Theology
Objectives
1. To prepare students to reflect critically on issues of faith, morality, religion and theology either as the main focus of their college career (as a major) or in conjunction with other studies.
2. To serve the particular Mission of Lewis University and its Lasallian principles.
3. To be a resource for the University to maintain its Roman Catholic identity.
Program
The Department of Theology is key to the Mission of Lewis University. Our offerings invite students to consider the questions that confront people in every age and culture. These include questions of God’s existence and life’s meaning, as well as the relationship of humans to one another and to God. A theological approach involves working to understand what one believes. The sequence of courses acquaints students with foundational considerations and assists them in articulating their own personal questions and responses in light of Christian faith, specifically the Roman Catholic tradition.
As part of the study of theology, students are afforded opportunities for service learning, preparation for further academic study in and outside the discipline, study abroad, and preparation for service to the Christian Church. Emphasis is placed on developing communication skills, especially in writing, in all courses at all levels.
Among our goals is the inclusion of “(a) the search for an integration of knowledge, (b) a dialogue between faith and reason, (c) an ethical concern, and (d) a theological perspective” as we teach within the discipline (Pope John Paul II, Ex Corde Ecclesiae, 15). Furthermore, consistent with the Mission of Lewis University, and guided by its Catholic and Lasallian heritage, we attempt to provide to a diverse student population a liberal and professional education grounded in the interaction of knowledge and fidelity in the search for truth.
Theology Requirements for the Major and Minor
Students in the program for majors study the religious dimension of humanity in its historical and contemporary expressions while investigating theological questions in biblical, historical, systematic, and moral theology. The minor provides students majoring in other disciplines the opportunity to consider core theological questions and analyses. Students may choose to double major in Theology and another discipline.
Concentration One, Theological Studies, prepares majors for teaching and graduate education. It provides the study of an essential theological core of the various sub-disciplines within theology. The Department of Theology and the College of Education jointly offer a program in Teacher Education for Teaching Theology in Catholic Schools. Candidates are required to major in Theology, fulfilling the requirements of Concentration One (36 hours), and minor in Education (29 hours), fulfilling the requirements of the Secondary Education in Teaching Theology Minor (see College of Education section in this catalog). For specific requirements of the Education minor, students should contact the Program Director for Secondary Education in the College of Education. Also required is a passing score on the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) exam. Concentration One provides candidates with the essential theological background required for teaching a diversity of theological courses in Catholic secondary schools. The Education minor will provide candidates with pedagogical knowledge, clinical practice, and teaching skills needed to become a successful teacher of theology. This is a non-certified program as the State of Illinois does not certify the teaching of Theology. At the same time, the Secondary Education in Teaching Theology minor provides candidates with the same excellence in instruction offered to all students enrolled in College of Education programs.
Concentration Two, Roman Catholic Studies, is designed for all students who wish to deepen their knowledge of the rich heritage of Catholicism while reflecting on significant issues in American culture.
Concentration Three, Pastoral Ministry, is designed as a core of theological study for students who are considering a career in lay, vowed, or ordained ministry, as well as those interested in catechesis and teaching theology. The study of a foreign language is strongly recommended as essential for pastoral ministry, and interdisciplinary studies in psychology or education are recommended as helpful supplements to the concentration. This program also includes courses that incorporate service learning and practical experiences with theological study.
Peace Studies Minor
Peace Studies is an interdisciplinary program housed in the Theology Department through which students can apply knowledge and skills of peace-building to promote the common good. Students with a Peace Studies Minor select from a broad range of courses within communications, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, social work, sociology, theology, and justice, law and public safety studies. Career opportunities for those who have studied Peace Studies include negotiation, mediation, government office, education, community organization, human rights advocacy, environmental protection, interfaith dialogue, international law, victim/offender advocacy, restorative justice and more.