Understanding the Theology of the Church

Every week, Catholics proclaim to believe in “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church,” but what does this really mean? At its heart, the Catholic Church is a product of God’s initiative: it is a dimension of our relationship with the God whom we come to know through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. By exploring the theology of the Church and the faith that it evokes, you will encounter the challenge and possibility of living faith in the Church today. Under the guidance of leading theologian Fr. Richard Lennan, you will explore the impact of Vatican II and how it shaped our understanding of the Church. Through exploring the ideas of such noted theologians as Yves Congar and Walter Kasper, you will gain new insights into the theology of the Church. As you look at the role of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in the Church, you will understand that God’s presence in the Church embodies constant call, challenge, and guidance. The Church, then, is not simply an institution, but the very essence of the Catholic faith. In analyzing the relationship between the Church and the wider world, you will explore the possibilities that God enables and His universal call for us to share in the life of the Church. (Photo by Jeffrey Bruno/Aleteia. CC BY-SA 2.0)