What is theology? This answer is approached from a number of perspectives that, together, articulate a sounder picture of theology. This course aims to provide an insight into the basic tenets of the Christian faith such as God and the Trinity, exploring the itinerary leading to the development of the faith throughout the ages. Moreover, this extends to the relationship between the faith and the contemporary world. Faith can engage in dialogue with the world in a myriad of ways and circumstances. This includes, for example, moral issues in contemporary life and also social issues. This attests to the fact that Christianity cannot be separated from the world. Rather, the Church is called to engage in a relevant dialogue with the world, showing that this dialogue can be achieved. Most of all, the course serves to equip the participant with the necessary ways to show how Christianity is more than ever relevant in the contemporary world.
The course will offer an in-depth curriculum of solid theological discourse enabling participants to:
- to offer an in-depth curriculum of solid theological discourse enabling participants to reflect deeply about the Christian faith
- integrate and development of reflective ministry with respect to the needs of our contemporary Church and society
- provide an opportunity for the ongoing spiritual development of the participants
Those who wish to study Theology and reflect deeply about the Christian faith.
Modules:
First Year
2021-2022
This module introduces the concept of theology, its etymology, and also its development throughout the ages up to contemporary times. Most importantly, it explores questions with regard to the relationship between faith and reason, faith and science, Revelation and Tradition. In this module, participants will be equipped with the tools necessary to make the case for theology and its relevance in today’s world.
Assessment: A written assignment
In this course participants are exposed to the social and cultural milieu of the first centuries, crucial to a better understanding of the spread of Christianity. This is followed by an exploration of the main developments during the Patristic era. This itinerary also covers the first schisms within Christendom, which eventually reach their culmination in the East-West schism of 1054. The development of theology during the medieval era is explored, especially the relationship between theology and philosophy.
Assessment: A written assignment
In this course participants are exposed to the social and cultural milieu of the first centuries, crucial to a better understanding of the spread of Christianity. This is followed by an exploration of the main developments during the Patristic era. This itinerary also covers the first schisms within Christendom, which eventually reach their culmination in the East-West schism of 1054. The development of theology during the medieval era is explored, especially the relationship between theology and philosophy.
Assessment: A written assignment
This module introduces participants to the basics of moral theology, together with an itinerary tracing the main developments of moral theology itself, and the various approaches within this particular field. Moreover the course provides a deeper understanding of a number of key issues, such as Thomas Aquinas’ contribution on morality, the notion of the moral being, virtues, conscience, sin, and reconciliation.
Assessment: A written assignment
Second Year
2022-2023
The first part of the course provides a theological reflection on the person of Jesus Christ. Following an adequate understanding of the terms “Jesus of history” and “Christ of faith”, the course will take the New Testament as its focal point to discuss the Christology in the Synoptics and the Gospel of John, Jesus preaching of the Kingdom, the uniqueness of the Resurrection, and the Christological titles.
In the second part, the course offers a theological reflection on the mystery of the Trinity as far as it can be explained in human language. A deeper understanding of revelation enables us to focus on the encounter between the human and the divine in the relationship with the Trinitarian God: it is in this context that we can reflect on the essence of God in three Persons – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Assessment: A written assignment
In this course participants are exposed to the social and cultural milieu of the first centuries, crucial to a better understanding of the spread of Christianity. This is followed by an exploration of the main developments during the Patristic era. This itinerary also covers the first schisms within Christendom, which eventually reach their culmination in the East-West schism of 1054. The development of theology during the medieval era is explored, especially the relationship between theology and philosophy.
Assessment: A written assignment
In this course participants are exposed to the social and cultural milieu of the first centuries, crucial to a better understanding of the spread of Christianity. This is followed by an exploration of the main developments during the Patristic era. This itinerary also covers the first schisms within Christendom, which eventually reach their culmination in the East-West schism of 1054. The development of theology during the medieval era is explored, especially the relationship between theology and philosophy.
