crisis of modernity.
Zank MWF 1-2 Fall

BU STH TX 852
Topics in Religious Thought
Topic for Fall 2007: Religious Thought: East and West. Explores key problems in religious thought: nature of the Absolute, origin of time and the world, paradox of transcendence and immanence, role of teachers, sages, and prophets, language and negative theology, reason and the path to realization.
Lobel TTh 3:30-5 Fall

EDS CH 2201
Historical Survey of Christian Thought
This course offers a multicultural historical survey of major trends and significant thinkers of the Christian theological tradition from the early Church to the present. The goal is to introduce students to the fundamental concerns and different approaches in theological inquiry. Emphasis will be on how the historical figures wrestled with power dynamics of their social and cultural contexts and what we can learn from them for critical reflection of our time.
Kwok T 7-9 Fall

EDS T 1020
Introduction to Christian Theology: Christian Symbols and Social Change
This foundational course offers an introduction to the nature, methods, and basic themes of Christian theology and its function in society. Central symbols and doctrines are explored intercontextually both in their classical formulations and contemporary reconstructions in global Christianity, making connections with other faiths, as appropriate. Students will be led to explore how the processes of production and interpretation of canonical knowledge have been sites of struggle for either domination or liberation. Developing skills in critical reconstruction of central Christian doctrines as emancipatory discourse in a world of oppression and fragmentation will be a major goal.
Duraisingh W 1-3 Fall

EDS T 1990
God and Creation
What does Christian theology have to say to the present ecological crisis? This course introduces discussions on the relation between God and creation in biblical, classical, and contemporary theological texts. Students will explore different doctrines of God and formulate their ideas on cosmology, humanity, salvation, and the work of the spirit.
Kwok W 10-12 Spring

GC TH 501
Theology Survey I
A study of theological method, revelation, inspiration, and canon of scripture; existence and attributes of God; Trinity; creation and providence; human nature; original and actual sin.
Wells WF 10:45-12:15 Fall

GC TH 502
Theology Survey II
A study of the person and work of Christ, predestination, conversion, justification, sanctification, and the work of the Holy Spirit; perseverance; the nature and mission of the church; sacraments; eschatology. Prerequisite: Theology Survey I.
Wells F 1:15-4:15 Spring

GC TH 504
Systematic Theology I
A study of theological method, general and special revelation, inspiration, inerrancy, and canonicity of scripture; existence, attributes, and triune nature of God.
Anders F 1:15-4:15 Fall
Anders TR 8-9:30a Fall
Lints T 1:15-4:15 Spring
Staff TBA Spring Meets in Boston

GC CH/TH 601
History and Theology of the African-American Church
This course will explore the history of the African American Church, how we have known God through social, political, economic, and religious context, review major themes in African American theological reflection, and suggest areas for further reflection and praxis.
Rowe TBA January

GC TH/WM 602
Theology of Mission
A biblical-theological introduction to missions. Topics include: the biblical basis for missions, the relationship of social action to evangelism, mission and development, and the relation of Christianity to other religions.
Kuzmic T 6-9 Fall

GC TH 605
Systematic Theology II
A study of creation, providence, the image of God, human nature, original and actual sin, and the person and work of Christ. Prerequisite: Systematic Theology I.
Spencer, W. T 6-10 Fall Meets in Boston
Wells F 1:15-4:15 Fall
Lints TR 10:45-12:15 Spring

GC TH 606
Mordern Theology
From the time of the Enlightenment, representative figures are studied in order to grasp current hermeneutical methodologies and the development of biblical criticism. Surveys the spectrum of Protestant and Catholic thought, including evangelicalism, liberalism, neo-orthodoxy and existentialist, process and liberation theology.
Anders W 6-9 Fall

GC TH 607
Systematic Theology III
A study of conversion, justification, sanctification, perseverance, the work of the Holy Spirit, church, sacraments, and eschatology. Prerequisites: Systematic Theology I & II.
Lints TR 10:45-12:15 Fall
Spencer, W. T 6-10 Fall Meets in Boston
St. Fort T 6:30-10 Fall Meets in Boston
Davis R 1:15-4:15 Spring

GC TH 616
Anthropology: Preserving the Person
This course examines human identity as centrally rooted in the creation accounts of Genesis and its development throughout the rest of Scripture. Contemporary cultural understandings of human identity are also explored in contrast.
Lints T 1:15-4:15 Fall

