Theology

Department Chair: Dr. Charles Sommer, sommerc@stthom.edu

The major in theology seeks to instill competency in major topics in the study of Catholicism and in the methods of investigation and research appropriate to the discipline of theology.

Theology plays a particularly important role in the synthesis of knowledge as well as in the dialogue between faith and reason. The study of theology, as part of a liberal arts education, aids the University community in its “constant effort to determine the relative place and meaning of each of the various disciplines within the context of the human person and the world that is enlightened by the Gospel,” and thus in preserving “the sense of the transcendence of the human person over the world and of God over the human person.” (John Paul II, Ex corde Ecclesiae, 16, 19).

Students who successfully complete the major program will be able to: read and use scripture in accordance with theological methods; interpret documents in Church history according to their historical and theological contexts; and assess, from within the ecclesial tradition, arguments in systematic and moral theology. Fulfillment of these objectives will be determined by means of an exit examination.

The school also offers a five–year BA/MA Combined degree in Theology which enables high–achieving undergraduate students to earn both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a streamlined program combining undergraduate and graduate studies. The BA/MA requires 120 undergraduate credit hours and 30 graduate credit hours of study and allows students to take undergraduate and graduate courses concurrently during the senior year. The BA and MA degrees will be conferred only after the BA/MA student completes the 120 undergraduate credit hours and 30 graduate credit hours of study successfully. The undergraduate hours for the Theology coursework are reduced to 36 hours from 42 hours. The chair of the Theology major will advise the student on which courses to take.

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

THEO 1301: Intro to the Sacred Scriptures

Introduction to contemporary biblical studies, including: 1) the Catholic approach to scripture in light of Dei Verbum (e.g., inspiration, revelation, canon, hermeneutical principles and methods of critical analysis, relationships of Old and New Testaments); 2) a survey of the Old Testament in its historical setting, with emphasis on major themes (e.g., covenant, exile, Davidic dynasty, wisdom literature, and messianic prophecies); and 3) a survey of the New Testament in its historical setting (e.g., Christianity’s Jewish and Hellenistic roots, gospel formation, the gospels, Acts, letters, Revelation). NOTE: Students who transfer with 60 or more credit hours and who have successfully completed THEO 1300 or 3300 may enroll in THEO 3310, completing junior–level requirements and receiving upper–division credit. Fall, Spring.

THEO 2301: Teachings of the Cath Church

Introduction to the fundamentals of Catholic dogmatic theology, the science of sacred doctrine, as revealed in Scripture and Tradition and defined by the Magisterium of the Church. Prerequisite: THEO 1301

THEO 2314: Theological Methods

An introduction to theology as a science, including its principles, sources, and methods, and an exploration of the parts of theology and how they cohere. Topics will include the skills and virtues necessary to the practice of theology; revelation and its witnesses in Sacred Scripture and Tradition; faith and its preambles; dogma and doctrine; development of doctrine; Magisterium; faith and reason; and the motives of credibility.

THEO 3301: Intro to the Sacred Scriptures

Introduction to contemporary biblical studies, including: 1) the Catholic approach to scripture in light of Dei Verbum (e.g., inspiration, revelation, canon, hermeneutical principles and methods of critical analysis, relationships of Old and New Testaments); 2) a survey of the Old Testament in its historical setting, with emphasis on major themes (e.g., covenant, exile, Davidic dynasty, wisdom literature, and messianic prophecies); and 3) a survey of the New Testament in its historical setting (e.g., Christianity’s Jewish and Hellenistic roots, gospel formation, the gospels, Acts, letters, Revelation). NOTE: Students who transfer with 60 or more credit hours and who have successfully completed THEO 1300 or 3300 may enroll in THEO 3310, completing junior–level requirements and receiving upper–division credit. Fall, Spring.

THEO 3311: Teachings of the Cath Church

Introduction to the fundamentals of Catholic dogmatic theology, the science of sacred doctrine, as revealed in Scripture and Tradition and defined by the Magisterium of the Church. Prerequisite: THEO 3301

THEO 3322: Theology of Creation

Study of the nature of creation and the unique place of the human person in creation according to the Catholic Intellectual Tradition (in contrast to notions of “creationism” that thrive in certain branches of theology). Sources read may include Sacred Scripture, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Bonaventure, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Benedict of Nursia, Pope John Paul II, and Pope Benedict XVI. Special attention will be paid to how Catholic teachings can inform environmental issues and enlighten the aims and practices of environmental stewardship.

