ROMAN CATHOLIC THOUGHT AND PRACTICE

Catalog description

What does the Roman Catholic Church teach today? What are the major official documents outlining the theological concerns of the Holy See since the time of Vatican II? How do Roman Catholics themselves think about the official teachings? This course is an investigation of developments and differences in Roman Catholic thought and practice over the past century. Students will examine prominent official statements (e.g., papal encyclicals and episcopal pronouncements) and commentary about different points of view. Special consideration will be given to the theological ethical bases in the tradition for various progressive and conservative theological trends. Students will analyze documents and issues and articulate their own perspectives both orally and in writing. Topics to be examined include both moral issues (e.g., ends of life decisions, poverty and justice, climate and human responsibility) and questions about the priesthood and the diaconate, interfaith dialogue, and inter-religious relations.