LST 02. Postmodernism and Religion (3)
The purpose of this course is to understand properly the phenomenon of postmodernity, realize about its impact on religion and find out responses that help the Church to translate faith meaningfully to the present era. To arrive at this objective, the course will study the salient features of postmodern culture by way of analysing the texts written by Soren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche Jean-François Lyotard, Jacques Derrida, Michel Baudrillard, Richard Rorty, Michel Foucault, Umberto Eco, etc., and discuss the impact of their thoughts on Christian faith. With reference to the writings of Lieven Boeve, John D. Caputo, James K.A. Smith, Van Erp Stephan and Denis Villepelet, the course shall also make an effort to respond to the above-said challenges from a Christian point of view.
Kundukulam V.

LST 04. Theology of Ministry and Leadership in the Church (3)
The Christian faithful are those who, inasmuch as they have been incorporated in Christ through baptism, have been constituted as the people of God; for this reason, since they have become sharers in Christ’s priestly, prophetic and royal office in their own manner, they are called to exercise the mission which God has entrusted to the Church to fulfil in the world. One of the key elements of effective ministry on the part of the leaders of pastoral work is a clear theological vision for ministry. Christian leaders with a well-developed theology for ministry will be better able to lead faith communities to articulate a faith foundation for all they do. Since the Second Vatican Council, the laity have increasingly exercised their baptismal responsibility, especially as it relates to the public or organizational dimensions of the Church’s ministerial life. For centuries, leadership in the Church has been directly identified with the clergy and indirectly with religious. Obviously, both of these required some form of a “permanent commitment” associated with ordination or vows. Recently, some preliminary descriptions of essential dimensions of ministerial leadership exercised by the baptized/confirmed, based as much on reflection on lived experience as on theological reflection, have emerged.

Christian leadership [formal and informal] is a delegated authority, with some more gifted in it than others, that involves serving others and God to fulfil God’s purposes God’s way.it is the act of influencing/serving others out of Christ’s interests in their lives so they accomplish God’s purposes for and through them, A Christian leader ought to understand the impact for leadership development not only on the local, individual Church and its parishioners, but also its impact on the universal Church and the unbelieving world. This course helps the students to understand the theological implications of ministry and the relevance of a charismatic leadership which may fit into the ecclesiology of the time.
Gregory R.B.

LST 06. The Origin and Theological Development of the Nicene Creed (3)
The creeds in the sense of a “fixed” declaratory formulae which summarize the essential articles of faith enjoying the sanction of the ecclesiastical authority seem to have taken their specific shape only with the council of Nicaea. The aim of this course is to study the origin and theological development of the Nicene Creed by focusing, firstly on the creedal elements in the New Testament, and other various creedal formulae both in the East and in the West. Secondly, we focus on the development of the creed from Rule of faith (Regula Fidei) to the beginning of the synodal creeds in the fourth century. Thirdly, in the context of the ‘heresies’ of the early centuries attention is given to highlight the theological contributions of the Fathers of the Church in the formulation of the Nicene Creed. Finally, a theological explanation of the Nicene Creed is offered.
Patteruparampil D.

LST 07 Eucharist: Fons et Culmen of the Nuptial Love of Christ the Spouse
In this course we apply the metaphysical symbolic language of ‘nuplital love’ to describe the love of Triune God in Christ towards humanity represented by the chosen people, His bride. The Nuptial paradigm and the conspicuous design of God’s spousal love we see all throughout the Scripture.We see the spousal relationship and communion in its fullness in the person of Christ, His Pasqual mystery and in the Holy Eucharist which is the source and apex of Christian life. The sacrament of Holy Eucharist is here presented and analysed as a wedding banquet, a celebration of the perfect wedding between Christ-Spouse the new Adam and Church-bride the new Eve. Along with the nuptial character of Eucharist, the course portraits a beautiful picture of Mary/Church as the New Eve and her irreplaceable presence in the nuptial project of God. Many liturgical and Patristic traditions have emphasized this symbolic and mystical union of Mary, the exemplary bride of Christ, mystically and nuptially united to her Son’s eternal and ever living Eucharistic body.
Kanniparambil B.E.

