ST 664 Ecclesiology

Course Description: This course presents a study of ecclesiology as a theological discipline—the consideration of the Church in light of revelation. Following a brief introduction to the formal distinction of ecclesiology and the history of the discipline, the first half of the course explores the foundations, structure, and character of the Church, from both a dogmatic and a theological point of view. The magisterial guide for this understanding of the nature of the Church will be the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium. The second half of the course focuses on selected contemporary topics in ecclesiology.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Articulate a systematic view of ecclesiology in light of Lumen Gentium. 

2. Appreciate the connection of ecclesiology to other topics of systematic theology. 

3. Identify essential elements of biblical and historical ecclesiology.

4. Think through the pastoral ramifications of ecclesiological claims.

5. Understand the foundation for discussing the relationship between the Church and the world.