Sacred Scripture

SCRP 501 Introduction to Biblical Studies: Wisdom and Psalms (3)
This course provides the student with an introduction to biblical studies. Students are introduced to principles of Catholic scriptural interpretation: inspiration and inerrancy; the formation of the canon; the relationship of the Old and New Testament, biblical typology, etc. The development of biblical manuscripts and translations is covered as is a survey of the history of biblical interpretation over the centuries is included. Students are introduced to various methods of biblical exegesis, both ancient (e.g. allegory) and modern/contemporary (e.g. form, source, redaction criticism) and informed of their strengths and limitations, as per the Church's Scripture documents. Students will apply their knowledge from the course in the writing of an exegesis paper on a biblical text; specifically, on a passage from either the Pslams or Wisdom literature. Required for the S.T.B., M.Div., and M.A. (theology) degree programs.

SCRP 502 Pentateuch and the Historical Books (3)
This course provides the student with an introduction to the Pentateuch and Historical Books of the Old Testament (Gen-Deut, Joshua, Judges, I-II Sam, I-II Ki, I-II Chron, Ezra, Neh, I-II Macc). The course follows SCRP 501 in the curriculum. Students will read through each of the biblical books with emphasis upon those passages contained in the Sunday Lectionary. The theological, historical, and literary features of each book will be discussed, along with their larger contributions in the canon of Scripture. Through careful study, students will gain a clearer understanding of these biblical books in order to preach and teach them effectively. Students will apply their knowledge from the course in the writing of an exegesis paper on a discrete passage from one of these biblical books. Required for the S.T.B. and M.Div. degree programs and for Sacred Scripture concentrators in the M.A. (theology) degree program.

SCRP 601 The Prophets (3)
A general introduction to the Old Testament prophets, both pre-classical and classical. After an introductory treatment of general questions concerning the nature and history of prophecy, the individual prophets are treated, as far as possible, in chronological order so that they may be seen in their historical settings. Select passages, especially those in the lectionary, will receive detailed exegesis. Required for the S.T.B. and M.Div. degree programs and for Sacred Scripture concentrators in the M.A. (theology) degree program.

SCRP 602 Matthew and Mark (3)
An introduction to the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. After an initial introduction to the Synoptic Problem, issues to be examined for each book will include authorship, dating, recipients, sources, life setting, overall compositional plan, authorial purposes, the use of the OT in the NT, and theological themes and emphases. Each book will be read carefully. A number of passages will receive detailed analysis, in particular, Matthew's Passion narrative. Required for the S.T.B. and M.Div. degree programs.

SCRP 701 Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles (3)
An introduction to the Lukan double work looking at authorship, dating, sources, redaction and the theological themes and emphases of Luke. Select passages, especially those in the Lectionary, will receive detailed exegesis. Required for the S.T.B., M.Div., and M.A. (theology) degree programs.

SCRP 702 Johannine Writings: Gospel, Revelation, and Letters (3)
A study of the Gospel, the Letters, and the Book of Revelation. Consideration of authorship, dating, and the situation of the Johannine community; analysis of the structure of each of the works, exegesis of selected passages, and examination of important Johannine themes. Required for the S.T.B. and M.Div. degree programs and for Sacred Scripture concentrators in the M.A. (theology) degree program.

SCRP 801 The Pauline Literature and Pastoral Letters (3)
Examination of the accounts of Paul’s conversion and missionary activity in Acts and in his Letters; reading of his Letters with a view to development of Paul’s theological understanding of the mystery of Christ and its transforming effect on Christian life. Required for the S.T.B. and M.Div. degree programs and for Sacred Scripture concentrators in the M.A. (theology) degree program.

Elective Courses

M.A. (Theology) degree candidates concentrating in Sacred Scripture, concomitant with the elective requirement, take an additional one-credit directed research course for inclusion in the Research Projects Portfolio required for the degree.

SCRP 914 Themes in Biblical Theology (2)
This course will afford the opportunity for students to study one specialized topic, or several interrelated topics, which are treated more generally in the core courses in Sacred Scripture (e.g., the priesthood, the apostles) in much greater depth. This course can be taken for credit more than once as long as the topic studied varies. Recent offerings have included:

Priesthood and Vocation in the Scriptures (spring 2013/spring 2012-online)
An exegetical reading of passages in the Scriptures on vocation, and the Letter to the Hebrews. The first section examines the vocation narratives of the Old and New Testaments. This will involve tracing the history of Jewish priesthood and seeing how the priesthood of Jesus and his New Testament ministers has replaced the Jewish priesthood of the Old Covenant. This section involves a study of the Letter to the Hebrews offering interpretation valuable for a seminarian preparing for the priesthood, examining why this letter appropriately describes Jesus as priest, the only document of the New Testament to do so.

