The Diaconate Office of the Diocese of Erie, Pa.

Faith, Revelation and Theology

Syllabus

Title:	Faith, Revelation and Theology
Description:	This course is an introduction to the nature and methods of theology. It considers the phenomenon of faith, the dynamics of revelation and its connection to the human experience. The connection between Scripture, Tradition and divine self-communication is also considered.
Time frame:	Class: Friday evening of deacon formation weekends from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. 8 sessions scheduled. Each class session will require preparation by reading the assigned texts. It will also be followed with written assignments for the purpose of evaluation. Reasonable time during the month should be set aside for this.
Texts:	1. *Documents of Vatican II* (any standard edition is fine. The appropriate documents can even be downloaded from www.vatican.va.) 2. Brennan Hill, Paul Knitter, William Madges, *Faith, Religion & Theology: A Contemporary Introduction (revised edition), (Mystic, CT: Twenty-Third Publications, 1997) 3. Dermot Lane, The Experience of God: An Invitation to do Theology,* ( Mahwah , NJ : Paulist Press 1981) 4. Richard Gaillardetz, *By What Authority?: A Primer on Scripture, the Magisterium* and the Sense of the Faithful, ( Collegeville , MN : The Liturgical Press, 2003)
Expectations	The student is expected to: Do the assigned readings Actively participate in class, especially class discussions Complete the written assignment for the class session and submit it by the due date.
Grades	Course grades are based on participation in class (30%) and monthly written assignments (50%) and exams (20%).
Educational Objective:	By the end of the course the student will be able to: summarize the relationship of faith, human experience and divine revelation. explain a basic understanding of the theology of the human person. explain what is meant by “divine self-communication.” relate the role of Scripture to “divine self-communication.” distinguish between Tradition and traditions. explain the basic principles of the Vatican II renewal. describe the role of the Magisterium in the Church documents. indicate how non-Christians are receivers of Revelation. explain the major points of several Vatican II documents. begin to think theologically.
Make up policy	All readings must be done by the class assigned. No exceptions are made, as the reading is the basis for participation in class discussions. Written work is to be done by the class assigned. If for a good and valid reason (natural disaster, war, major family crisis, or serious incapacitating illness), the professor may allow a ten day grace period for the submission of written material.
Educational philosophy and methods	The study of theology is not just the acquisition of information or the ability to understand models and theories, though these things certainly have their place in the study of theology. Rather, the study of theology is an opportunity to grow in one’s faith. It should be a transformative experience; an experience of metanoia. Thus, the full engagement of each student in this process is important. Class time will involve discussions in which all are encouraged to participate. Written assignments will always include questions that require personal reflection as well as a demonstration of mastering the cognitive context. Student life experience is an important context for understanding and applying course content to one’s life. Classes will involve both lecture and discussion. The role of the instructor is that of a mentor helping the student on a journey of discovery, rather than as a font of knowledge.
Instructor	Deacon Richard Shewman Phone: 814-824-1140 (office) Email: rshewman@eriercd.org Email: drshewman@msn.com Office: Diocesan Tribunal, St. Mark’s Pastoral Center (available during normal office hours but call ahead to be sure).
Class time	Friday, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Deacon formation weekends
Location	Gannon Room, classroom wing, First Floor, St. Mark’s Pastoral Center (unless otherwise noted on the homepage of this site or announced at formation weekend)
Homework	A list of questions will be provided to the student at the end of each class. The questions should be answered and submitted by the next class session. The questions are meant to encourage reflection on the topics and practical application to one’s life and ministry. Responses need not be overly long but should adequately respond to the question. An extra credit question usually will be included. This question is optional but can provide extra credit. The responses should be typed/printed, double spaced, and the pages numbered. Also, indicate the number of the question to which you are responding. Homework may be returned at the next class but it is preferred that you submit it via email. Email submissions should reach me at least a day before the formation weekend to allow me time to review it, comment and get it back to you in time for the class. Any documents submitted via email should be in RTF or Word format.
Online	Use this website to access PDF versions of this syllabus and the class notes. The homework assignment list is posted here as well. There are also be links to other on line resources which may be helpful to your studies.