THRS2207 - 01 - Controversy in the Church: Reading the Signs of the Times

(RICT) RI Christian Tradition (SJ) Social Justice

The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) addressed the relationship between the Catholic Church and the modern world, reminding us that "the Church has always had the duty of scrutinizing the signs of the times." This course will discuss the impact of the Second Vatican Council and the key principles of Catholic social teaching. It will explore the role of the sacraments, and also address a variety of contemporary social and ethical issues, including but not limited to peace, justice, the environment, race, women's rights, and dialogue with non-Christian religions and other expressions of Christianity. It will consider the official teachings of the Magisterium, along with the perspectives of various scholars and theologians, some of which challenge current teaching. This course will also explore the question of whether reform is needed and imagining what reform might look like.