GC CH/TH 627
History and Theology of Prayer
(description unavailable) Meets in Boston
Spencer Select Weekends Fall

GC CH/TH 643
Martin Luther
A seminar on the life, work, and times of Luther, pioneer of the Reformation. Attention will be given to is spiritual pilgrimage and to his development and influence as a leader, particularly through his debates and writings.
Isaac R 1:15-4:15 Fall

GC TH/WM 660
Asian Theology
(description unavailable)
Lee WF 10:45-12:15 Spring

GC TH 673
Christianity and the Postmodern World
(description unavailable)
Lints M 9:15-12:15 Spring

GC EV/TH 718
Theology of Evangelism
Examines the biblical and theological basis for world evangelism. Emphasis given to the unified message of redemption flowing through all evangelical theology. Tension centers on the practical aspects of relating what we believe to the way we fulfill the Great Commission.
Coleman M 1:15-4:15 Spring

GC TH 680
Doctrinal Distinctives of the Advent Christian Church
Cosmic and personal eschatology will be considered from the perspective of the doctrine of resurrection. Topics include New Heavens/New Earth, the intermediate state, the evangelical debate regarding the nature of hell, and the ultimate extinction of evil.
Isaac M 6-9 Fall

HC DOGM 5002
Dogmatics I
The Orthodox doctrine of the knowledge of God and of the doctrines of the Trinity, cosmology and anthropology. Emphasis will be placed on the ancient Fathers and on contemporary Orthodox dogmaticians.
Clapsis TBA Spring

HC DOGM 6051
Dogmatics II
The doctrines of Christology, pneumatology, soteriology, and ecclesiology in the conciliar Patristic traditon. Emphasis will be placed on certain Patristic writings and on the official statements of the Ecumenical Councils.
Clapsis M/W 11:10-12:30 Fall

HC DOGM 6101
Sacramental Theology (Dogmatics III)
This course will explore the theology and development of the holy sacraments of the Orthodox Church through the perspectives of biblical and liturgical texts, patristic treatises and contemporary works.
Zymaris T/Th 9:10-10:30 Fall

HC DOGM 6201
The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
This course deals with the biblical, patristic and contemporary theological views about the nature and the work of the Holy Spirit in God’s creative, redeeming and sanctifying work in the church and the world. A particular emphasis will be given on the ways in which the Holy Spirit works outside of the Church for the sustenance of creation and the unity of humankind.
Clapsis M 2:10-4:30 Fall

HC DOGM 7371
Mysticism and Prophecy
This seminar will review the history of the Eastern Christian mystical tradition in an effort to retrieve and affirm the relevance of the increasing link of theology with spirituality. The communal nature of the transformative encounter with God will be connected with an active and prayerful philanthropic life. The course will utilize mystical and prophetic writings of the Eastern Christian tradition.
Clapsis Th 2:10-4:30pm Fall

HC DOGM 7212
Orthodoxy in a Pluralistic World
This course will explore different views of pluralism and the place of Orthodoxy in modern multicultural liberal democracies. It will seek to identify the potential contributions of Orthodoxy to the advancement of the common good in public life that it shares with other Christian churches, religions, human ideologies and cultural communities. Furthermore it will explore how such multicultural and pluralistic settings challenge the Orthodox churches to develop their particular understanding of the “other” in the context of God’s sovereignty, love and providence for all creation.
Clapsis TBA Spring

HC DOGM 7251
Seminar: Christian Anthropology
The Orthodox patristic doctrine of the human person as it is discussed in current Orthodox theology in dialogue with secular images.
Clapsis TBA Spring

HDS 2511
Religion and Politics in Current "Fundamentalist" Movements
A comparative investigation of selected movements within four different religious traditions: Jewish "Settler" theology, the Chabad Lubavitch; Roman Catholic dissenting Marian groups and Opus Dei'; Protestant TV Evangelists, "Christian Zionism", and Megachurches; and Islamist groups like Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.
Cox TBA Spring

HDS 2535
Karl Barth: Seminar
An intensive reading and research course on the work of Karl Barth. Attention will be given to the theological and political development throughout his work, including his involvement in the German church struggle. Close reading of the Church Dogmatics during the second half of the seminar. Prerequisite: at least one course in modern theology. Enrollment limited to 12.
Thiemann TBA Fall

