Introduction to Sacramental Theology: Baptism and Confirmation |
CD209/309 |
| Terence Curtin | Semester 1, 2012 Thursday 2.00pm — 5.00pm |
This unit explores the fundamental principles of sacramental theology, and on that basis proceeds to a study of the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. The unit will address the following topics: sacramentality and a sacramental universe; the role of myth, ritual and symbol; the relationship between Word and Sacrament; Christ as the primordial sacrament and the Church as the basic sacrament; initiation in the New Testament; initiation in patristic theology and practice; Baptism in medieval theology; Reformation issues; the emergence of Confirmation as a distinct sacrament; infant baptism and Christian initiation; ecumenical agreement on the nature of Baptism, and its implications; the RCIA as model for Christian initiatory practice.
Undergraduate Prerequisites
| second level: | two Systematic Theology units, CD101 and CD102 are recommended |
| third level: | four Systematic Theology units |
Graduate and Postgraduate Prerequisites (CD309)
Requirements
3 hours per week
Undergraduate Assessment
| second level | one 500 word paper | 10% |
| one 2,500 word essay | 50% | |
| one 1½ hour written examination | 40% | |
| third level | one 500 word paper | 10% |
| one 3,000 word essay | 50% | |
| one 1½ hour written examination | 40% |
Graduate and Postgraduate Assessment (CD309)
Equivalent to 6,000 words.
See Coursework Assessment for Graduate and Postgraduate Students.
Bibliography
- Austin, Gerard. Anointing with the Spirit: The Rite of Confirmation The Use of Oil and Chrism. New York: Pueblo, 1985.
- Cooke, Bernard J. Sacraments and Sacramentality. Rev. ed. Mystic, CT: Twenty-Third Publications, 1994.
- Johnson, Maxwell E. The Rites of Christian Initiation: Their Evolution and Interpretation. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1999.
- ———., ed. Living Water, Sealing Spirit: Readings on Christian Initiation. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1995.
- Martinez, German. Signs of Freedom: Theology of the Christian Sacraments. New York: Paulist, 2004.
- Martos, Joseph. Doors to the Sacred: A Historical Introduction to Sacraments in the Catholic Church. Rev. ed. Liguori, MO: Triumph, 2001.
- Osborne, Kenan B. Sacramental Theology: A General Introduction. Mahwah, NY: Paulist, 1988.
- Turner, Paul. Confirmation: The Baby in Solomon’s Court. New York: Paulist, 1993.
- World Council of Churches. Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry. Faith and Order Paper. Geneva: World Council of Churches, 1982.