Introduction to the Sacraments
Module Code: 415TIS Credits: 10 Contact Hours: 30 Level: 4 Lecturer: David Blowey OFM Conv
Syllabus
The notion of ‘sacrament’ in salvation and it’s gradual definition in the history of the Church. In particular it will discuss the notion of Mystery, Symbolic Thinking, and the modern views in Sacramentology that allow us to consider Christ, the Church and the Word as Sacraments.
The seven basic sacramental rites as expressions of the sacramental action of Christ in, and through, the Church: historical survey of the development of the present ‘seven sacraments’ and accompanying theology, with particular attention to sacraments in the thought of the Early Church; the scholastic; the church of the Council of Trent; developments before and after the Second Vatican Council.
Aspects of contemporary thought will be explored, in particular the idea of the Church as sacrament and Jesus Christ as ‘primordial sacrament’, and how these affected rites as they were reformed after the Second Vatican Council; the sacraments as ‘encounter with Jesus Christ’ and a sharing in his life and work.
Their manner of operation and the meaning of ex opere operato in systemic theology.
A presentation of the Thomistic/Tridentine doctrine on sacramental form and effects will allow us to discuss the basic anthropological and theological insights for living the sacraments and the Christian Life (Sacramental grace).
The use of ‘sacramental’ symbolism in selected ritual traditions (Jewish, Christian, Muslim).
Introduction to the Sacraments
Module Code: is Credits: 10 Contact Hours: 30 Level: 4
Syllabus
The notion of ‘sacrament’ in salvation and it’s gradual definition in the history of the Church. In particular it will discuss the notion of Mystery, Symbolic Thinking, and the modern views in Sacramentology that allow us to consider Christ, the Church and the Word as Sacraments.
The seven basic sacramental rites as expressions of the sacramental action of Christ in, and through, the Church: historical survey of the development of the present ‘seven sacraments’ and accompanying theology, with particular attention to sacraments in the thought of the Early Church; the scholastic; the church of the Council of Trent; developments before and after the Second Vatican Council.
Aspects of contemporary thought will be explored, in particular the idea of the Church as sacrament and Jesus Christ as ‘primordial sacrament’, and how these affected rites as they were reformed after the Second Vatican Council; the sacraments as ‘encounter with Jesus Christ’ and a sharing in his life and work.
Their manner of operation and the meaning of ex opere operato in systemic theology.
A presentation of the Thomistic/Tridentine doctrine on sacramental form and effects will allow us to discuss the basic anthropological and theological insights for living the sacraments and the Christian Life (Sacramental grace).
The use of ‘sacramental’ symbolism in selected ritual traditions (Jewish, Christian, Muslim).
Aims
- to introduce the students to the major tenets of both the modern and traditional notions of sacramental theology;
- to develop the students’ knowledge and understanding of the philosophical/theological principles underlying sacramental theology;
- to enable students to reflect critically on the notion of sacramentology in general, and more specifically in view of the development of the seven Catholic-Christian Sacraments;
- to empower the students towards more enriching experiences of biblical, liturgical prayer.
Assessment
Students are required to write one 3,000 word essay from a list of options.
Evaluation
Evaluation will take place in the form of an end of module evaluation form.
Teaching Methods
The module will be taught through lectures and through discussion of selected texts.
Students will be expected to read widely and reflect on their own experience of liturgical celebrations of the Catholic-Christians sacraments as well as those of other selected forms of liturgical prayer.
Knowledge and Understanding
At the end of the module students will be able to demonstrate:
- a clear understanding of how the sacraments have evolved throughout the life of the church
- a critical knowledge of the major themes of sacramental theology in the history of the church
- an understanding of the relationships between church, sacraments and liturgy.
Subject Specific Skills
- that they are able to consider and evaluate different understandings of sacramental thought in their historical contexts and to understand the reasons for these differences
- that they are able to address some of the issues raised when conflicting approaches to sacramental theology are applied in a contemporary context.
- that they are able to use a range of tools to gather relevant material and to express themselves coherently in written and spoken form using appropriate arguments, analysis and evidence
- that they are able to reflect critically on their own experience of particular sacraments in a pastoral setting.
Transferable Skills
On the human/ministerial level – students will be able to think sacramentally, which will open their minds to a more holistic way of perceiving people and the universe around them.
On the theological level – students will be able to critically assess information from different sources.
- to introduce the students to the major tenets of both the modern and traditional notions of sacramental theology;
- to develop the students’ knowledge and understanding of the philosophical/theological principles underlying sacramental theology;
- to enable students to reflect critically on the notion of sacramentology in general, and more specifically in view of the development of the seven Catholic-Christian Sacraments;
- to empower the students towards more enriching experiences of biblical, liturgical prayer.
Assessment
Students are required to write one 3,000 word essay from a list of options.
Evaluation
Evaluation will take place in the form of an end of module evaluation form.
Teaching Methods
The module will be taught through lectures and through discussion of selected texts.
Students will be expected to read widely and reflect on their own experience of liturgical celebrations of the Catholic-Christians sacraments as well as those of other selected forms of liturgical prayer.
Knowledge and Understanding
At the end of the module students will be able to demonstrate:
- a clear understanding of how the sacraments have evolved throughout the life of the church
- a critical knowledge of the major themes of sacramental theology in the history of the church
- an understanding of the relationships between church, sacraments and liturgy.
Subject Specific Skills
- that they are able to consider and evaluate different understandings of sacramental thought in their historical contexts and to understand the reasons for these differences
- that they are able to address some of the issues raised when conflicting approaches to sacramental theology are applied in a contemporary context.
- that they are able to use a range of tools to gather relevant material and to express themselves coherently in written and spoken form using appropriate arguments, analysis and evidence
- that they are able to reflect critically on their own experience of particular sacraments in a pastoral setting.
Transferable Skills
On the human/ministerial level – students will be able to think sacramentally, which will open their minds to a more holistic way of perceiving people and the universe around them.
On the theological level – students will be able to critically assess information from different sources.
sending...
