Welcome to a theological exploration of one of the most complex and vital realities of the Christian faith: the Church. In an era where the institutional Church faces profound skepticism and internal challenges, this course invites you to look deeper than the headlines. We will move beyond a merely sociological or political understanding of the Church to encounter it as a theological mystery—constituted by the Word of God and the Word made flesh.
Our journey begins with the very beginning of human history. We will explore the concept of Ecclesia ab Abel—the Church existing from the time of Abel—and trace how the Old Testament images of the People of God prepared the way for the New Testament reality of the Body of Christ. You will learn to see the Church not just as an organization, but as the Bride of Christ and the Temple of the Holy Spirit, seeing how these biblical images form the foundation of our identity.
The Historical Trajectory
As we move through history, we will examine how the Church’s self-understanding has developed and deepened. We will look at the early Church Fathers, particularly St. Cyprian, and their fight for unity. We will traverse the medieval scholastic synthesis of Thomas Aquinas, grapple with the crisis of the Reformation and Luther’s challenges, and understand the Catholic response at the Council of Trent.
A significant portion of our time will be dedicated to the modern era, specifically the developments from Vatican I to Vatican II. We will analyze the shift in theological language—such as the move from claiming the Church "is" the Church of Christ to the nuances of "subsists in"—and what this means for ecumenism and the Church’s relationship with the world. We will dive deep into Lumen Gentium, exploring the universal call to holiness and the interplay between the hierarchy and the laity.
Confronting Reality
This course does not shy away from the difficulties of our time. We will tackle the tension described by the Fathers as casta meretrix—the Church as a "chaste prostitute." We will ask the hard theological question: How can the Church be ontologically "holy" when her members are manifestly sinful? We will discuss the clerical sexual abuse crisis not just as a failure of policy, but as a failure of theology and holiness, and look toward routes of genuine renewal.
Your Journey of Assessment
To help you synthesize these deep concepts, your grade will be based on a progression of writing and research. We begin with a Short Reflection Paper in January, allowing you to engage with the biblical and patristic roots of the Church. In February, you will write a Mid-Term Analytic Essay, critically engaging with the documents of the Councils and the marks of the Church.
The course culminates in a Final Research Paper where you will have the freedom to investigate a specific area of ecclesiology—such as the role of the laity, the missionary mandate, or the Marian profile of the Church—at a depth appropriate to your level of study. Finally, a comprehensive exam will allow you to demonstrate your grasp of the Church's history, dogma, and hope for the future.
Check out the syllabus for a thorough overview of assignments and evaluation.
On campus students will meet Tuesdays from 8:30 am to 11:30 am at St Eugene de Mazenod.
Online students will have a lecture posted on Moodle each Tuesday. It's my hope to also find a time that works where we can meet groups over zoom to discuss and unpack the material.
- Teacher: David Deane