HDS 2538
Religion and Democratic Theory: Seminar
The course will examine the relationship between religious reflection and democratic theories of various types. Among the topics covered will be: liberal political theory and theological critique, religious practice and radical democratic theory, cultural/religious diversity and religious truth-claims, religion and public life, and feminist theory and democratic practice. Included in the course will be consideration of religion and democratic theory in cross-cultural perspective. Among the authors considered will be Seyla Benhabib, Dipesh Chakrabarty, Ernesto Laclau, Chantal Mouffe, Reinhold Niebuhr, Martha Nussbaum, John Rawls, Adoulkarim Saroush. Enrollment limited to 15.
Thiemann TBA Spring

HDS 2634
God: Seminar
An analysis of select theologians in their approach to the knowledge and the nature of God. Special attention will be paid to their theological method and philosophical presuppositions. Enrollment limited to 12.
Fiorenza TBA Fall

HDS 2657f
Doing Constructive Theology: Tutorial
This tutorial course is available when requested by individual students or small groups. Format, content, and meeting times to be decided in consultation between the instructor and the student(s) interested. For more information contact the instructor. Prerequisite: Previous work in theology and/or philosophy.
Kaufman TBA Fall

HDS 2657s
Doing Constructive Theology: Tutorial
This tutorial course is available when requested by individual students or small groups. Format, content, and meeting times to be decided in consultation between the instructor and the student(s) interested. For more information contact the instructor. Prerequisite: Previous work in theology and/or philosophy.
Kaufman TBA Spring

HDS 2696
Colloquium in Theology
The doctoral colloquium in theology will meet monthly throughout the academic year of 2007-2008. Attendance is expected of all doctoral students in residence and of all faculty members in the doctoral field concentration of theology. ThM and doctoral students in related fields are welcome but should consult with the convenor about participation and schedule. The sessions will ordinarily focus upon a discussion of doctoral theses in progress. Since doctoral students in both the PhD and ThD programs are expected to complete at least one chapter of their dissertations during the academic year in order to maintain satisfactory status in the programs, it is expected that doctoral students at the dissertation stage will submit a chapter for discussion. The colloquium is scheduled to meet on Tuesdays from 5:15 to 6:45. The exact dates and places will be announced through the theology colloquium listserv. This colloquium can only be taken as an audit. No credit will be awarded for this course.
Faculty TBA Year

SJS TH 500
Foundational Theology
This course concentrates on the fundamental concerns present in all theological inquiry. The goal is to assist the student to elaborate a theology of revelation, a theology of faith, a theology of tradition, a theology of Sacred Scripture.
Ritt T 5-7 Fall

SJS TH 501
Fundamental Theology
This course concentrates on the fundamental concerns present in all theological inquiry. Participants will explore the following themes in the Christian tradition: the meaning and task of theology, divine revelation, the theology of faith, tradition and Scripture in the life of the Church, perspectives on the magisterium and the handing on of the faith. An adequate philosophical preparation is a prerequisite for this course.
Scorzello M W F 9-9:50 Fall

SJS TH 502
Christology
The course presents a historical and systematic study of the person and work of Jesus Christ as object and foundation of Christian faith.
Cessario M W F 11-11:50 Fall

SJS TH 503
Ecclesiology
A systematic study of the nature and mission of the Church, with particular emphasis on themes important to those preparing for ordained ministry.
Oliver M 11-11:50 Fall
W 10-11:50

SJS TH 504
Theological Anthropology
The Second Vatican Council teaches that a critical, evangelical engagement with modernity requires a renewed appreciation of the human person as created in the image of God, an image only fulfilled in the sincere gift of self. In embodying the Trinitarian mystery of love, Jesus Christ fully reveals man to himself. This is the starting point for John Paul II’s theology of the body, which demystifies the Cartesian body-soul dualism still holding sway in the age of globalization. The leitmotif of the course will be the natural and supernatural dignity of the embodied human person, called to communion. Grounded in the thought of Saint Thomas Aquinas, this exploration of human nature in history begins with an overview of philosophical anthropology, and proceeds through creation, sin, grace, merit, virtue, and eschatology.
Franks M W F 10-10:50 Spring

SJS TH 505
The Triune God
The central mystery of Christian faith and life is the revelation that God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Seeking to understand the Trinitarian faith, definitively expressed in the Ecumenical Councils, requires a consideration both of what is common to the Three Persons, as well as of what is proper to each. Saint Thomas Aquinas’s treatment of this mystery in the Summa theologiae will serve as the central text for this course. We will pay special attention to the spiritual analogy for the processions in God (Augustine, Aquinas, Lonergan), while also exploring the complementary path to unfolding the imago Trinitatis in terms of the communion of persons. We will end with a consideration of Hans Urs von Balthasar’s Trinitarian theology as found in the last volume of the Theo-Logic.
Franks M W F 9-9:50 Spring

