Exposing oneself to a theological experience academically demands that one covers several aspects substantially. They include important aspects of Dogmatic Theology, a basic understanding of Sacred Scripture and Pastoral Theology. In this level Sacred Scripture Modules such as Genesis and Exodus and an Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels are made available. In addition, an Introduction to Ecclesiology, an Introduction to Sacred Liturgy and the Sacraments, and finally an Introduction to the Catechism of the Catholic Church also form part of this level.
The module begins by briefly introducing the Exodus as the central event in the Old Testament. However, Exodus needs to be understood inclusively, as the liberation from the bondage in Egypt, the wanderings in the Dessert and the Covenant. The module then introduces the Pre-historical Narrative explaining the hermeneutics connected to the stories of the creation. Next, the stories of the fall of man which are based on Genesis chapters 3 and 4 are expounded, and this is followed by a study of the historical part of the Book of Genesis beginning with chapter 12. Lesson 10 provides an introduction to the Book of Exodus, and the topics covered are those of the ten plagues, the Passover, wanderings in the desert, Manna and Quails and the Covenant at Mount Sinai.
The purpose of this course is to help students acquire a detailed knowledge of the Synoptic Gospels through comprehensive study of their origins, relationships, and content. The module begins by examining the formation and origin of the Gospels, exploring the concept of four forms of the one Gospel, and addressing the Synoptic problem along with proposed solutions. Students will receive detailed introductions to each individual Gospel before proceeding to in-depth exegetical analysis of key biblical passages and themes. This exegetical work encompasses the Resurrection and Passion Narratives, Jesus's parables and miracles, his baptism and temptations, the first Beatitude, and the Lord's Prayer. The course also covers the formation of the Infancy Narratives and the birth of Jesus, including examination of genealogies, as well as discussions of marriage and celibacy in relation to the true family of Jesus.
Sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ are unique channels of divine grace. They accompany the journey of life from birth to death, and make divine grace tangible through the celebration of those rites. In this module each lesson has its own objective: Understanding the use of sacraments in the context of signs and symbols, how the idea of Sacrament developed in Scripture and Fathers of the Church, understanding the Scholastic teaching and Reformers approach to sacraments, evaluation of the teaching on Sacraments in the past leading up to the Second Vatican Council, how the Sacrament causes grace and how Sacraments are experienced in the sacred Liturgy.
If anyone wants to know what the Catholic Church upholds in her doctrine and faith, he or she could refer to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), the main source where all articles of faith are lucidly expounded. However, CCC does not intended to present a highly theological exposition of the teachings of the Catholic Church either. Rather, it aims at a straightforward presentation of the Deposit of Faith in the Church. Hence, it is not vague in its language and leaves no room for conjecture. This module briefly covers the historical development of catechism, and treats each part of the CCC as they are organized in this valuable source book. Part I is about the Creed and Part II is about Liturgical life in the Church. Part III deals with the moral principles for life in Christ and the final part, i.e., Part IV, deals with Prayer in Christian life.
This module is an exposition of all the basics required for the initiation of a deeper understanding about the authentic liturgical life of the Church. Often Liturgy is misinterpreted and misunderstood in today’s Catholic world, and hence, a theological understanding of the subject is a pressing need. In fact, as Pope Francis, in his Desiderio Desideravi of 2022 clearly points out, it can lead to grave abuse of the sacred rites of worship. The module begins by explaining what Liturgy actually is, and presents basic teachings such as the differences between Liturgical and non-Liturgical actions, the concept of a rite, an introduction to Eastern Catholic Rites, characteristics proper to the Roman Rite, the shape of the Liturgy and a study on the Dogmatic Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of Vatican II.
Ecclesiology is theological understanding of the Catholic Church. Unless one understands the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ, one does not succeed in becoming a true and an active member of the Catholic Church. This module covers the nature and scope of ecclesiology, Biblical perspectives of the Church, the understanding of the Church in the Second Vatican Council, understanding of the Church in the FABC, a deeper understanding of the Church as presented in Lumen Gentium, different models of the Church, hierarchical understanding of the Church and the concept of the Kingdom of God.
