Ecclesiology
Module Code: 504TEC Credits: 10 Contact Hours: 30 Level: 5 Lecturer:
Syllabus
Students will examine three of the seminal documents of Vatican II in consecutive order: Dei Verbum. Lumen Gentium, Gaudium et Spes.
Students will also examine the paradigmatic shift in the Church’s self-understanding is situated in the following contexts, with special attention given to theological foundations and modern ministerial applications:
- impact of these three documents on the Church’s renewed self-understanding and pastoral practice with special reference to ‘outreach/openness’ to the world and other churches characterizing a departure from previous Ecumenical Councils, particularly Trent and Vatican I.
- consideration of multi-culturalism, particularly in respect to Asia, Africa, Europe, America
- consideration of the role of the laity
- consideration of the context of important social movements, feminism, liberation theology etc.
- impact on developing concepts of missiology
- impact on ecumenical dialogue
Aims
- to identify the operating theologies present in specific Vatican II documents;
- to examine contemporary ecclesial documents, e.g. Mystici Corporis, Fides et Ratio, in the light of their theological foundations;
- to identify various positions of interpretation of the Council and the expression of these positions in ministerial contexts.
Assessment
Students are required to write one 2,000 word essay (=/- 10%)
Teaching Methods
This module will be taught through class lectures.
Knowledge and Understanding
- a general understanding of the theological foundations and operant theologies of Dei Verbum, Lumen Gentium, Gaudium et Spes
- knowledge of named contemporary ecclesial documents, their theological and ecclesiological positions.
- an ability to articulate a response to challenges present in the modern world; eg- multi-culturalism, role of the laity, feminism, liberation theology etc.
- an ability to articulate a response to challenges within contemporary ministerial contexts; particularly in regard to the relationship between clerics and the laity and various theologies and ecclesiologies operative on the parish level.
- the impact of the these documents on the Roman Catholic Church and the culture in which it is challenged to grow.
Subject Specific Skills
- form independent opinions and demonstrate an ability to use evidence appropriately to form conclusions
- display an ability to distinguish between fact and opinion, and to make appropriate choices from primary literature such as the Documents of Vatican II and secondary sources such as commentaries or theological/pastoral reflections on the Documents of Vatican II
- present such materials, organised in a coherent manner, in written, and/or oral format, with references and bibliography where necessary
- contribute confidently to group and class discussions
- communicate the material or the theology of the Documents of Vatican II and their ecclesiology in a balanced manner to others e.g. other family. church members in the students home/parish/religious community
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