Moral theology/Christian Ethics has a long history in the Catholic and Reform raditions. The tradition of theological ethics, influenced by Aristotle by way of Aquinas, offers a distinct emphasis on the virtues and character formation.

In this course the scholar studies this venerable ethical tradition within a structure of a biblical confidence in the centrality of the gospel and the role of the Holy Spirit in forming character, while also laying down a sound moral psychology for practical reason and ethical living.

 

This course will define the Diaconal identity, reaffirm the Seminarian’s call to this identity, and provide a sure foundation for moving forward into a competent, informed ministry to the people of God.

Part A. Historical Foundations of the Deacon

Part B. The Deacon's Pastoral Foundations and Responsibilities

Part C. Sociological Foundations of Deaconhood

Part D. The Liturgical Responsibilities of the Deacon's ministry.

As you advance through the levels of seminary you are beginning to truly comprehend the word Formation. Formation is the continuing conversion of heart, mind and soul in a person that acts as a foundation to assist the ordained person to offer an active ministry in service to God and God’s creation in the ordained priesthood of Jesus Christ. The Four Pillars of Formation are human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral. Each pillar is vital.

In Romans 12:6, St. Paul wrote “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” In this course we are looking for you to lead with your gifts while synergizing all four Pillars into a comprehensive whole.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Correlate your understanding of Moral Theology into the three aspects of Pastoral Ministry (Evangelization, Teaching, and Oversight and Protection).
• Compare and contrast interspiritual counseling skills and techniques from within the structure of the boundaris of an ordained Deacons ministry.

We welcome you to Diakonia.

Mystical Theology: A Hermeneutical Understanding of God's Holy Spirit

Theo. 332 - 3 cr.

This course will invite you to be guided by the Holy Spirit to the heart of Christianity by studying Mysticism with the integration of biblical scriptures from the Old Testament, the New Testament, and a new New Testament. At the same time, you will examine your inner world through hermeneutical questions. As you come to see the hermeneutical factors at work in yourself, you become more self-aware in your spiritual movements. It will open your heart and mind to the unnoticed areas of yourself, broaden your heart and mind, enlarge your own perspective as it continues to develop and grow, and deepen your connection with your soul. Moreover, the course will guide you to experience the supernatural modes of the depth experience, which is unification with the Trinity through the lecture, meditation, and prayer.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

Develop an understanding of Mysticism in the Christian Tradition of the manner for experience, social location, and ideological commitments come together in a transformational manner for the construction of knowledge, both in writing and in-class discussion.

Develop the ability to engage in critical reflection that fosters spiritual formation and renewal of individuals, faith-based communities, and the world.

Come into contact with our inner source, the Holy Spirit, to listen to her whispering voice to follow her guidance with the complete surrender to the Trinity. 

This course is offered to explore the fundamental questions of why a “good” God permits the manifestation of evil, and thus in some manner hopefully resolving the theological issue of the ‘problem of evil’. This is a question which has vexed the church from the earliest days, indeed our forebears of many faiths, most especially the Hebrews, wrestled mightily with this issue as the First Testament makes clear, before the Christian era. It is indeed in some respects a fundamental subject of theist existence.

 

When stressed by difficult life events, even people of seemingly solid faith tend to question the “behavior” of God in regard to their circumstance. The unexpected loss of a loved one or the onset of a severe disease in a young child can bring into question the presumed love of God. It will be your responsibility and blessing to help bring into focus the nature of the seemingly incomprehensible relationship between humans and their God.

This course will deepen your understanding of the core meaning of mystery, mysticism, and incarnational view through ancient to modern mystics.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

To re-identify the core meaning of Christianity.

To demonstrate the action of justice sustained by a clear understanding of the mystery.

To keep connecting the power of the source without having a sharp line between inner quality and outer action, a holistic view of the cosmos and the reality of this world.

 BY THE COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO:

To live toward having confident calmness without a gap between spirituality and living in the world through a clear understanding of mystery and mysticism.