THEO 3331: Cath Church: Origin,Struc,Mis

Reflection in light of scripture and Vatican II on the Catholic Church as one, holy, catholic and apostolic; discussion of authority and the papacy; ecumenism; the laity; the role of the Church in the modern world.

THEO 3332: Theology of the Sacraments

Study of the sacramental principle: relationship of the sacraments to Christ and the Church; and biblical, historical and doctrinal introduction to the seven sacraments, with special emphasis on their role in Christian life.

THEO 3333: Theology of Worship

Worship, ritual and the human condition; Christian worship and the history of salvation; spiritual worship and liturgical action: objective and subjective aspects; play and festivity; sacred actions, times, and places; liturgy and holiness.

THEO 3336: Christian Spirituality

Systematic study of the concepts and practices of the Christian spiritual life, illustrated by reading selected texts from the great spiritual masters and writers of the Church.

THEO 3339: Christ the Savior

Basic themes concerned with the person and work of Jesus Christ as they emerge in scripture and tradition; emphasis on Jesus’ public ministry, the paschal mystery, and the Christology of both the early and contemporary Church; modern problems regarding the meaning of salvation.

THEO 3345: Theology of St. Thomas Aquinas

Introduction to the theological method and major contributions of St. Thomas. Each semester will concentrate on one of the following topics: God–Trinity, creation, the Holy Spirit, grace, the moral life, etc.

THEO 3346: Christian Vocations: Paths

All Christians called to holiness; common principles and various paths by which this vocation is realized; lay men and women; ordained ministry; consecrated life.

THEO 3349: Christ and the Moral Life

A study of fundamental Catholic teachings on the moral life, founded upon the truth that the power to live the moral life flows from Christ and the divinizing power of his grace, particularly in the sacraments. Course content includes the beatitudes, freedom, the morality of human acts and passions, moral conscience, the theological virtues, sin, social justice, and the Ten Commandments.

THEO 3351: Prophets of Ancient Israel

Prophecy in the Old Testament in its historical and religious contexts; critical methods of studying the prophets; current interpretations of the prophetic books.

THEO 3353: Pentateuch

The Torah in its historical and religious contexts; the development of pentateuchal criticism; critical methods of studying the Pentateuch; theologies of the different traditions and their relations to biblical theology as a whole.

THEO 3354: Synoptic Gospels

The synoptic gospels in their historical and religious contexts; critical methods of studying these gospels and their relations to biblical theology as a whole.

THEO 3355: Book of Psalms

Contemporary exegetical approaches to Psalms, including the genre of “psalm” with a comparison to similar literature from the ancient Near East; types of psalms; relation of the Psalter to temple and synagogue worship; interpretations of individual psalms.

THEO 3356: Theological Anthropology

Studies the Christian vision of man under the light of divine revelation; his creation in God's image and likeness, his ultimate end, and his spiritual and material faculties. Reading focus on the development of Christian anthropology in its historical context, both ancient and modern, as well as the anthropological foundations of moral action, ascetical praxis, and sacramental discipline. Primary source readings will typically be chosen from scripture, the fathers, and recent Magisterium, including documents of the Second Vatican Council, with an eye to comparison and contrast between Christian anthropology and modern and post-modern views of the human person. Key topics may include deification, personhood, freedom, the mind, passions, relationality, or sexuality.

THEO 3358: Authority and Virtue in the Ca

Students read and discuss seminal texts in the tradition of Catholic reflection on authority and virtue. Texts could include, but are not limited to The Book of the Pastoral Rule of Gregory the Great or St. Bernard of Clairvaux's on Consideration. Students will situate the insights of these texts in critical and constructive dialogue with contemporary theories of ethical leadership. Course topics include the purpose and function of authority, the nature of a common good, self-knowledge, the relation between telos and skopos, and the nature of the active and comtemplative lives. Conducted in a seminar format, the course may also be team-taught.

THEO 3359: Theology and the Liberal Arts

Introduction to the tradition of Catholic reflection on liberal education. The course considers the nature of the liberal arts, the relationship between theology and the other disciplines from a theological point of view, the question of the unity of knowledge, and the spirituality proper to the life of learning.

