Biblical Theology
This concentration forms students for effective teaching, research, and publication in the biblical field with a distinctively orthodox and ecclesial perspective. While providing thorough formation in languages and exegetical method, the centerpiece of this program is a mastery of what the Second Vatican Council identified as the three criteria (principles) of theological exegesis: (1) the content and unity of Scripture, (2) the living tradition of the Church, and (3) the analogy of faith. This requires Catholic biblical scholars truly to be theologians, and not merely philologists and/or historians of ancient religious phenomena.
Thus, the Biblical Theology concentration is intentionally broad, requiring the doctoral candidate to be conversant in all the branches of theology, in order to grasp the living tradition (where Liturgical, Historical, and Dogmatic Theology have a privileged role) and the analogy of faith (where Systematic and Moral Theology have a privileged role). To grasp the content and unity of Scripture is especially the prerogative of Biblical Theology, which requires at least scholarly competence in all the divisions of Scripture, even if there is specialization in one. This entails mastery of basic exegetical tools: biblical and cognate languages and the knowledge of ancient history and rhetoric. Students will develop competence in teaching and research in both Testaments, but will typically focus on one in their dissertation (either Old or New), and this focus will guide the choice of courses and comprehensive exam questions.