SJS TH 506
Sacramental Theology
A general theory of the sacraments based on the principles of Catholic sacramental realism. The course examines the major moments in the history of sacramental theology with the aim of achieving a measure of systematic understanding concerning what a sacrament is and what it does. The Catechism of the Catholic Church and other documents of faith, such as liturgical and conciliar texts, supply the principles for this theological inquiry, which also includes particular treatment of the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation.
Cessario M W F 11-11:50 Spring

SJS TH 507
The Eucharist and Holy Orders
A study of the theology of the Eucharist and of Holy Orders. The course first examines the defining moments in the history of the theology of the Eucharist, with special emphasis on its nature as a sacramental sacrifice and a real presence, and then moves to a systematic treatment of the central Eucharistic doctrines, especially sacrifice, transubstantiation, and communion. The systematic account of Holy Orders centers on documents issued at and since the Second Vatican Council, especially Pope John Paul II’s Pastores Dabo Vobis.
Oliver M 9-9:50/ R 10-11:50 Fall

SJS TH 511
Basic Truths of the Catholic Faith
This course will cover the basic teaching of the creed, the moral life, and liturgy based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Conley TBA (Satellite Course, west region) Fall
Ritt T 6-9 Summer

SJS TH 550
Survey of Christology
In this course students will undertake a historical and systematic study of the person and work of Jesus Christ as object and foundation of the Christian faith. Participants will give special attention to Christological themes and issues which pertain to the laity and to lay ministry in the Church.
Keaty R 5-7 Spring

SJS TH 551
Foundations of Ecclesiology
A systematic study of the nature and mission of the Church, emphasizing particularly the vocation and mission of the baptized.
Merdinger T 7:30-9:30 Fall

SJS TH 553
Introduction to the Theology of the Holy Spirit
The course offers a survey of the biblical and patristic sources for a theology of the Holy Spirit. In addition, the course presents a selection of contemporary theologies of the Holy Spirit.
Keaty TBA Summer

SJS TH 607
Church, State, and American Democracy
Catholicism’s defense of both faith and reason enables the true distinction, without separation, of church and state. A systematic approach to the dogmatic development of this distinction, grounded in Saint Thomas Aquinas, will orient our consideration of how well American democracy accords with the dignity of the human person. Topics to be covered: whether the American experiment in ordered liberty is founded on natural law, especially the preeminent rights to life and religious liberty; whether the vexed relation between Catholicism and modernity stems from a failure to appreciate the difference between the American and French revolutions; Pierre Manent on modernity; the relevance of Hans Urs von Balthasar’s theology of the lay state to democratic life; and the threat to democracy posed by the culture of death.
Franks R 1:15-3:15 Fall

WJST ST 200
The Foundations of Theology
The resources and methods of theology provide the framework for this course. A primary focus will be on the relationship between revelation, faith, and theology, which includes the role of the Bible and the Church’s doctrine. The course will also survey past and present methods in “doing theology,” and consider the connection between theology and spirituality.
Lennan TTh 8:30-10 Fall

WJST ST 204
Development of Trinitarian Doctrine
A survey of the development of the classical Christian doctrine of God as one being who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Departing from the Scriptural witness, it will center on patristic documents and debates from the beginning of the second century (Origen) to the end of the fourth century (the Cappadocian Fathers and Augustine), and end with modern appropriations of classic Trinitarian doctrine in the Roman Catholic theologian, Walter Kasper, and the Orthodox theologian, Dumitru Staniloae.
Anatolios TTh 3-4:30 Fall

WJST ST 210
Development of Christological Doctrine
A survey of the development of the doctrine of Jesus Christ as human and divine, focusing especially on the christological controversies from the fourth century (St. Athanasius) to the seventh century (St. Maximus Confessor), and ending with some modern appropriations of this doctrine.
Anatolios MW 3-4:30 Spring

