Intellectual Formation: An Introduction
Of all the subjects studied as part of the programme of intellectual formation in the seminary, theology forms the major part. Theology is understood as an ongoing reflection on the mystery of faith, the study of sacred doctrine regarding God and the way in which he has revealed himself to humanity. Together with many aspects of philosophy, the study of theology allows the student not only to understand his own faith better in the light of the Tradition and teaching of the Church, but also prepares him to communicate that faith authentically to those he will eventually serve. Theology is integrated into the programme of seminary formation as a whole: theological studies have a spiritual aspect in that they allow the student to nourish his own desire for reflection and understanding of the revealed word of God; they are pastoral in that they prepare the student to speak and teach authentic truths about God, the Church and the mysteries of human existence; theology is also linked with human formation in that it develops in the student skills that are necessary in the work of the priest today: writing theologically, reading theological works and the writings of the Church, listening, making fair and considered conclusions, communicating the tradition in all its integrity whilst also being able to appreciate the views of others in theological debate.
Theology itself is a broad term, and in fact in the seminary, as in any other place of theological education, a number of disciplines are studied. Initially, the study of fundamental theology allows the students to explore the relationship between revelation and faith, and the challenges that exist in communicating God’s revelation to others with credibility. The various systems of dogmatic theology form the next major element, introducing the student to the study of the doctrine of the Trinity, of Christ, the Church, sin and salvation, the sacraments, and the Mother of God. At the same time, the study of Sacred Scripture (which has been described as the ‘soul of theology’) is a reflection on the Word of God, on biblical revelation and the history of salvation. The student is introduced to skills of exegesis and learning New Testament Greek. The study of moral theology introduces students to the moral teaching of the Church, after they have studied philosophical ethics, and allows us to reflect on some very pressing questions which exist for people today. Studies in Church history and historical theology chart the development of doctrine in the context of the history of Christian life and thought. We also consider issues in ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue, and there are studies in sacred liturgy, church music and Canon Law.
This might sound like a lot of study and hard work! In fact, for anyone who feels called to understand their faith at a deeper level in the seminary context, the courses and studies actually nourish a hunger and enthusiasm for this kind of reflection. We are also aware that the theological studies we begin now are the start of a life-long process of learning and sharing our faith in all its fullness with the Church we are part of and which, please God, we will be called to serve.
To find out more, the following article is taken from the Allen Hall “Way of Life”.