Keynote Lectures
The theme of the Keynote Lectures was THE CHURCH AND THE WORLD: THE NATURE OF DIALOGUE . The Keynote Speakers were:
Dr Paul Murray
(Senior Lecturer in Systematic Theology & Director of Centre for Catholic Studies, University of Durham)
'The Church and Dialogue '
Fr Michael Barnes SJ
(Lecturer in Interreligious Relations, Heythrop College, University of London)
'The Church and Dialogue with Other Religions'
Fr John Moffatt SJ
(Catholic Chaplain to the University of Oxford)
'The Church and the Dialogue with Science'
The texts of these Keynote Lectures were published in the Jesuit on-line journal 'Thinking Faith' and are reproduced here by kind permission. Please click on the links below:
The Church and Dialogue Part I
The Church and Dialogue Part II
The Church and Dialogue Part III
The Church and Dialogue with Other Religions (Dialogue and Social Cohesion)
The Church and Dialogue with Science
Series A Lecture Options
A1. Introduction to Theology
David Charters
In this introduction to Theology, we will consider the fundamental mysteries of our faith. Theology is born from faith; from our encounter with Jesus Christ. It is from this loving encounter that our desire grows to know more; to give reasons for our hope (cf. 1 Peter 3:15). The Gospel of John speaks of Jesus Christ as the Word made flesh who made his dwelling amongst us (Jn 1:14): how are we to understand this? Our journey will begin by looking at the Scriptures and the Tradition of the Church to see what they tell us about the person of Christ – true God and true man – who comes to reveal to us that God is love (1 Jn 4:16). God is love because He is a communion of persons Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As such our course will consider some important aspects of Christology as well as Trinitarian Theology. One of the major aims of this course is to show how these mysteries are not abstract notions to think about, on the contrary, they are at the very heart of our Christian life, of the lives of those whom God calls his children. God created us out of love precisely to share in his very own life. Our starting point is believing so as to understand, and as we deepen our understanding this too can help us to believe and to reflect what we believe in our daily lives and commitment to follow Christ.
Short Bibliography:
-
Catechism of the Catholic Church – Compendium (available from CTS - price £6:95)
-
Dogmatic constitution on divine revelation – Dei Verbum*
*Can be downloaded from the web site of the Holy See:
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/
documents/vat-ii_const_19651118_dei-verbum_en.html
- Pope Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth.
- Walter Kasper, Jesus the Christ.
David Charters is training for the priesthood at the Venerable English College in Rome where he is also undertaking advanced studies in Dogmatic Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University. He was ordained as a Deacon in July 2007 (and as a priest in September 2008).
A2. Unravelling the Catechism
John Moffatt SJ
This course will look at aspects of doctrinal and ethical teaching in the Christian tradition according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, in the light of some of the challenges of contemporary and post-enlightenment philosophical thought. It will point towards a responsible yet dynamic understanding of dogma, truth and tradition which allows Christian thought to embrace modernity with integrity.
Session 1: Language, understanding and truth.
This session will look at some of the Christian teaching inherited in the tradition and explore some of the different ways in which that teaching is challenged by modern thought.
Session 2: Case studies.
This session will look at the origin of the theology of the Word and of the developed language of the incarnation. It will explore some of the problems raised by this language and point to some solutions.
Session 3: Case Studies.
This session will look at the relation between the Christian revelation and ancient and modern ethical theories, aiming to resolve some of the tensions in the understanding of Christian ethics.
Session 4: Towards a theory of Reason and Revelation.
This session will examine possible models for understanding the process of revelation and the place of reason in that process.
Session 5: Free discussion.
Short bibliography:
- Genesis 1 - 3, Exodus 1 - 20. Isaiah 40 - 55. The book of Wisdom (Jerusalem Bible)
- The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 - 7). Letter to the Romans. Gospel of John
- Polkinghorne, Science and Religion
- John Searle, Philosophy of Mind (Reith Lectures)
- Beyond the Catechism (Moffatt)
Fr. John Moffatt SJ has worked as teacher-chaplain at St. Ignatius Enfield and Wimbledon College. He has written a book, 'Beyond the Catechism'. Currently he is working as a University Chaplain.
A3. Conscience
Helen Costigane SHCJ
What do we mean by ‘conscience’? How is it formed and informed? What are the ways in which its proper working may be distorted? Using film clips, this course will consider these and other relevant questions, in exploring what is meant by ‘conscience’. No prior knowledge needed or assumed.
Suggested Reading
- Richard Gula, Moral Discernment, Paulist Press, 1997
- Timothy O’Connell, Good People: Tough Choices: Making the Right Decisions Every Day, Thomas More Publishing, 1999
- James Keating, Pure Heart, Clear Conscience: Living a Catholic Moral Life, Our Sunday Visitor, 1999
- Ken Magid and Carole McKelvey, High Risk: Children Without a Conscience, Bantam, 1989
- Kenneth R. Overberg, Conscience in Conflict: How to Make Moral Choices. St Anthony Messenger Press, 1997
- Robert D. Hare, Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us, Guilford Press, 1999
Helen Costigane SHCJ teaches Christian Ethics at Heythrop College, London.
