Full course description
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Dr. John Cavadini speaks often about an "Apologetics of Love," one where Christian doctrines are mysteries that invite men and women to see how much God loves us. In Christian Doctrine for Catechists I, students learn this apologetics of love through contemplating The Catechism of the Catholic Church's paragraphs 26-324. This course answers questions including what does a Catholic mean by knowledge of God? What is divine Revelation? What does it mean to have faith? Why is the doctrine of the Trinity the central mystery of Catholicism? What do we mean when we say that God created the world? And why is there suffering and evil? In the course, Dr. Cavadini draws from theological literature throughout Christian history. This course is required for those pursuing a Certificate in Catholic Theology in Catechesis and will also be of interest for those seeking to better understand how to teach and communicate the truth, beauty, and goodness of Catholicism in our own age. Christian Doctrine for Catechists I is part of a three-course sequence (Christian Doctrine for Catechists II and III). Students may take these courses in any sequence.
Course Content
Unit 1: Knowledge of God (CCC #26-49)
Unit 2: Revelation (CCC #50-119)
Unit 3: Faith (CCC #142-197)
Unit 4: God and Trinity (CCC #200-278)
Unit 5: Creation (CCC #279-301)
Unit 6: The Problem of Evil (CCC #302-324)
Course Format
- Seven weeks in duration; first week for orientation.
- Up to 20 students in each course.
- Video lectures.
- Supplemental readings are provided to encourage further exploration, internet links provided for all readings.
- Written assignments (200-250) required.
- Facilitator-moderated weekly Zoom sessions with participants.
Participation Requirements
- View the lecture for each unit.
- Read assigned texts; keep notes, questions, and comments for class discussions.
- Answer weekly discussion question.
- Respond to weekly unit assignment.
- Attend weekly Zoom for each unit. If you cannot attend, you can still meet the participation requirements.
- Complete the course evaluation.
Time Expectations
3 to 5 hours per week, depending on your learning style and schedule.
Course Certificate
An electronic certificate of completion awarding 35 contact hours will be available in course when completing all course requirements.
Area: Catholic Doctrine/Catechesis