
Within the framework of systematic theology, ecclesiology examines the nature of the church and its emerging challenges. This course considers both classic insights and new directions in ecclesiology, including reflections on the nature and exercise of ministry in the church. Central to the course is a critical examination of two documents of the Second Vatican Council: The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen gentium) and The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World (Gaudium et spes). In many respects, the entire course is an extended dialogue with these two foundational documents.
Within the framework of systematic theology, ecclesiology examines the nature of the church and its emerging challenges. This course considers both classic insights and new directions in ecclesiology, including reflections on the nature and exercise of ministry in the church. Central to the course is a critical examination of two documents of the Second Vatican Council: The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen gentium) and The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World (Gaudium et spes). In many respects, the entire course is an extended dialogue with these two foundational documents.
This course is presented in four segments or parts:
Part 1. Images and History of the Church
Part 2. Models of the Church
Part 3. Ecclesia ad intra
Part 4. Ecclesia ad extra
In each of these parts, there are specific readings, assignments and discussions.
Course Textbooks
Course Layout
Module | Topic of Discussion
Online Lecture |
Student Assignment | |||
Readings from Textbook or Online Sources (include URL for sources) | Student Assignment – Written document upload or Activity journal entry | Online Forum Discussion | Online Quiz
(one or two quizes during the semester) |
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1 | PART ONE: Images and History
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a. “The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church” (Lumen gentium), chapters 1 and 2, found online at http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_en.html
b. Phan text: Joseph A. Komonchak, “The Significance of Vatican II for Ecclesiology,” 69-92. |
2-page double-spaced personal reflection. a.What was your FIRST image (sights, smells, sounds, etc.) of the Church as a child?
b. What is your current image of Church? c. What changed in your experience to account for the change in perspective on church? |
Video Conference Call | |
2 | PART ONE: Images and History
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Phan text:
Frank J. Matera, “Theologies of the Church in the New Testament,” 3-21; Eric Plumer, “The Development of Ecclesiology: Early Church to the Reformation,” 23-44. |
On-Line Reflection Questions:
How has the Church been “imaged”throughout history? As an institution? As a community of disciples? What other images come to mind? |
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3 | PART ONE: Images and History
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Phan Text: Michael J. Himes, “The Development of Ecclesiology: Modernity to the Twentieth Century,” 45-67. | On-line Quiz on Part One | ||
4 | PART TWO: Models of the Church | Avery Dulles, Models of the Church; | |||
5 | PART TWO: Models of the Church | Joseph Komonchak, “Who Are the Church?” | Two-page reflection paper: Which of Dulles’ models best describe your own parish right now? | ||
6 | PART THREE: “Ecclesia ad intra” | Lumen gentium (complete)
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Video Conference Call | ||
7 | PART THREE: “Ecclesia ad intra” | Phan text:
Gerard Austin, “The Church as Worshipping Community,” 177-191;
John P. Galvin, “Salvation Outside the Church,” 249-266, |
Online reflection questions & discussion | ||
8 | PART THREE: “Ecclesia ad intra” | Phan text:
John Ford, “Ministries in the Church,” 293-314. |
Online quiz on Part Three | ||
9 | PART FOUR: “Ecclesia ad extra” | Read “The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World (Gaudium et spes) (complete)
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10 | PART FOUR: “Ecclesia ad extra” | Phan text:
Francis A. Sullivan, “The Evangelizing Mission of the Church,” 231-248;
T. Howland Sanks, “The Social Mission of the Church: Its Changing Context,” 267-291; |
Two-page reflection paper:
How is your parish the “soul and leaven” of your community? What might enhance that mission? |
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11 | PART FOUR: “Ecclesia ad extra” | Phan text:
John P. Boyle, “The Teaching Office of the Church,” 355-371. |
On-line reflection & discussion:
What would you add TODAY (if anything) to the “Urgent Moral Questions”discussed in Part Two of Gaudium et spes? |
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12 | Questions, Issues, Wrap-up
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Video Conference Call | |||
Final Exam | Final Paper Uploaded | Online Test |