A4. The Psalms in the Life of a Christian
John Hemer MHM
We will look at the Book of Psalms as a whole, try to identify the various types of psalms, and see how they can be used for personal prayer, how the Church uses them in the Liturgy, and how they can greatly enrich our understanding of God.
The course will begin with a short look at what the Book of Psalms is trying to do, why it is revelation and how it can greatly enrich Christian prayer. Then there will be a detailed examination of Psalms 1 & 2, showing how they are in themselves the introduction to the Psalter and how they set the ground rules for Israel’s prayer. Then examples of the main psalm types will be looked at in detail, e.g. praise, lamentation, thanksgiving, psalms of Zion etc. Attention will also be paid to how these very Jewish prayers are also the essence of Christian prayer. We will look at how they are used in the Liturgy and hopefully how they can enrich our celebrations. We will also examine the difficult problem of the cursing psalms and how we may understand these difficult, shocking prayers. The class time consists basically of a prepared, structured lecture, during which questions and discussion are always welcome.
Short Bibliography
- BRUEGGEMANN, W., The Psalms and the Life of Faith. Minneapolis 1995.
- EATON, J., The Psalms. A Historical and Spiritual Commentary with an Introduction and New Translation. London – New York 2003.
- JINKINS, M., In the House of the Lord. Inhabiting the Psalms of Lament. Collegeville, 1998.
- LEWIS, C.S., Reflections on the psalms.
- PETERSON, E. H., Where Your Treasure Is; Psalms That Summon You From Self To Community. Grand Rapids 1993.
Father John Hemer, MHM, has worked in Pakistan, Uganda and Kenya,and is currently Lecturer in Scripture at Allen Hall Seminary, Chelsea, and St. Mary's Seminary, Oscott, Birmingham.
A5. Church and World: Five Visits to the Council
Norman Tanner SJ
Epoch-making developments in Church history will be studied through ecumenical councils: 1 Nicene creed; 2 ‘Definition’ of Chalcedon; 3 Church discipline at Nicea I and Lateran IV; 4 Trent and Vatican I; 5 Vatican II. The format will be lectures; no previous knowledge is required.
The course will study the major highlights in the long history of the Church’s ecumenical councils, from Nicea I in 325 to Vatican II. Five topics – all of which concern the relationship between the Church and the World -- will be covered, roughly one per morning. 1. The development of the Nicene creed through the councils of Nicea I and Constantinople I (381). 2. The declaration of the council of Chalcedon (451) which focused on Christ’s humanity and divinity. 3. The disciplinary canons of Nicea I and Lateran IV (1215). The two councils of the early modern period, Trent (1545-63) and Vatican I (1969-70); and the council of our own time, Vatican II (1962-5). Photocopies of the main texts will be provided.
Short bibliography
- JND Kelly, Early Christian Creeds (Longman, 3 edn. 1972);
- N Tanner (ed.), Decrees of the Ecumenical Councils (Georgetown UP, 2 vols. 1990);
- -- The Councils of the Church: A Short History (Crossroad, 2001)
For long at Oxford University, Norman Tanner SJ now teaches at the Gregorian University in Rome
Series B Lecture Options
B1. Positive Psychology
Roger Dawson SJ
‘Positive Psychology’ concerns human thriving – what makes life worth living and what promotes well-being. Recent psychological research into this understudied area has produced some intriguing findings relevant to Christians. This course will have an informal lecture style; it will review some of the research and consider their implications.
The course will include an introduction to Positive Psychology: What is it and where did it come from? Positive Experiences (The Pleasant Life) and Positive Actions (The Good Life). We will also consider findings on optimism and hope, and forgiveness. And I shall review Self-Determination Theory, which proposes ‘core conditions’ needed for us to thrive.
Bibliography:
- Illona Boniwell, Positive Psychology in a Nutshell (A good short introduction to the area and main findings).
- Martin Seligman, Authentic Happiness (A good example of psychology for non-psychologists, written by the main researcher in this area. Very interesting).
- Alan Carr, Positive Psychology (A more detailed academic overview of the research).
- Snyder & Lopez, Handbook of Positive Psychology (A thumping tome, with many interesting chapters. Only for the really committed!).
Dr Roger Dawson SJ is a chartered clinical psychologist and a Jesuit priest. He is currently Assistant Chaplain at Oxford University.
B2. Towards a New Theology of Marriage?
Helen Costigane SHCJ
Is a new theology of marriage emerging which suggests that marriage is both 'event' and 'process'? This course will look at the theological history of marriage, and how our present theology of marriage emerged. We will also consider marriage in contemporary society; the present canon law on marriage and the influence of the Second Vatican Council on its formulation; issues of current canonical and pastoral practice in the event of divorce and second marriage; and the theological future.
