Language Course requirement: French

Course Description

The Toronto School of Theology (TST) at the University of Toronto's language courses (French and German) are for graduate students in Theological, Historical, Pastoral, Biblical Studies, or related disciplines, who require reading knowledge in a research language. Students learn the fundamentals of grammar and vocabulary required for translation and reading comprehension. All courses are conducted in English, and assume no previous knowledge in each language.

These courses fulfill TST’s advanced degree admission and program language requirements. Courses are non-credit and not accessed on ROSI. Course offerings are subject to minimum enrolment.

Courses will be held at the TST building, 47 Queen’s Park Crescent East (at the corner of St. Joseph Street).

About Rob Inch, Graduate Student, Ph.D. (University of Toronto)

Robert Inch is a graduate student in the French Department of the University of Toronto and teaches French language courses for the Toronto School of Theology.

• Graduate Student • Department of French • University of Toronto
• Teaching Levels: Language Courses for the Toronto School of Theology
• Tel: (416) 926-2302 E-mail: rob.inch@mail.utoronto.ca
• Interests: Languages

Theological Method and Hermeneutics

Course Description

Examination of resources and methods in theological work, focusing on hermeneutics as a strategic way of thinking about the role of texts and traditions in theological reflection. Emphasis on interpretation theories in conjunction with liberal, postliberal, and postmodern theological methodologies, particularly regarding issues of faith, authority, revelation, and religious pluralism. Lectures, discussions, student presentations, research paper.

About Dr. Thomas E. Reynolds B.A. (Taylor), M.T.S., Ph.D. (Vanderbilt)

Acting Vice-Principal and Associate Professor of Theology. Tom joined the Emmanuel College faculty in 2007. He previously taught in the Religious Studies department at St. Norbert College (De Pere, WI). Committed to an interdisciplinary and relational vision of theology, his teaching and research address a range of topics related to constructive theology (particularly the doctrine of God and theological anthropology), theological method, intercultural and interfaith engagements, contextual theologies and globalization, philosophical theology, disability studies, and the thought and influence of Friedrich Schleiermacher.

He is currently working on a monograph entitled, Remembering Ourselves Differently: Theology in a Pluralist and Global Era, which explores the way memory, tradition, and the witness of faith are transformed in pluralistic and globalizing contexts.

Tom enjoys spending time with his family, playing jazz piano, listening to music of all kinds, biking, exercise, and nature in whatever way possible. Music runs deep in his life: while finishing his graduate degree he played music professionally in Nashville, TN.

• Regular Faculty • Theological & Pastoral Theology Department • Emmanuel College
• Teaching Levels: Advanced Degree (Full) • Basic Degree
• Tel: 416-585-4544 E-mail: tom.reynolds@utoronto.ca
• Interests: Constructive and Contextual Theologies; Theologies of Religious Pluralism and Interfaith Relations; Theological Method; Philosophical Theology; 20th Century Theology; Schleiermacher

Lonergan and Sexual Morality

Course Description

Theological disagreements on particular moral issues often reflect underlying but unnoticed differences on the more general question of how a theologian properly makes any moral judgment. This course draws on the writings of Bernard Lonergan to explore both (i) that more general question and (ii) current theological disagreements on two particular issues of sexual morality, namely, contraceptive acts and homosexual acts. Previous familiarity with Lonergan's work is helpful but not required. Readings include selections from Lonergan's writings and Vatican documents. Weekly discussion preparation and participation, four one-page reflections, final paper, and take-home exam.

About Dr. Michael Vertin, B.A., S.T.B., M.A., S.T.L., Ph.D. (Toronto)

• Emeritus Faculty • Theological Department • University of St. Michael's College
• Teaching Levels: Advanced Degree (Associate)
• Tel: (416) 926-1300 ext. 3230 E-mail: michael.vertin@utoronto.ca
• Interests: Philosophy of Theology; Philosophy; Lonergan Studies; Theological Foundations of Multi-disciplinary studies.

The Ignatian Theology of Religious Life

Course Description

A close reading of the foundational texts of the following lgnatian religious communities: the Society of Jesus, the Sisters of Saint Joseph, the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Faithful Companions of Jesus, and the Xavieres Missionaries of Christ Jesus. Through a comparative study of constitutions, spiritual writings of the founders and their correspondece, we will bring to light key elements that characterize the ignatian theology of religious life: understanding of mission and ministry; purpose and structures of community living; theology of governance; theology of the vows; anthropology and soteriology; understanding of Christ and of God. Methodological questions of historical and cultural context, exegesis, and theological interpretation of spiritual and canonical texts will also be addressed.

About Fr. Gilles Mongeau S.J., B.A.; Ph.L.; M.A.; MDiv; S.T.L.; Th.D.

Rev. Dr. Mongeau received the Doctor of Theology from Regis College and the University of Toronto in 2003, after research stints at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland and at Boston College. His doctoral research focused on Thomas Aquinas’ use of rhetoric as a theological method, and on Aquinas’ Christology as the climax of the theological pedagogy of the Summa Theologiae. In addition to his ongoing research and teaching, Fr. Mongeau is a spiritual director, gives retreats, and ministers to people living with HIV and AIDS, along with their caregivers and friends. He also coordinates the "Regis in the Arts" activities at the College.

