THEOLOGY

Program Description

Theology — critical reflection on religious belief and practice—holds a prominent place among the liberal arts at King’s College. King’s mission as a Catholic college in the Holy Cross tradition is the basis for this prominence. More, some form of religious experience is a nearly universal aspect of human existence, and the Jewish and Christian traditions have played substantial formative roles in the development of contemporary North American and European cultures. Theology students at King’s are afforded the opportunity to engage in careful study of Hebrew and Christian scripture and the doctrines, practices, and cultures constituting Christian tradition. Such academic study of Christian faith avoids both indoctrination and indifference in the quest for what the Church Fathers called fides quaerens intellectum: “faith seeking understanding.”

As a Catholic Christian college, King’s seeks to foster mature theological reflection that will serve as a foundation for students’ religious and intellectual development as persons and members of society. The College strives to do this in a way that encourages informed religious decisions and recognizes the significance of other religious traditions. Likewise, the college promotes mutual understanding and respect among religious peoples. For these reasons, all students are required to take two courses in Theology as part of the CORE Curriculum.

The CORE requirement in theology requires each student to take one course each from Systematic-Biblical Theology and Moral Theology.

The major program in theology prepares students for a variety of vocational pursuits. Theology students learn to think critically and carefully, read, interpret, and engage difficult texts, and develop excellent written and oral communication skills. These abilities highly regarded in all professions, but especially in those such as law, journalism, and public service. The major sequence equips a student with a firm foundation for seminary or divinity school training or other graduate study in theology or religious education. Some Theology majors go on to serve as secondary school teachers or parish directors of religious education.

A minor in theology can improve preparation for graduate study in any of the humanities and social sciences and for careers in counseling, journalism, law, or public service. Theology majors are encouraged to elect appropriate courses in related disciplines, especially philosophy, English, history, and foreign languages, which are required for the graduate study of theology or religious studies in many institutions.

Degree Offered:  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Compatible Minors:

• Ethics

• English

• Foreign Languages

• History

• Philosophy

Special Features

Off-campus internships in youth ministry, religious education or hospital ministry.