THEO 3365: Gospel and Letters of John

The fourth gospel and the epistles of John; critical methods of Johannine study; current status of Johannine scholarship; theological messages of the gospel and epistles.

THEO 3369: World Religions

An in-depth study of the major world religions, their historical development, intellectual traditions, and cultural influences. The religious tradition we focus on may vary in any given semester, but will typically be one or more of the following; Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Students should expect substantial comparative reading in the primary sources of the religious tradition being studied as well as from the Catholic theological tradition. The course will generally include a study of the theological and practical problems of inter-religious dialogue, the theology of revelation and the Church, the dialogue of faith and reason, and the nature of mysticism. The course aims to inculcate in students a deep familiarity with the textual sources of major religious traditions allowing for an informed response to contemporary socio-political and theological problems that arise in a religiously pluralist milieu and an authentic understanding of the spirit and goals of inter-religious dialogue.

THEO 4321: Catholic Epistles

This course is designed to explore the historical and religious contexts of the Christian communities at the end of the first century as reflected Hebrews and in the Catholic Epistles: James, 1-2 Peter, Jude, and the three Johannine letters. Topics include: narrative characteristic of the Greek text, the problem of the authorship, internal and external problems of the Proto-Christian communities, literary analysis of selected periscopes and theological developments manifested in the texts.

THEO 4324: Christian Ethics and the Law

A theological examination of ethical issues relating to the making and application of the law: e.g., the concept of justice; legal positivism and the relation of civil and criminal law to ethics and the legitimacy of the adversary system; obligations relating to confidentiality, equal access to legal services, punishment and sentencing, contracts; the practice of law as a Christian calling.

THEO 4325: Faith and Moral Development

An examination of the stages, processes and methods of Christian moral development. Topics include: how ethical norms are known; relation of faith to ethics; the concept of habit and the development of theological and moral virtues; the effect of culture on morals; the role of myth, symbol and identification in moral development; academic subjects and moral development.

THEO 4334: Social Justice and the Church

Catholic teaching on social, political and economic issues: freedom; law; conscience; marriage and family; political authority; just war and nuclear arms; human dignity and rights; work; private property and social justice.

THEO 4336: American Catholic Heritage

Survey from the Native Americans through the present in the shaping of American Catholicism; theological and ecumenical dimensions; contributions of the Catholic Church to the American scene emphasized.

THEO 4339: Celtic Spirituality

Systematic study of the concepts and practices of the Christian spiritual life, with a special emphasis placed upon an understanding of Celtic Spirituality and the influences of Anglo-Saxon spirituality on it. This study will be undertaken by a reading and study of selected texts by the great spiritual masters and writers of the Church from the Celtic and Anglo-Saxon tradition.

THEO 4347: Fathers of the Church

Lives and thoughts of the great saints and scholars of the first millennium who shaped the Church’s teaching and life. Reading their works is essential to the course. Among those to be discussed are the Desert Fathers, Origen, Basil, Ambrose and Augustine.

THEO 4348: Theology of the Body

Introduction to the writings of John Paul II on the sacramental nature of creation, and in particular, the human body, male and female. Marriage as sacrament of the Communion of Persons in the Trinity. The ethics of human sexuality as integral to the responsible relationship between persons and the theology of the total, reciprocal gift of persons.

THEO 4351: Wisdom in Israel

Introduction to the wisdom literature of the Old Testament: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Qoheleth, Song of Songs, Wisdom and Sirach.

THEO 4360: John Henry Newman

A study of the thought and influence of John Henry Newman through a selection of his writings, including The Idea of a University.

THEO 4367: Mariology

Mary’s role in the salvation of humanity. Mary in scripture and in the tradition of the Church. The teaching of the contemporary magisterium: Pius XII, Vatican II, Paul VI, John Paul II. Mary in contemporary theology.

THEO 4368: Book of Revelation

Origin and development of apocalyptic literature in the Old Testament and the intertestamental period; formation, structure and style of the Book of Revelation; redactional and literary analysis of the text to define its theology and the situation which produced it.

THEO 4374: Mod Challenges to Christianity

The impact of the 19th and early 20th century scientific, economic, philosophical and psychological critiques of Christianity; emphasis on method for analyzing theological responses to these and other contemporary challenges.

