Christian Theology

The study of Christianity—including its development and traditions—is critical to understanding the history and values that have shaped cultures around the world. Christianity continues to impact governments, cultural mores, service, economy, literature, art, and human rights today. At Loyola, you will explore the past, present, and emerging future of Christianity with a particular emphasis on the Catholic tradition in the spirit of Ignatius of Loyola—“Iggy,” as our community lovingly calls him—the founder of the Society of Jesus. If you are seeking to deepen your understanding of spirituality within a global context, the study of Christianity will both challenge and encourage that understanding.

Overview of Courses

In addition to a core set of courses exploring the Bible as literature and Christian ethics and thought, you’ll select electives to tailor the program to your interests. Here’s a sample of what you can expect to learn and do:

Old Testament as Literature
This course examines the literary, theological, and social-cultural development of the Old Testament and its importance for modern societies. Topics such as religious syncretism, mythological influences, and the conflicts in religious beliefs and ideas are among the concepts investigated in this course.
New Testament as Literature
This course explores the fundamentals of how the Christian Scriptures came to be and discusses the critical issues that challenge modern interpretations of biblical texts. In our study of the New Testament, we gain insights into the social, cultural, literary, and religious contexts in which the early Christian texts arose.
Christianity and the Environment
This course is a study of Christian life and commitment to the stewardship of Earth. It emphasizes the development of scientific perspectives and the exploration of a creation spirituality.
Christian Ethics
This course is an introduction to the broader Christian conversation on ethical issues. Students learn how to become intelligent participants in the process of owning and forming the ethical decisions that impact their lives and the lives of others.

Curriculum

Loyola Core

RELS S220 Biblical Lit: Roman/ Medieval Context
RELS S222 In the Footsteps of St. Ignatius
RELS S225 Humor in the Bible
RELS S238 Christianity and Liberation
RELS S242 Christian Ethics
RELS S245 Christian Ethics & Business
RELS S247 New Testament as Literature
RELS S249 Old Testament as Literature
RELS S251 Protestant Christianity
RELS S252 Catholicism
RELS S270 Jesus Christ
RELS S285 Heretics and Heresy
RELS S330 Faith, Science, and Religion
RELS S332 Ethics of Death and Dying
RELS S336 Parables of Jesus
RELS S337 Victim or Victor: Martyrs & Social Change
RELS S343 Women in Christianity
RELS S348 Christian Origins
RELS S358 Ignatius Loyola
RELS S364 Contemporary Theologies
RELS S388 Sin: History of an Idea
RELS S483 The Christian Traditions

Major Courses

RELS A224 Christianity and Society
RELS A255 Synoptic Gospels
RELS A300 Pauline Writings
RELS A315 Johannine Literature
RELS A350 Christology
RELS A368 Christianity & Environment
RELS A396 Research Seminar

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