Good Shepherd Theological College

TH188S
Introduction to Catholic Theology
Teacher: P Janssen

Christian theology is a human word which attempts to express the mystery of the dynamic interface between what is given by God and what is received by the human subject. It is a word anchored in culture and society and thus always in need of interpretation. This course unit will consider Christian faith in both its dimensions, as subjective experience and as a body of beliefs. It will explore the relationship between faith, revelation and theology.

NZQA NQF Level 5 (15 credits)

TH217S
The Church
Teacher: P Janssen

This course unit aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the theology of the Church. It will enable students to examine the Church both as a human reality and as the presence in history of the Spirit of the risen Christ. The course will explore the structures of the Church, the relationship between membership of the Church and life in the world, and the possibilities for the future of the Church.

NZQA NQF Level 6 (15 credits)

TH231S
Christology
Teacher: M Duffy

This course unit is designed to provide students with an understanding of the biblical basis and the historical and modern formulations of the person and work of Jesus Christ, and to explore these in the light of contemporary Christian life and thought.

NZQA NQF Level 6 (15 credits)

TH320S
Ministry in the Church
Teacher: K Duffy

This course unit enables students to explore what it means to minister in the Church in the modern world. They study ministry with particular reference to the theology of the Church and to the sacraments of baptism and order.

NZQA NQF Level 7 (15 credits)

TH324S
Anointing and Reconciliation
Teacher: P Janssen

Sin and forgiveness, sickness and healing are fundamental human experiences. This course unit will consider how they have been incorporated into the Christian mystery through sacramental and liturgical action.

NZQA NQF Level 7 (15 credits)

Click here for resources for this course

TH325S
Baptism and Confirmation
Teacher: M Duffy

Baptism is the first Christian sacrament. As sacrament it mediates Christian faith and Christian identity, in Christ and in the Church. This course unit presents an introduction to sacramental theology, taking baptism as a paradigm. It will explore baptism as gift of the Holy Spirit and sacrament of salvation, and ask about the consequences of the mutual recognition of baptism by the different Christina churches and communities. Consideration will also be given to the development of Confirmation as a separate sacrament in the west.

NZQA NQF Level 7 (15 credits)

Click here for resources for this course

TH326S
Eucharist
Teacher: P Janssen

The memorial of the action of Jesus at the Last Supper has become the central Christian sacrament, the Eucharist. This course unit studies the various elements that have contributed to the development of the theology of the Eucharist, with a focus on the controversies that helped clarify eucharistic doctrine. The results of this study will be applied to particular pastoral questions such as popular piety and modern ecumenical agreements.

NZQA NQF Level 7 (15 credits)

TH328S
The Sacrament of Marriage
Teacher: K Duffy

This course unit will develop an appreciation of Christian marriage from the perspective of covenant theology, and show how it truly belongs within the Church's sacramental system. Against this background specific liturgical and pastoral issues will be considered e.g. the relationship between personal faith and sacramental marriage, inter-church marriages.

NZQA NQF Level 7 (15 credits)

TH334S
The Triune God
Teacher: P Janssen

This course unit deals with one of the most fundamental, but also one of the most challenging aspects of the Christian faith. It explores the emergence of the notion of the Trinity, its scriptural foundations, and its development as a doctrine of the Church. This course will also enable students to investigate the implications of Trinitarian theology for life as a Christian.

NZQA NQF Level 7 (15 credits)

TH337S
Grace in Catholic Theology
Teacher: M Young

This course unit examines the evolution, principal themes, and main debates in the theology of grace in the Catholic tradition.

Required text:
Haigh, Roger. 'Experience and language of grace'

NZQA NQF Level 7 (15 credits)