THE 892 The Ecclesial Vocation of the Theologian
Mindful of the link between the study of theology and the Church’s mission of evangelization, present throughout the Church’s entire history, this capstone course explores the relationship among the tasks of reading God’s Word, seeking its meaning, and communicating it to others, as epitomized in the medieval lectio, disputatio, and praedicatio. It examines developments in the understanding of the nature and mission of theology since that time, and highlights the integral and inevitable connection between theological speculation and pastoral practice. Critically evaluating the ways in which different academic currents have passed over into catechetical theory and practice, it proposes a renewed vision for the ecclesial vocation of the theologian, in which the contemplation of the Word of God is ordered toward the salvation of souls. Particular attention will be given to the evangelistic, catechetical, and theological application of this vision.
Notes
This course is to be taken in one of the last two semesters of coursework.