Catholic BeliefsCourse Level: Basic

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Course Summary

A clear understanding of our central belief system is essential for any Catholic. This course will enable the student to appreciate the function of doctrine and the process of theology through which doctrines develop in the Roman Catholic Tradition. In addition, students will develop the skills to articulate personal beliefs, explain the role and function of faith in theology, and describe the role of the catechist in passing on the tradition.

Successful completion of this course earns 2.5 CEU's. Click here for more information about CEU's.

General Course Objectives

  • Identify faith as our response to God's call to relationship and also as the content of what we believe
  • Define the term creed and distinguish between the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed
  • Describe the process through which the Nicene Creed developed
  • Express a basic understanding of the following concepts: Trinity, Incarnation, Paschal Mystery, Holy Spirit, Communion of Saints
  • Explain the meaning of the hierarchy of truths in Catholic doctrine
  • Define the following terms: faith, theology, magisterium, tradition, Tradition, doctrine, dogma
  • Express a basic understanding of the following concepts: Grace, Glory
  • Explain the relevance of the creedal statements to Christian living
  • Describe the role of the individual or the catechist in passing on the Catholic Tradition

Course Materials

  • Required Book: Pilarczyk, Daniel E. Being Catholic: How We Believe, Practice and Think St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2006. ISBN: 0867167084; ISBN-13: 978-0867167085

Course Structure and Highlights

  • Week 1: Coming in Touch with What We Believe
    • Identify faith as our response to God's call to relationship and also as the content of what we believe
  • Week 2: Coming to "Terms"
    • Define the following terms: faith, theology, magisterium, tradition, Tradition, doctrine, dogma
  • Week 3: Shaping our Faith Tradition - The Creeds
    • Define the term "creed" and distinguish between the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed
    • Describe the process through which the Nicene Creed developed
    • Express a basic understanding of the following concepts: Trinity, Incarnation, Paschal Mystery, Holy Spirit, Communion of Saints
  • Week 4: Shaping our Faith Tradition - Central Beliefs
    • Explain the meaning of the hierarchy of truths in Catholic doctrine
    • Continue growing in understanding of Incarnation and Trinity
    • Express a basic understanding of the following concepts: Grace, Glory
  • Week 5: Handing on Our Faith Tradition
    • Explain the relevance of the creedal statements to Christian living
    • Describe the role of the individual or catechist in passing on our Catholic tradition