Holy Rosary (fall 2012)
This course will focus on the twenty mysteries of the Rosary - as profound truths of the Word of God. As individual mysteries are studied in their biblical context, their meaning will deepen and intensify: "If received in this way, the word of God can become part of ... something already well known. It is not a matter of recalling information but allowing God to speak," (John Paul II, RVM, 30). Comprehension and contemplation of the Rosary's mysteries, rooted in God's holy Word, are at the heart of this Scripture elective.

Biblical Christology of Pope Benedict XVI (fall 2011)
This Scripture elective explores the biblical theology of (Joseph Ratzinger) Pope Benedict XVI. Drawing upon recurrent themes such as "covenant," "creation," "typology," "kingdom," and "community," this course provides the seminarian with an introduction to the Holy Father's rich biblical thought. The major emphasis will focus upon two of the Holy Father's publications while pose, namely: (1) Jesus of Nazareth (Vol.1 and II); and (2) Post-Synod Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini ("Word of the Lord").

The Holy Land and the Seminarian (spring 2011)
The aim of this elective course is to assist the future priest in deepening his understanding and gratitude for "the fifth gospel," i.e., the Holy Land, in order to better proclaim Jesus of Nazareth, the Lord and Redeemer of the world.

Scriptural Apologetics (spring 2010)
This course is an introductory study of apologetics, the reasoned defense of the Catholic faith, covering both the history of apologetics and the contemporary new apologetics movement today, concentrating on contemporary Scriptural defense of the Catholic faith. The course will be respectful towards other faiths. When appropriate, when discussing the tenets of faith misunderstood by non-Catholics, the course will examine the Sitz-im-Leben that led other faiths to their theological position and respectfully reply with Catholic theology to clarify.

Jesus and the Apostles (spring 2010)
"The Twelve" (Apostles) and their relationship to Jesus and to the Church are examined in this elective. Relevant passages from the Four Gospels will be examined, along with Pope Benedict's recent book ("The Apostles"). As pertinent texts from the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, and other sources are studied, collective and individual portraits of the Twelve will emerge, and bring the future priest into contact with pertinent themes. Throughout this inquiry, the future priest will reflect on the crucial role of the Apostles in Word and Sacrament, as well as in Mission and Evangelization. In short, the course is intended to strengthen the seminarian's appreciation of, and relationship to the Apostles, especially in their future role as priests in the Roman Catholic Church.

Jesus and the Gospels in Early Christianity (fall 2009)
This course will focus on the emergence of the New Testament gospels in early Christianity. In Part One - Crucial Questions About Jesus,  theological and historical questions about Jesus will be raised, and a biblical portrait developed. In Part II - Crucial Questions About the Gospels, a more comprehensive section, numerous topics pertaining to the gospels and their reliability will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on the historical character of the Four Gospels, in contrast to various apocryphal gospels originating in the first three centuries of Christianity. The larger inquiry of this course is intended to strengthen the seminarian's apprehension and appreciation of the Four Gospels and to facilitate their proclamation and teaching, as well as teaching/evangelistic efforts at the parish level.

SCRP 916- 918  Exegetical Studies of Selected Texts (2)
This course is an in-depth study of selected books of the Bible (e.g., Hebrews, Psalms) or a selected genre from the Scriptures (e.g., the Parables, Sermons on the Mount/Plain), with special emphasis on interpretation valuable for the ministry of the priest. This course can be taken for credit more than once as long as the topic studied varies. Recent offerings have included:

Studies in the Parables of Jesus (spring 2009
The course will consist of a careful reading and interpretation of a number of Parables from Matthew, Mark, and Luke. A close examination of these parables will greatly improve the student's familiarity with and understanding of these important sections of the Gospels as well as provide him with a deeper awareness of the exegetical and hermeneutical methodology of the Biblical Sciences.

Acts of the Apostles (spring 2009)
This course is an in-depth study in the Acts of the Apostles offering interpretation valuable for future preaching. While dealing with literary analysis of the text, the course will concentrate on the theology of the book proceeding in an orderly fashion from beginning to end. This course will also make good use of narrative criticism showing the many links each passage has with the remainder of the book.

Studies in the Sermon on the Mount (spring 2007)
This course will consist of a careful reading and interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7). Portions of Luke's Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:17-49) will be treated in conjunction with our analysis of Matthew 5-7. A close examination of these passages will greatly improve the student's familiarity with and understanding of these important sections of the Gospels as well as provide him with a deeper awareness of the exegetical and hermeneutical methodology of the Biblical Sciences. The Beatitudes will be treated at some length, keyed to the CCC (#'s 1716-29). Pope Benedict's treatment of the Sermon on the Mount and the Lord's Prayer will be integrated into our study.

SCRP 970 Readings in Greek: The Gospel of John (2)
This course will consist of selected readings and exegetical analysis in Greek New Testament from the Gospel of John. The course will strengthen the students’ knowledge of Greek grammar, syntax and vocabulary. The course will also enhance the students’ exegetical and interpretive skills. Cross-listed as GREK 970. Prerequisite: GREK 960 (Offered even academic years).