This is our catalog of courses. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
If you’ve ever found yourself in a debate on evolutionary theories, this may be just the course for you. Sign up for an in-depth study of cosmological evolution, biological evolution, and human evolution, all in the context of our Catholic faith. In Part One, you’ll focus primarily on theology and in Part Two, you’ll deep dive into science.
Total classes: 12
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th
Suggested credit: One full semester Science, Theology, or Philosophy
Description
The apparent opposition between Science and Faith weighs down upon many Christians, for how can truth contradict truth? Often good intentioned people are found denying the claims of the scriptures and tradition to support science, or denying the claims of scientific bodies and findings to support the faith. This course is to bring a synthesis of these things together without denying the truths of either group. Topics addressed include the relation of biology to the physical sciences, Church tradition and the works of the Fathers, and evolutionary theory considered in light of scientific, philosophical, and theological reasoning. Focus is maintained on the ultimate goal of achieving a coherent synthesis of faith and reason.
Outline
Week 1: Faith and Reason: The Two Wings of the Human Spirit
Week 2: Causality: What are the Four Causes of Things?
Week 3: The Existence of God according to Reason
Week 4: God’s Knowledge and Love in Creation
Week 5: Providence and Freedom
Week 6: Review for Midterm
Week 7: The Authority, Character, and Interpretation of the Sacred Scriptures
Week 8: Interpreting the Creation Narratives in the Bible
Week 9: Interpreting Genesis 1 with the Fathers of the Church
Week 10: Interpreting Genesis 1 with St. Thomas Aquinas and beyond
Week 11: Further Scriptural Considerations
Week 12: Review for Final
Materials and Homework
Course materials: Readings provided FREE by the instructor as PDF files.
Homework: Expect about 45-60 minutes of reading each week plus a weekly quiz. There will be a midterm and a final.