LST 16. Theology of Interreligious Dialogue (3)
A study on the Theology of Religions, from a Catholic perspective as an aftermath of Vatican teachings, invites one to, an in-depth dialogue with religions and their culture, which moves one to a search into to their innermost spirituality. This study is aimed at investigating the uniformity of spirituality and religiosity in general, entering into a comparative analysis of different religious spiritualities, and their impact and contributions to human wellness and personal advancement, from a Christian perspective.
Sugun L.

LSP 03. Patristic Spirituality and Monasticism (3)
Spirituality is the way-out one lives and expresses his/her faith in God. Christian Spirituality is the assimilation of the Salvific Mission of Christ by each Christian. The faith that is professed is to be lived as a witnessing to others. The Patristic Spirituality Period is broadly understood as the time that runs from the Post-Apostolic Period to the 749 A.D (Up to John Damascene). This study is based on the writings of the Archaeological findings, Scripture, Tradition, pagan writings, Early Church Fathers, Councils and Synods. This course strives to bring out to the maximum possible, how the early Christians formed, interpreted and lived their faith in Jesus based on the life and teaching of Christ.

LSP 15. Spirituality of Psalms (3)
The Book of Psalms is part of the biblical revelation that has offered great contributions to theology and spiritual life. The Psalter, containing solid theology, is a great school of prayer – a hymnal that helps personal, familial and ecclesial prayer life. Pope Benedict XVI pointed out that psalms are “God’s lesson for us how to talk with him’’ (Verbum Domini, 24). The Psalter is also a guide to our day-to-day life, both in the sense of human experiences and moral choices. Its realism is so down to earth that joys and sorrows, trust and anguish, love and anger, piety and protest find proper space in it. It is “a sort of gymnasium for the use of all souls, a sort of stadium of virtues, where different sorts of exercises are set out before him, from which he can choose the best suited to train him to win his crown”, as St Ambrose comments.
Mayyattil J.J.

LBT 02. Biblical Hebrew I
This course aims at the mastery of the basic morphology of OT Hebrew, command of a fundamental Hebrew vocabulary, familiarity with Hebrew in transliteration, knowledge of the more important points of syntax and an ability to translate simple sentences from Hebrew.
Shiny M.

LBT 09. Exegetic Methods and Tools (3)
The question of methodology remains important in dealing with the biblical texts given the fact that the Bible is not an uncomplicated work. Its meaning is embedded in the history of the people who wrote it, read it, passed it on, redacted it and read it again. The question addressed in this course is in which manner should exegetes analyse texts? Which methodology should be followed during the exegetical process? The course discusses in detail on the Exegesis and Eisegesis, Biblical Manuscripts, Texts and Versions, Bible Study Methods, Principles of Interpretation, Literary Forms of the Bible, Biblical Criticism and Tools for Biblical Exegesis.
Mathirappilly S.

LBT 03. Biblical Greek II (3)
The objective of this course is the mastery of the basic morphology of NT Greek, command of a fundamental Greek vocabulary, familiarity with Greek in transliteration, knowledge of the more important points of syntax and an ability to translate simple sentences from Greek.
Olikkarot T.

LBT 12. Social Themes in Luke-Acts (3)
All the writers of Biblical books were deeply embedded in the life of their communities at all levels – religious, social, political, economic, emotional, cultural etc. Luke was not an exception to this phenomenon. This is evident in his two-volume work. He tried to present and interpret the message of salvation for his fellow Christians taking into account their troubled existence. He did not discuss purely religious issues. Rather social, economic and cultural issues were elaborately dealt with in his presentation of salvific message. In other words, social, economic, cultural and political realities played a vital role in the formation of Luke’s theology. In this course we focus on certain Lukan themes which reveal the social concern of Luke, the theologian and historian. We propose that Luke’s theology was motivated and influenced, to a great extent, by the social constraints experienced by his community and that he is an inspiring model in the proclamation of the good news.
Thayyil P.

