Revelation and Reason
Module Code: 418TRR Credits: 10 Contact Hours: 30 Level: 4 Lecturer: Tom Herbst OFM
Syllabus
The module begins with a review of the concept of revelation found in the Old Testament and continues to the fundamental Christological suppositions implicit in the Incarnation. This involves an overview of the content of the Prologue of John and the subsequent conciliar definitions of Nicea, Ephesus and Chalcedon.
Patristic authorities dealt with include:
- Ignatius on the role of the bishop, Ireneaus in terms of recapitulation and regula fide, the synthetic merging of Neo-Platonic philosophy and speculative theology, Augustine on interior illumination and credes ut intelliges, and the evolution of the claim for papal primacy.
- the scholastic program in the medieval period and the writing of the summas, the impact of Aristotelian philosophy, natural law, the concept of ‘religious life’ and problematic observance of the ‘Evangelical Counsels’, imitatio Christi, and the challenge offered by heretical groups.
- the fractured voice of the Western Church beginning in the early fourteenth century to the Reformation.
- trent, the Church adapting to the suppositions of the Enlightenment, nineteenth-century triumphalism and papal infallibility and the new horizons envisioned by Vatican II.
- challenges of the post-modern era.
Aims
- to continue, in a more advanced way, with certain of the themes encountered in the Introduction to Theology module especially in the light of the ‘evolving’ nature of theological reflection.
- to offer an exposition of the history of theology within the context of revelation and the faith.
- to offer an analysis of the concept of Dei Verbum; the conciliar voice of the Church and claim to magesterial authority.
- to examine some of the problems implicit in the above statement.
Assessment
This module will be assessed through a 2,000 word essay
Evaluation
Student Evaluation form at end of Module completed anonymously.
Teaching Methods
This module is taught through lectures and critical examination of key texts assigned for reading and private study.
Knowledge and Understanding
- the students will be encouraged to sharpen their analytical skills regarding the necessity of faith matched to reason and will also be acquainted with the problems involved in such an approach as the difficult relationship between subjective understanding and objective revelation is explored.
- a variety of fundamental doctrinal issues will be examined and understood in this light.
- students will improve their exegetical skills.
- issues of Feminism, Modernism, science and, especially, multi-culturalism will be raised and discussed.
Subject Specific Skills
- demonstrate an ability to analyse historical data in a synthetic way that takes into account the subsequent development and inter-relatedness of the concepts.
- application of the subject matter in various areas of pastoral ministry such as: preaching, catechesis, discussion and faith sharing groups, etc.
- clear and concise writing skills utilising tools provided in primary and secondary research.
- ability to present materials related to Revelation and Reason in a coherent, well structured argument, and make appropriate choices from primary and/or secondary materials.
Transferable Skills
- confident contribution to group discussions.
- ability to communicate the module content in a balanced manner to others, especially other Franciscans, members of Church groups and peers who have already studied theology.
- articulate class participation.
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