Catholicism, as its very name implies, has a universal outlook and is
characterized by a radical openness to all truth. It is comprehensive and
all-embracing toward Christian experience, in all the theological,
doctrinal, spiritual, liturgical, canonical, institutional, and social
richness of diversity of that experience. This course explores the faith
and life of the living Catholic community and the basic beliefs, values,
symbols and practices of those who call themselves Catholic.
Who was Jesus of Nazareth? Why are his life, death, and resurrection at
the heart of our faith? What is the meaning of Tradition? What was
Vatican II? We will examine its legacy by focusing particularly on
Catholicism in the United States. The dynamic interplay of continuity and
change in the American church will serve to anchor our understanding of
Catholic faith and life.
To learn how the Spirit works we will explore current perceptions of Roman
Catholicism, its varied devotional practices, its organization structure,
and its major symbols. Who are American Catholics? What do they believe
What does the Church teach? What is the relationship of theology to
practice? What is the primary sacrament of Catholic faith? Why are
there others? What really matters? Given the complex relationship of
faith to
doctine and life, how are we to understand mature conscience formation and
to acquire the skills necessary for adult spiritual life? We will end by
engaging the communal story of Catholic faith and life as it is expressed
in the witness of committed believers in the late twentieth and early 21st
century.