LBT 16. Prophets and Social Justice (3)
We are familiar with powerful quotations from the books of the Prophets such as, “Let justice roll down like waters!”(Amos 5:24); “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, and please the widow’s cause,” (Isaiah 1:17); “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8). Consequently, the Biblical prophets exhort the people to be charitable and merciful to the poor and to help those who were defenceless and needy, widows and orphans, oppressed people, strangers and those without legal rights. They stipulate impartiality in justice, and fairness. They demand respect for every human life. This course will focus on the definition and connotations of the Hebrew concepts such as tsedaka(righteousness) and mishap t“justice” in the Prophetic literature.
Thadathil L.

LBT 17. Sabbath in Jewish and Christian Tradition (3)
Sabbath was the most recurring and significant of all the religious observances of Israel. Various biblical texts and extra biblical texts- the rabbinic literature in particular- speak about the role of Sabbath in the life of Israel. Sabbath and its concept of holiness is at the heart of Jewish identity. Sabbath for the Jews is God’s cherished gift and an irrevocable Divine institution. For the Christianity emerging from the Jewish milieu, it was the Sunday that assumed its primary significance being the day of the Resurrection of Lord Jesus. The Resurrection is the cornerstone of faith of the new Christian community that believes in Jesus as Son of God and Messiah of Israel. The celebration of the LORD’s SUPPER became the identity of the nascent Christian Community and its primordial relationship to Sunday earmarked growing tensions between Sabbath and Sunday.
The course aims at understanding the historical, biblical and theological foundations and significance of Sabbath in Jewish and Christian traditions. There are obvious points of convergence and divergence. The post-Holocaust and Post Conciliar period are showing way to renewed engagements of Jewish-Christian dialogue where the checkered history Sabbath and Sundaycontroversies can be looked anew and collectively throw light on our efforts to reign in a frantic and greed ridden world
Schema: Sabbath in the Hebrew Bible, Sabbath and Israel, Sabbath in the NT, Sabbath and the Christianity, Sabbath- Sunday: Marriage or Divorce?

Bishop Anaparambil J.

LBT 24. The Parables of Jesus (3)
Jesus’ parables are among the best known and most influential stories in the world. Parables were the means Jesus used most frequently to explain the kingdom of God and to show th e character of God and the expectations that God has for human beings. That message has often been subverted. Jesus’ parables have been abused and forced to serve various purposes – from ancient theological purposes to modern ideological and pastoral ones. This course will explore selected parables in the Synoptic Gospels. Making use of the conventional tools of redaction criticism, attempts will be made to delineate the traditional material incorporated in the parables. The course also examines the parables making use of the synchronic reading of the text.
Nalpathilchira J.

LBT 30. Theology of the Infancy Narratives of Matthew and Luke
The Infancy Narratives, seen in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, are windows opened to the world of the two authors. Reading the two narratives one is intrigued by the historical and theological problems therein, such as the Jesus’ Davidic descent, the census, the location of the birth at Bethlehem, the virginal conception and so forth. As for Matthew, the Narrative is meant to make the Christological affirmation that Jesus is Son of David and Son of God from his birth through the operation of the Holy Spirit. Luke here opens his theology of the continuity of salvation history with the Old Testament, and its setting in on-going world history, the anawim theology, as presented particularly in the hymns Benedictus and Magnificat, etc. Our study will, therefore, zero in on the issues inherent in the text and try to bring out the emergent theology so as to help the reader to find his way through in readingfully the two works and thus be enlightened.
Jacob P.