THEO 4390: Triune God

Theology engages the mind and heart as a work of 'faith seeking understanding.' This course examines the Christian doctrine on God as one and trinitarian. It will explore the biblical/theological foundations, historical development, and contemporary approaches to the doctrine of the Trinity, with attention to the development of doctrine and how Trinitarian faith impacts the life, prayer and liturgy of Catholic Christians.

THEO 5302: Biblical Hebrew

The course of Biblical Hebrew will present an introduction to the basis of the Classical Hebrew used in the Masoretic text. This course is essential to learn the basic semantic notions of the Biblical vocabulary that has marked the spirituality and theology of the Old Testament. By the end of this course the students will be able to write and read Hebrew words and translate Biblical phrases.

THEO 5303: Biblical Greek

The course of Biblical Greek will present an introduction to the basis of the Koiné Greek used in the New testament and some texts of the Septuagint. This course is essential to learn the basic semantic notions of the Biblical vocabulary that has marked the spirituality and theology of the New Testament and the Magisterial vocabulary used to define diverse dogmatic formulations in the catholic Church. By the end of this course the students will be able to write and read Greek words and translate Biblical phrases.

THEO 5304: Exegetical Methods

The course of exegetical methods will present an introduction and praxis of the most important exegetical techniques and approaches developed throughout the history of the Biblical Criticism. The knowledge and praxis of diverse exegetical methods will offer to the students’ multiple Biblical viewpoints to approach the canonical texts in order to discover its manifold levels of meanings.

THEO 5305: Hispanic Hermeneutics

The course of Hispanic hermeneutics is a very unique application of hermeneutics. The hermeneutical process surges as a result of the exegetical study of the texts that needs to be interpreted through the specific viewpoint of the “Hispanic reality in the United States.” This sociological situation illuminates the interpretation of the academic study of the Biblical texts and its message becomes relevant to the modern reality of the Latino/a immigrant or Hispanic minorities in the United States.

THEO 5306: Pentateuch

The course of Pentateuch will study the most important theological themes of the canonical books: i.e., Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, numbers, and Deuteronomy: their literary problems, their authorship, their literary genres, their history of the redaction that explains the formation of the books, and the exegesis of the most important periscopes that marked the theology and spirituality of the Judeo-Christian traditions.

THEO 5307: Historical Books

The course of the Historical Books will study the most important theological themes of the canonical books: i.e., Joshua, Judges, 1-2Samuel, and 1-2 Kings: their literary problems, their authorship, their literary genres, their history of the redaction that explains the formation of the books, and the exegesis of the most important periscopes that marked the theology and spirituality of the Judeo-Christian traditions.

THEO 5308: Prophets of Israel

The course of the Prophets of Israel will study the most important theological themes of the canonical books: i.e., Major and Minor Prophets: their literary problems, their authorship, their literary genres, their history of the redaction that explains the formation of the books, and the exegesis of the most important periscopes that marked the theology and spirituality of the Judeo-Christian traditions.

THEO 5309: Poetic and Wisdom Writings

The course entitled Poetic and Wisdom Writings will study the most important theological themes of the canonical books, their literary problems, their authorship, their literary genres, their history of the redaction that explains the formation of the books, and the exegesis of the most important periscopes that marked the theology and spirituality of the Judeo-Christian traditions.

THEO 5310: Synoptic Gospels and Acts

The Synoptic Gospels will be studied in this course and Acts of the Apostles with the different methods used by the Catholic Church for an understanding in the light of faith. This course explains the historical background, the narrative structures, the authorship of the canonical books, main theological contents and themes that marked the theology and spirituality of the Judeo-Christian traditions.

THEO 5311: Paul and his Letters

The Pauline letters will be studied in this course in terms of their life settings, historical contexts and their Christian message through exegesis and pastoral hermeneutics pertinent to the current Latino/a reality. This course explains the historical background, the narrative structures, and the authorship of the canonical books, main theological contents and themes that marked the theology and spirituality of the Judeo-Christian traditions.

THEO 5312: Catholic Epistles

The course of the Catholic Epistles will study the most important theological themes of the canonical letters: i.e., James, Jude, and 1-2 Peter: their literary problems, their authorship, their literary genres, their history of the redaction, and the exegesis of the most important periscopes that marked the theology and spirituality of the Judeo-Christian traditions.