• Regular Faculty • Theological Department • Regis College
• Teaching Levels: Advanced Degree (Associate) • Basic Degree
• Tel: (416) 922-5474 ext. 257 E-mail: gil.mongeau@utoronto.ca
• Interests: Christology; Aquinas; Intro to Ministry

Seminar: Understanding Aquinas on his own Terms

Course Description

This is a seminar in practical exegesis of the Thomistic writings. We will review: questions of historiography and historical context; medieval theory of language, including the practices of grammar, dialectic and rhetoric; pedagogical practices of the university; Aquinas' use of philosophical tools for understanding (Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics); key principles of theological method according to Aquinas (science, contemplation, wisdom); kinds of writings and their responsible exegesis. The seminar meets for three hours a week, and relies heavily on in-class exercises. In addition to students preparing for the disciplined theological or historical study of Aquinas, this seminar will be of interest to any student seeking to develop those skills that assist in the understanding of the great ancient and medieval classics of theology.

About Fr. Gilles Mongeau S.J., B.A.; Ph.L.; M.A.; MDiv; S.T.L.; Th.D.

Rev. Dr. Mongeau received the Doctor of Theology from Regis College and the University of Toronto in 2003, after research stints at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland and at Boston College. His doctoral research focused on Thomas Aquinas’ use of rhetoric as a theological method, and on Aquinas’ Christology as the climax of the theological pedagogy of the Summa Theologiae. In addition to his ongoing research and teaching, Fr. Mongeau is a spiritual director, gives retreats, and ministers to people living with HIV and AIDS, along with their caregivers and friends. He also coordinates the "Regis in the Arts" activities at the College.

• Regular Faculty • Theological Department • Regis College
• Teaching Levels: Advanced Degree (Associate) • Basic Degree
• Tel: (416) 922-5474 ext. 257 E-mail: gil.mongeau@utoronto.ca
• Interests: Christology; Aquinas; Intro to Ministry

Hans Urs von Balthasar

Course Description

Inspiring and profound are terms often attributed to the theology of von Balthasar. Benedict XVI said of his work, "His theological reflection maintains intact, to this day, a profound timeliness and leads many to penetrate ever more into the profoundity of the mystery of faith". This course begins an exploration of his work. There is consideration of the Trilogy: Herrlichkeit, Theo-Drama and Theo-Logic; the influence of Ignatius Loyola and Adrienne von Speyr; and the place of Mary. Not a course for the faint-hearted, von Balthasar's work is at times dense and complex but the rewards are beyond price. Prerequisite: one year of theology, at least three theology courses. Lectures, seminar discussions, student presentations, one short paper and a research paper.

About Sr. Gill Goulding C.J., L.H.S., B.A., M.Th., S.T.L., Ph.D

Her doctoral studies were undertaken at the University of Edinburgh, where she was elected a Research Fellow on completion of her Ph.D. She lectured in Systematic Theology and Spirituality for the University of Edinburgh, the Roman Catholic National Seminary in Scotland and the Theological Institute of the Scottish Episcopal Church. Alongside her work as a theologian she undertakes a ministry of spiritual direction and retreat work. She came from Scotland to Canada in 2001. She was an International Visiting Fellow at the Woodstock Center, Georgetown University, Washington DC in 2006 and held the Veale Chair at the Milltown Institute of Theology and Philosophy in Dublin, Ireland in 2009; and was a Lonergan Fellow at Boston College in 2013.

• Regular Faculty • Theological & Pastoral Theology Department • Regis College
• Teaching Levels: Advanced Degree (Full) • Basic Degree
• Tel: (416) 922-5474 ext. 253 E-mail: gill.goulding@utoronto.ca
• Interests: Systematic Theology with a special interest in: Trinity, Theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar, Methodology of David Tracy, Contemporary Ecclesiology. Pastoral Theology with a special interest in: Ignatian Spirituality, Theology of the Spiritual Exercises, Prophetic Voices from Carmel. Team teaching: Balthasar and Barth with Professor Joseph Mangina [Wycliffe]

The Church Evangelical and Catholic

Course Description

This course explores a range of proposals in contemporary ecclesiology across the ecumenical spectrum. Special attention will be given to questions surrounding the Church's concretely historical character, as in the ecclesiology of "practices" and its critics. Authors read may include Ratzinger, Jenson, Hauerwas, Cavanaugh, Radner and Healy. Seminar discussion; brief, bullet-point responses to the readings; 2500-word final paper.

About Dr Joseph Mangina A.B. (Princeton), M.Div., Ph.D. (Yale).

Joseph, Professor of Systematic Theology, has taught at Wycliffe since 1998. Born and raised in New Jersey, he began his theological studies at Yale Divinity School. Two years of church work in the divided city of Berlin were followed by a return to Yale, where he completed a Ph.D. in systematic theology in 1994. His theological interests run the gamut from ecclesiology, biblical interpretation, Christianity and culture, to ecumenical theology. He serves on the Anglican-Roman Catholic dialogue commission for Canada. Joseph has written two books on the thought of Karl Barth and has recently published a theological commentary on the book of Revelation. He is the editor of Pro Ecclesia: A Journal of Catholic and Evangelical Theology. He and his wife, Dr. Elisa Mangina, attend the Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields in Toronto, where she serves as assistant organist and choir director. They are the parents of two children.

• Regular Faculty • Theological Department • Wycliffe College
• Teaching Levels: Advanced Degree (Full) • Basic Degree
• Tel: (416) 946-3523 E-mail: joseph.mangina@utoronto.ca
• Interests: Systematic Theology; Karl Barth; Ecumenism; Ecclesiology; and Postliberal Theology