Assessment: A written assignment
As St Augustine reminds us, the human search for God is still ongoing and has been throughout the ages. This module explores the human search for God in contemporary times and is tackled in different sub-topics. In the first sub-topic, we reflect on the importance of the Second Vatican Council and the dialogue of the Roman Catholic Church with the contemporary world.
The second sub-topic, that of spirituality, enables the participants to delve deeper into what ‘spirituality’ entails, a word that is over-used in our times. The origin of the word is explored, together with the various forms of spirituality seen throughout the ages, leading to the contemporary era and use. Since it is felt that it merits discussion and personal reflection, participants will be able to share their thoughts on spirituality with the group, using presentations or other resources.
The third part of the module explores another important and relevant aspect, that of Catholic social teaching. Participants are made aware of the teaching of the Catholic Church regarding social issues and contemporary questions and problems using various encyclicals including those that highlight the importance of human dignity.
Assessment: A written assignment
| Code | Module | Value |
|---|---|---|
| THD5009 | The person of Christ and the Revelation of the Trinitarian God | 2 ECTS |
| THD5010 | Contemporary Issues after the Second Vatican Council | 2 ECTS |
| THD5019 | The search for God in Contemporary Culture | 4 ECTS |
Session Format
- Fifty-six lectures over two years held on Mondays between 18:30 and 20:30 from 14th October 2021 (112 hours)
- Four, two-hour, tutorial sessions, held on Mondays and Saturdays (two sessions per year)
Calendar:
Introductory Seminar
| Session | Dates | Times |
|---|---|---|
| In-person | October 2021 | 10:00 |
Module 1 – Theology and the Human Quest for God
Lecturers: various
| Session | Dates | Times |
|---|---|---|
| In-person | 18th & 25th October 2021 | 18:30 – 20:30 |
| In-person | 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th November 2021 | 18:30 – 20:30 |
Module 2 – Theological thought and development during Modern and Contemporary period
Lecturer: various
| Session | Dates | Times |
|---|---|---|
| In-person | 6th December 2021 | 18:30 – 20:30 |
| Seminar – In-person | 11th December 2021 | 10:00 |
| Christmas Recess | 19th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022 | |
| In-person | 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st January 2022 | 18:30 – 20:30 |
| In-person | 7th Februrary2022 | 18:30 – 20:30 |
Module 3 – Theological thought and development during Early and Medieval times
Lecturers: various
| Session | Dates | Times |
|---|---|---|
| In-person | 14th & 21st February 2022 | 18:30 – 20:30 |
| Carnival Recess | 24th Februrary – 1st March 2022 | |
| In-person | 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th March 2022 | 18:30 – 20:30 |
| In-person | 4th April 2022 | 18:30 – 20:30 |
Module 4 – Introduction to Moral Theology
Lecturers: Jesmond Schembri
| Session | Dates | Times |
|---|---|---|
| Easter Recess | 11th – 24th April 2022 | |
| In-person | 25th April 2022 | 18:30 – 20:30 |
| In-person | 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th May 2022 | 18:30 – 20:30 |
| In-person | 6th June 2022 | 18:30 – 20:30 |
Modules 5 – 7 will be offered in 2022-2023. Dates for these modules will be available in June 2022
Assessment: Written assignments. Each assignment will be handed for every module
Final Award: Higher Education Award in Theology
MQF Level: Level 5
Duration: 2 year part-time (112 hours)
Certification: A sealed Certificate together with a Certificate supplement after successful* completion of the course
* To obtain a Certificate of Achievement a student must; Attend a minimum of 70% of each module and Pass successfully the assignment
Every application will be considered on its individual merits. The Pastoral Formation Institute accepts a wide range of qualifications, and we always try to judge applications on the basis of academic potential. We do consider a very wide range of academic, vocational, and professional qualifications, as well as work and other appropriate experiences and skills.