Useful reading
- Buckley, T., What Binds Marriage?: Roman Catholic Theology in Practice (London: Geoffrey Chapman, 2002)
- Haring, B., No Way Out? Pastoral Care of the Divorced and Remarried (Slough: St Paul Publications, 1989)
- Orsy, L., Marriage in Canon Law: Texts and Comments, Reflections and Questions (Wilmington Delaware: Glazier, 1986)
- Lawler, M., Marriage and the Catholic Church: Disputed Questions (Collegeville Minn: Liturgical Press, 2002).
Helen Costigane SHCJ teaches Christian Ethics at Heythrop College, London.
B3. Luke's Dialogue with the World
Peter Edmonds SJ
Luke, the most sensitive of gospel writers, portrays Jesus as a visitor from heaven in dialogue with his disciples, with the individuals and groups whom he encounters, and with the world of his time. He wrote to bolster faith and hope, to make the hearts of his readers 'burn within them'. No specialist knowledge is required.
The course will follow the outline of the tutor's recent book on Luke. We consider Luke's declaration of intent in his preface, his portrait of Jesus in general during his ministry in Galilee, his journey to Jerusalem and his final days. We give special attention to the care and concern of Jesus for his disciples, especially in the days before his death. We ask what it means to be a disciple. We consider how the sensitive Luke deals with the apparent disaster of the death of Jesus, and how Jesus as the Risen Lord sought out and restored followers disillusioned by his death. The final part asks how we can recapture the vision of Luke for the world of our own time. We keep in mind the narrative of Luke's second book, the Acts of the Apostles, in which the followers of Jesus continue the divine dialogue with the world which is a key topic of the gospel.
Short bibliography
- Peter Edmonds, Rediscover Jesus. A pilgrim's guide to the land, the personalities and the language of Luke. Kevin Mayhew, 2007.
- Brendan Byrne, The Hospitality of God, A Reading of Luke's Gospel, St Paul's, 2000.
Peter Edmonds is a Jesuit priest who is a tutor in Biblical Studies at Campion Hall, Oxford.
B4. Theology, Faith and the Internet
Ros Stuart-Buttle
This course explores the role of the Internet in theology and faith education. Using lecture, seminar and virtual learning environment, it considers challenges and potentialities of digital culture and reflects how the Internet might engage technology and theology within the faith community. No previous subject knowledge or IT skills are required.
The course considers sociological and philosophical aspects of technology and the Internet including an historical overview, digital change and innovation, the nature of virtual reality, online autonomy and populism, and virtual social presence as well as the educational impact of new technologies. It then explores issues surrounding Church, culture and technology and asks how the Internet and related technologies might impact on the enterprise of theology and faith communication and development. Seeking to positively engage theology with technology, the course addresses key challenges and perceptions as well as investigating potential new metaphors for virtual theology. Specific issues relating to online authority and Revelation and the virtual faith community are considered. The course combines lecture presentation and seminar discussion with use of selected websites and demonstration of online adult faith education.
Bibliography
- Inter Mirifica, Decree of Second Vatican Council, December 1963 and On the Rapid Development of Communications, Apostolic Letter of Pope John Paul II, Catholic Truth Society 2005. ISBN 1860823106
- Beckerlegge, G. ed. From Sacred Text to Internet. Ashgate 2002. ISBN 0754608166
- Fortner, R. Communication, Media and Identity: A Christian Theory of Communication. Rowman & Littlefield 2006. ISBN 0742551954
- Graham, G. The Internet: A Philosophical Inquiry. Routledge 1999. ISBN 041519749
- O’Donnell, J. Avatars of the Word: From Papyrus to Cyberspace. Harvard University Press 2000. ISBN 067400194
Ros Stuart-Buttle teaches at Ushaw College, leading a growing programme of online theology and undertaking doctoral research into adult theological education and new learning technologies.
B5. Dialogue: Its Purpose and Practice
Billy Hewett SJ
The journaling dialogue process of Ira Progoff’s method explained and exercised: its creative implications for ecumenical encounters, interpersonal reconciliation, Ignatian colloquies & relationships of all kinds.
No previous experience required: all welcome. Step by step instruction & practice in terms of private writing in a group. Questions and sharing very welcome but not essential.
In the daily group sessions we learn about & practice simple methods of guided written dialogue. In the process we grow both in self awareness and awareness of “the other”. This is done in the total freedom of personal decision & discernment: there is no pressure of any external kind about what is written. There will opportunities for questions arising in the process. It can be healing & reconciling as well as renewing & developing positive decisions & fuller commitments. The whole process is based initially on the principles of Ira Progoff with its Jungian perspective as well as the methods of De Mello, the model of René Girard and the Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola. No previous experience of any of these is presupposed but the experienced are also welcome.
Bibliography
- No reading is essential. Ira Progoff’s “At a Journal Workshop” might be helpful. In general Michael Ivens “Understanding the Spiritual Exercises” as well as his latest book “Keeping in Touch” could be useful. The dynamic is in the doing and the delight is often in the not having to “read about” before or after: the experience is the all important factor.
Billy Hewett is experienced in giving Journal Workshops and other forms of Ignatian adaptations.
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