LPC 04. Marriage and Family Pastoral Care (3)

The shift in understanding marriage from a procreative institution to a personal relationship has raised various challenges to the living of the mission and vocation of the Christian family. People find it difficult to live a lifelong commitment proclaiming the ever-faithful love of God. The emergence of “free love” culture questions the value of marriage and family as an institution to fulfil the human desire for intimacies. The course will deepen the students’ awareness of the challenges faced by the Christian family today and help them to devise pastoral plans and acquire skills necessary to take care of the family. A detailed discussion of the theology of marriage and the family will unfold new ways of accompanying the family in its various stages. The exploration of the unique place of the sacramentally married in the mission of the Church and the singularity of family spirituality will contribute to the development of a nuanced model of family centred pastoral care in the Church.
Kallely A.

LPC 09. Pastoral Psychology and Counselling (3)
Pastoral psychology is the application of modern psychology to the ancient ministry of the pastoral care exercised within the various Christian Churches. Today this care draws on insights and techniques from three primary sources: contemporary understandings of human personality and interpersonal relationships from the human sciences (especially psychology); therapeutic methods from one or more of the current counselling and psychotherapeutic approaches; and biblical, theological, and historical resources from the Judeo-Christian heritage.

Course Objectives: to understand the basic principlesof Pastoral Psychology and counselling; to apply theoretical frame work of counseling to actual Pastoral care & practice; to survey major systems of therapy in relation to Pastoral counselling; to relate methods of Pastoral counseling to specific problems /situations; to improve Pastoral counseling skills.

Course Outline: a) Defining pastoral counseling in the ministry of the Church; b) Understanding Basic Principles of pastoral counseling skills – the Shepherd/counselor: Role and function, Skills and Specialization in Spiritual and Pastoral Counseling; c) Surveying the Major Systems of Therapy and their Relationship to pastoral care &counselling: Psycho Dynamic/ Humanistic, Cognitive and Behavioral Approach; d) Basic and Advanced Pastoral Counseling Skills training; e) Pastoral Counseling Procedures; f) Ethical Considerations in Pastoral & Professional counseling.
Puramadom K.

PCS 08. Sex, Gender, Ethics (3)
The broad purpose of this course is to help students recognize, appreciate and evaluate surging ethical questions in the areas of sexuality and gender. It is accomplished primarily in the light of time-tested Catholic teachings and contemporary debates. Proper to learning at the Second Cycle of studies, this course is supposed to empower students to answer pastoral questions and to question theological answers for appropriating better pastoral sensitivity and greater theological clarity. After making conceptual clarification of the themes worded in the title of this course, we shall deal with themes such as foundations of biblical sexual ethics; sex, gender and early Christianity; body and angelic life in Gregory of Nyssa; bodily nakedness and shame; transgender questions; the Indian case of Hijras as a transgender group; catholic position on sex reassignment surgery; gender stereotyping and inequality; theological perspectives on sexual pleasure, etc.
Illathuparampil M.

LOS 07. Ecological Ethics (3)
This course intends to develop a clear awareness on theological and ethical responses to the ecological crisis. After presenting an overview on environmental ethics, the course deals with some fundamental areas of biblical ecology like creation stories and wisdom literature with an emphasis to the ‘place and position of human being’ in the order of creation. It further moves towards the ecological significance of the Christ event with special reference to the wisdom Christology of Paul. The different theological approaches to ecological crisis, like humano-centric, eco-centric and theocentric are also discussed. The last session of this course considers the socio-political and economic impacts of ecological crisis within the frame of the teachings of the Church. The course concludes with a discussion on the ‘Integral ecology’ proposed by Pope Francis. The students are expected to accomplish a deeper sense of ‘being in creation’ uniquely through their readings, reflection and contemplation.
Kanayankal S.

RMS 15. Research Methodology
This course is meant to train students in the art of researching and redacting according to the typographic guidelines. It shall give focus to the method of developing research problems, formulating hypotheses, preparing research design, conducting qualitative study, collecting data, analyzing corpus and redacting the text according to typographical guidelines.
Kundukulam V. & Marottical B.