TH 590 - Theology of the Church

• Assignments: Varied throughout the term
• Interactivity: Discussion Boards
• Final Assessment: Final Paper

• Understand the theological and historical contexts for the development of the Church’s self-understanding, i.e., ecclesiology.
• Explain how the Creed’s marks of the Church are fundamental to a Catholic understanding of Church.
• Recognize the Second Vatican Council’s teaching on the Church, as found in Lumen Gentium, as a significant ecclesial event and as a source for “communio” ecclesiology.
• Describe the importance of the roles of Mary and of Peter in contemporary ecclesiology.
• Identify the place of ministry within the theology of the Church, including the distinctions between ministry of the baptized and ministry of ordained ministers.
• Explain how the Church as a Pilgrim Church awaits the coming of Christ in glory.