Lesson 7: Empirical Theology: Friedrich Schleiermacher

Assignments to deepen your understanding:

Schleiermacher’s definition of ‘consciousness of sin’ has helped to shape our understanding of sin today. How does his definition relate to your understanding of sin?

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Lesson 9: Kierkegaard; Existential Christian

Preparing for your seminar:

Groups often exhibit a characteristic approach to philosophy. Is your group idealistic like Hegel, or is it existential in its approach? Or is there disagreement and conflict in your group around how best to approach reality? Take time to explore this in your next EFM seminar

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Lesson 14: Questions of Faith and Dogma

Learning objectives:

The meaning of ‘The Quest for the Historical Jesus’; Modernism and liberalism in the Protestant churches.

Assignments to deepen your understanding:

Where do you find that science and theology reinforce each other? What conflicts between science and religion can you not reconcile?

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Lesson 22: Vatican II: An Aggiornamento

Assignments to deepen your understanding:

‘When asked by a visiting cardinal for a simple explanation of this council with its aggiornamento, the pope (John XXIII) went to the nearest window, opened its wide, and let in fresh air. That simple act became a metaphor of the council.’ From your reading of the chapter, how appropriate was it to ‘open the window’? What recent actions by the Vatican suggest that some leaders would advocate a retrenchment? Is it possible or desirable for the church to have its windows always open? Why do you think so?

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