REL 545 Contemporary Theologians Dr. Dennis M. Doyle Th 3:00—5:45 HM 344
Dennis M. Doyle, Ph.D. Office: HM 300 Email: [email protected] Office Phone: ext. 9-4219 Office Hours: TWF 10:00—12:00; 2:00—3:00 Th 10:00—12:00
Description: An examination of several contemporary approaches to theological method. Beginning with an overview of revolutionary challenges to theology in the nineteenth century, the course will examine the lives and contributions of influential and diverse religious thinkers. Students will focus together on Rahner and Balthasar and independently with each studying one other contemporary theologian.
Class Procedure: Seminar style. Some lecture. Much discussion. Student presentations.
During the first week of the semester, each student will choose one contemporary theologian as the subject of their semester’s study.
Common Texts: Balthasar, Hans Urs von. A Von Balthasar Reader Rahner, Karl. The Content of Faith: The Best of Karl Rahner’s Theological Writings. Oakes, Edward. Pattern of Redemption. Egan, Harvey. Karl Rahner: The Mystic of Everyday Life.
Each student will also develop a selected bibliography of works by and about the contemporary theologian whom they choose to study.
Evaluation: Students will write and present short papers on the work of the theologians studied. They will take one essay exam on the materials by and about Balthasar and Rahner. They will research and write a fifteen page research paper that either: 1. Explores the theological method and overall contribution of one theologian, or 2. Compares and contrast the theological methods and overall contributions of two theologians.
Short papers and presentations: 20%
Essay exam: 30%
Research paper: 50% Schedule of Readings
January 8: Introduction January 15: Rahner: (45) 73-199, (What is Christianity) The Mystery of Existence Mystic: 19-28, A Rahner Biography
January 22: Balthasar: 56-109 The Human Being Patterns: 15-71, Erich Przywara and the Analogy of Being, The Dialogue with Karl Barth
January 29: Rahner: 205-266, On the Living God Mystic: 28-105, Ignatian Theologian, Mystical Theologian, Teacher of Prayer
February 5: Balthasar: 113-205, God/Jesus Patterns: 72-132, Goethe, Nietzsche and the Encounter with German Idealism, Balthasar and the Church Fathers
February 12: Rahner: 273-351 (384), Jesus Christ (The Holy Spirit) Mystic: 105-151, Preacher of the Good News, Lover of Jesus Christ
February 19: No class
February 26: Balthasar: 207-318, The Church Patterns: 133-210, Part II – The Aesthetics
March 4: Rahner: 389-501, The People of God in History Mystic: 151-173, Karl Rahner – Teacher of Church and Sacraments
March 11: Balthasar: 319-375, Life in Faith Patterns: 211-276, Part III: The Theodramatics
March 18: Midterm Break
March 25: Rahner: 507-604, Christian Life / *Paper Due* Mystic: 173-191, Karl Rahner – Teacher of Christian Life
April 1: Balthasar: 376-431, Saints/Consummation Patterns: 277-324, Part IV – The Theologic
April 8: Easter Break
April 15: Rahner: 159-174, Hope in God Mystic: 191-207 Karl Rahner – Teacher of Last Things
April 22: *Essay Exam* April 29: Brief Presentation/Discussion of Papers