THEO 5313: Johannine Literature

The course of Johannine Literature will study the most important theological themes of the canonical letters: i.e., Gospel according to John, 1,2,3 John, and Revelation: their literary problems, their authorship, their literary genres, their history of the redaction, and the exegesis of the most important periscopes that marked the theology and spirituality of the Judeo-Christian traditions.

THEO 5320: Intro to Theological Studies

This course will introduce students to the theological field including the different types of religious thought and the way in which Catholic theology has different branches of study throughout history. Special emphasis will be given to the Latino/a theology in the United States. **COURSE IS TAUGHT IN SPANISH

THEO 5321: Catholic Morality

This class will cover a systematic study of the ethical principles of Catholic moral doctrine and its daily application in the modern world in such a way that the person can live according to the will of God.

THEO 5322: The Gospels

The four Gospels will be studied in this course with the different methods used by the Catholic Church for understanding them in the light of faith. This course explains the background, the structure, the main contents, and the major themes of each gospel.

THEO 5323: Fathers of the Church

This course will study of the Fathers of the Church. Doctrine and Christian beliefs will be studied as well as their apologetic defense against the attacks of the pagan religions.

THEO 5324: Church History

In this subject a study of the history of the church from Its birth to the present time will be made, separating the moments and important changes throughout 1he centuries with Its main characters and events. Special attention will be given to the history of Hispanic Catholicism In the United States.

THEO 5325: TheologyThemes of the Old Test

This course will cover the Pentateuch, the historical, sap1entlal, an Cl prophetic books. The different methods of study, literary styles, origin and 1heologlcal thought predominating in each of these books wlll be presented and elucidated according to the main theological needs of the Hispanic communities.

THEO 5326: Trinity and Incarnation

This course will study the central dogma of the Trinitarian nature of God and its main exponents. The mystery of Incarnation will be Intrinsically inter-related with Christology and the life of Jesus of Nazareth from his human and divine nature.

THEO 5327: Foundations of the Catholic Fa

This course will present the basic foundations of the Catholic faith contained in the Catechism of the Catholic Church as teachings, beliefs, practices, and prayers. Basic truth& and identifications of the Catholic faith will be studied within the framework of the Hispanic pastoral reality.

THEO 5328: Paul and his Letters

The Pauline letters will be studied in this course in terms of their life settings, historical contexts and their Christian message through an exegesis and a pastoral hermeneutics pertinent to the current Latino/a reality.

THEO 5329: Mission of the Church

This course will cover missiology as the constant task of the Church to announce the gospel and an analysis of its philosophy, its theology, Its biblical bases, its historical guidelines, and its practices within the Hispanic Catholic community.

THEO 5330: Mary and Piety

The study of the life of the Virgin Mary, its basis in Scripture, its dogmas and doctrines; Marian piety as an expression of faith of the different cultures, particularly of the Spanish-speaking community In the United States.

THEO 5331: Cath Church: Origin,Struc,Mis

Reflection in light of scripture and Vatican II on the Catholic Church as one, holy, catholic and apostolic; discussion of authority and the papacy; ecumenism; the laity; the role of the Church in the modern world

THEO 5332: Theology of the Sacraments

Study of the sacramental principle: relationship of the sacraments to Christ and the Church; and biblical, historical and doctrinal introduction to the seven sacraments, with special emphasis on their role in Christian life

THEO 5333: Sacraments in Parish Life Prac

ln this course we will study sacramental theology In.Its pastoral application and liturgical celebration in the context of the parish Hispanic community in the different periods of the Church. Its biblical foundations and the Catholic tradition will be included. The student will complete a service project within a parish In which knowledge gained in this course will be applied.

THEO 5339: Christ the Savior

Basic themes concerned with the person and work of Jesus Christ as they emerge in scripture and tradition; emphasis on Jesus' public ministry, the paschal mystery, and the Christology of both the early and contemporary Church; modern problems regarding the meaning of salvation.

THEO 5349: Christ and the Moral Life

A study of fundamental Catholic teachings on the moral life, founded upon the truth that the power to live the moral life flows from Christ and the divinizing power of his grace, particularly in the sacraments. Course content includes the beatitudes, freedom, the morality of human acts and passions, moral conscience, the theological virtues, sin, social justice, and the Ten Commandments.

