ecumenism

Ecumenism

Module Code: 604TEC Credits: 10 Contact Hours: 30 Level: 6 Lecturer:

Syllabus

Within the context of the historical differences and similarities found within the Roman Catholic, Orthodox and major Protestant denominations the module will examine according to a lecture/discussion format the course of ecumenical relations in the following ways:

-  A brief examination/review of important aspects of biblical and patristic ecclesiology, sacramental theology and soteriology from a Roman Catholic perspective.
-  Ecclesial and doctrinal issues leading up to the Great Schism.
-  Doctrinal and ecclesial issues leading up to the Reformation- specifically, the impact of Renaissance humanism on the medieval papacy, English Lollards, Hussites, Savonarola, conciliarism, and the decline of scholasticism.
- Luther’s reading of Romans and Augustine; sola fide/sola scriptura and the doctrinal and ecclesial implications for Roman Catholicism.
- Calvin’s Institutes with particular emphasis on predestination and sacramental theology.
- The evolution of the Roman Catholic response to the Protestant challenge articulated by Trent, Vatican I and Vatican II.
- The present state of ecumenical dialogue from a Roman Catholic perspective with reference to contemporary, post-Vatican II documents.

 Aims

-  To provide the student with an overview of basic doctrinal issues articulated during the period of the Great Schism and the Reformation that separate the various churches of the Christian world.
- To examine differing ecclesial views found in Protestantism, Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism.
-  To identify points of commonality in regard to the issues listed above.
-  To familiarize the student with the Roman Catholic response to the issues listed above with particular emphasis on the conciliar statements of Trent, Vatican I, Vatican II and the post-Vatican II era.

Assessment

Students are required to write one 2,000 word essay (=/- 10%) chosen from four options:

Knowledge and Understanding

- The students will gain a critical overview of major doctrinal and ecclesial issues originating in the periods of the Great Schism and Protestant Reformation building on insights already gained through study of modern Roman Catholic ecclesiology; specifically seminal documents of Vatican II and ongoing ecumenical dialogue.
-  Students will analyse the Roman Catholic response to the challenge presented by these issues; specifically in crucial areas of biblical interpretation, magisterium and questions pertaining to salvation.
- Students will also become thoroughly knowledgeable with common ecclesial and doctrinal suppositions that continue to unite the Protestant, Orthodox and Roman Catholic denominations discussed above.

Transferable Skills

- Articulate class participation; questions and comments/response to class discussion, and descriptive, concise writing skills.
-  Competent use of primary and secondary source material.
-  To acquire an understanding of the issues raised in the course and the ability to apply this knowledge in a meaningful way in terms of dialogue with Christians of a variety of denominations.