WJST HT/CH 210
History of Christian Spirituality I: 100-1200
An introduction to the variety of experiences and expressions of Christian spirituality through readings of representative texts from the early church to 1200. Forms of spiritual life and writings to be considered include martyrdom, prayer and liturgy, desert fathers and mothers, the spiritual journey, pilgrimage and holy places, monasticism, lives of holy women and men, visionary literature, hymns and poetry. Introductory lectures, structured discussion of primary readings, short papers and/or presentations, final paper or project. Previous study of early and/or medieval church history strongly recommended.
Cardman T 6-8:30 Spring

WJST ST 224
The Church
The ecclesial dimension of Christian faith is the focal point of this course. The course will locate the Church within both a Trinitarian theology and an anthropology. Specific topics for exploration include the place of the Church in the Creed, a theology of authority, of mission, and current issues shaping the Church’s life and its place in the wider culture.
Lennan T 1-3 Fall

WJST ST 232
Mariology
A survey of the development of Church teachings concerning Mary from theological as well as historical perspectives. It will also explore the spiritual, cultural, social, and political dimensions of Marian devotion, particularly within the Roman Catholic tradition.
Guider T 1-3 Fall

WJST HT/CH 235
Missionary Encounters in the Global Church
This course examines missionary encounters around the world from early Christianity through the present, with special attention given to Jesuit missionary endeavors. The course proceeds chronologically from the first missionary encounters in Europe to evangelization in Asia, the Americas, and Africa. Illustrative figures and topics include Raymond Lull, Bartolome de las Casas, Francis Xavier, Matteo Ricci, Marie of the Incarnation, the Jesuits of New France, the Jesuit Reductions, the relationship between missionaries and colonialism, attitudes toward other belief systems, and contemporary missionary practices, theologies, and debates (e.g., inculturation, postcolonial responses, witness to justice, interreligious dialogue). Lectures, focused discussion of readings, several papers.
Mooney W 5-7:30 Spring

WJST ST 236
Creation and Eschatology
A study of the doctrines of creation and eschatology in the light of recent biblical scholarship and contemporary hermeneutics. The following topics will be treated: the human race and the environment, free will, death, resurrection of the body and immortality of the soul, judgment, eternal life, and the end of the world. Prerequisite: OT and NT intros or equivalent.
Sachs MW 10-12 Spring

WJST ST/WW 238
Eucharistic Theology
This course will reflect on the theology of the Eucharist as it has developed throughout the history of the Church and will seek a contemporary understanding of traditional doctrines in light of Vatican II and the reformed ritual for the eucharistic liturgy.
Baldovin TTh 8:30-10 Spring

WJST ST/WW 244
Theology and Spirituality of Ordained Priesthood
The many contemporary challenges about the ordained priesthood frame this course. In order to enable fruitful engagement with those issues, this course will address the history and theological foundations of the ordained priesthood, its relationship to episcopal and diaconal ministry, and its place in the mission of the Church.
Lennan T 3-5 Spring

WJST ST 249
Liberation Ecclesiology
Among the most important contributions of liberation theologians to contemporary theology are their reflections on the nature and mission of the church. This course will examine primarily, but not exclusively, the ecclesiological writings of Latin American Catholic thinkers as well as the views of their critics. Familiarity with the broad outline of church history and with A. Dulles’ delineation of church models is presumed.
Nickoloff W 3-5:30 Spring

WJST ST 258
Disputed Questions in Contemporary Theology
An introduction to contested issues in contemporary Christian theology, such as the role of biblical criticism, the relationship between science and faith, the encounter with world religions, and the possibility of faith in a consumer culture. The goals of the course are: to map out the basic elements of each problematic area; to register some popular yet unsatisfactory answers (e.g., creationism and reductionism as responses to the question of science and faith; and to consider more authentic and theologically persuasive responses.
Doyle W 10-12 Fall

WJST ST/MT 272
Ethics, Economics, and Liberation
This course brings the insights of religious social ethics and liberation theology to bear on current economic realities. How may we relate the tradition of Christian reflection on economic justice (such as the documents of modern Catholic social teaching) to the task of liberating whole peoples and the whole person? Students will develop their skills in social analysis and theological reflection. They will explore the justice dimensions of such realities as globalization of markets, Third World debt and migration. Students will evaluate public policies on poverty and development. We will consider threats to authentic human development such as environmental degradation, terrorism, and consumerism.
Massaro Th 1-3:30 Fall

WJST ST 279
Christology and Culture
This course surveys ten contemporary contributions to the study of Christology by theologians from various regions of the world. It examines the interactive dynamics of faith and culture through a comparative study of the particular theological, historical, social, political and spiritual motifs present in each of the selected christologies.
Guider T 1-3 Spring