THEO 5351: Prophets of Ancient Israel

Prophecy in the Old Testament in its historical and religious contexts; critical methods of studying the prophets; current interpretations of the prophetic books.

THEO 5353: Pentateuch

The Torah in its historical and religious contexts; the development of pentateuchal criticism; critical methods of studying the Pentateuch; theologies of the different traditions and their relations to biblical theology as a whole.

THEO 5354: Synoptic Gospels

The synoptic gospels in their historical and religious contexts; critical methods of studying these gospels and their relations to biblical theology as a whole.

THEO 5355: Book of Psalms

Contemporary exegetical approaches to Psalms, including the genre of “psalm” with a comparison to similar literature from the ancient Near East; types of psalms; relation of the Psalter to temple and synagogue worship; interpretations of individual psalms.

THEO 5360: Vatican II

A theological exploration of the documents of Vatican II and related documents of the magisterium, their theological and historical context, and the grounding in Scripture and Tradition. Special attention is given to ressourcement and aggiornamento and to the 'hermeneutics of reform' and 'hermeneutics of continuity' as contrasted with a 'hermeneutic of rapture.'

THEO 5361: Biblical Exegesis

This class studies the interpretation of the Sacred Scriptures, including the contribution from the Patristic and Medieval period as well as from modern Biblical scholarship. Special attention will be paid to the tensions between modern Biblical scholarship and the Patristic and medieval tradition of interpreting the Bible, as well as to the areas in which the two traditions might enrich each other. The course attends to the philosophic and theological questions inextricable from Biblical exegesis.

THEO 5365: Gospel and Letters of John

The fourth gospel and the epistles of John; critical methods of Johannine study; current status of Johannine scholarship; theological messages of the gospel and epistles.

THEO 6321: Catholic Epistles

This course is designed to explore the historical and religious contexts of the Christian communities at the end of the first century as reflected Hebrews and in the Catholic Epistles: James, 1-2 Peter, Jude, and the three Johannine letters. Topics include: narrative characteristic of the Greek text, the problem of the authorship, internal and external problems of the Proto-Christian communities, literary analysis of selected periscopes and theological developments manifested in the texts.

THEO 6324: Christian Ethics of the Law

A theological examination of ethical issues relating to the making and application of the law: e.g., the concept of justice; legal positivism and the relation of civil and criminal law to ethics and the legitimacy of the adversary system; obligations relating to confidentiality, equal access to legal services, punishment and sentencing, contracts; the practice of law as a Christian calling.

THEO 6325: Faith and Moral Development

An examination of the stages, processes and methods of Christian moral development. Topics include: how ethical norms are known; relation of faith to ethics; the concept of habit and the development of theological and moral virtues; the effect of culture on morals; the role of myth, symbol and identification in moral development; academic subjects and moral development.

THEO 6334: Social Justice and the Church

Catholic teaching on social, political and economic issues: freedom; law; conscience; marriage and family; political authority; just war and nuclear arms; human dignity and rights; work; private property and social justice.

THEO 6339: Celtic Spirituality

Systematic study of the concepts and practices of the Christian spiritual life, with a special emphasis placed upon an understanding of Celtic Spirituality and the influences of Anglo-Saxon spirituality on it. This study will be undertaken by a reading and study of selected texts by the great spiritual masters and writers of the Church from the Celtic and Anglo-Saxon tradition.

THEO 6351: Wisdom in Israel

Introduction to the wisdom literature of the Old Testament: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Qoheleth, Song of Songs, Wisdom and Sirach.

THEO 6367: Mariology

Mary’s role in the salvation of humanity. Mary in scripture and in the tradition of the Church. The teaching of the contemporary magisterium: Pius XII, Vatican II, Paul VI, John Paul II. Mary in contemporary theology.

THEO 6368: Book of Revelation

Origin and development of apocalyptic literature in the Old Testament and the intertestamental period; formation, structure and style of the Book of Revelation; redactional and literary analysis of the text to define its theology and the situation which produced it.

THEO 6374: Mod Challenges to Christianity

The impact of the 19th and early 20th century scientific, economic, philosophical and psychological critiques of Christianity; emphasis on method for analyzing theological responses to these and other contemporary challenges.