WJST HT/CH 312
Two Great Councils: Trent and Vatican II
The two councils will be placed in their historical context and then examined for their great themes relating both to doctrine and to the practice of the Christian life. They will be compared and contrasted to one another for their content, their presuppositions, and especially for the styles of their discourse.
Cardman Th 12-3 Spring

WJST ST 332
Seminar: Tradition
“Tradition” is invoked often to buttress arguments for or against particular proposals in the church’s everyday pastoral life. Although its profile might be high, there is not always clarity about the theological meaning and value of tradition. Via engagement with significant theological writings, this seminar will explore some key issues in the theology of tradition.
Lennan M 1-3 Spring

WJST HT/CH 335
Seminar: Early Franciscans: History, Hagiography, and Hermeneutics
This seminar examines the history, hagiography, and art of Franciscan men and women in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. Topics include the evolving and sometimes polemical portraits of Francis, Clare, and their followers; lay Franciscans; the challenge of institutionalizing radical ideals; the domestication of Franciscan women in hagiography; the friars’ alternately easy and contentious relationships with the secular clergy, the Poor Ladies, the Dominicans, and papacy; papal support and condemnation of radical Franciscans; Franciscan devotions and mysticism; portrayals of Francis’ stigmata; theological treatments of poverty, the cross, stigmata, and imitatio Christi. Lecture; discussion of extensive primary readings, including Francis and Clare’s writings, works of hagiography, theology, and spirituality. Art related to Franciscan figures and motifs will be a major course component. Several papers. Previous study of Franciscans, medieval history or hagiography is a prerequisite.
Mooney T 1-3:30 Fall

WJST HT/MT 366
Seminar: Liturgy and Ethics in the Early Church
A study of the relationship between liturgy and early Christian ethics, with attention to topics such as the formative nature of liturgy, the rites of Christian initiation, community as constructive of ethics, and preaching as ongoing formation in Christian living. Through extensive reading of primary sources from the second through the fourth centuries, the seminar will consider church orders, baptismal and mystagogical catecheses, homilies, treatises on discipline and practice, and related theological works. Focused seminar discussions, short seminar papers and/or presentations, final research paper. Designed primarily for advanced degree students; others by explicit permission of the instructor. Prerequisites: at least one course or equivalent in each of the following areas: early church history or patristic theology and moral theology or ethics.
Cardman Th 12:30-3 Fall

WJST ST 368
Seminar: Discipleship: Insights and Interpretations of 20th Century Theologians
This seminar takes as its focus the following question: How are we to understand the nature and meaning of Christian discipleship in the context of a modern/postmodern world? The method of the seminar involves a survey of the biographies and theological projects of selected 20th century theologians and a comparative study of their respective understandings of discipleship.
Guider Th 3-5 Fall

WJST ST 376
Seminar: Faith and Reason in Contemporary Theology
This seminar will consider contemporary assessments of a supposed crisis in the relation between faith and reason in modern theology. Such assessments typically point to the extremes of modern tendencies to rethink religion “within the limits of reason alone,” on the one hand, and postmodern devaluations of reason, on the other. The course will focus on an ecumenical spectrum of contemporary theologians who attempt a balance between the priority of faith and the integrity of reason. Previous study in both philosophy and theology will be presumed.
Anatolios T 10-12 Spring

BU STH TT 815
Confucian Way
(description unavailable)
Berthrong TBA Spring

BU STH TT 821
Topics in Philosophy and Religion
Topic for Spring 2007: Religion, Science, and the Occult in the Early Modern Age.
Green MWF 10-11 Fall

BU STH TT 858
Theologies of Dialogue
(description unavailable)
Berthrong TBA Spring

BU STH TX 820
Holy City: Jerusalem
Jerusalem as a holy city: its importance in historical experience and theological understanding of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Zank MWF 11-12 Fall

BU STH TX 823
The Problem of Evil
A philosophical and theological analysis of the problem of evil, as formulated in the Bible and other sacred texts, ancient and modern philosophy, literature, and cinema.
Olson T Th 12:30-2 Fall

BU STH TX 835
First Century Judaism
Explores the diversity of Judaism in the first century CE and traces the emergence of Christianity as a religion distinct from Judaism. Sources include ancient Jewish literature, early Christian literature, and archaeological evidence.
Klawans T Th 11-