Theological Reflection: Key to Connecting Faith and LifeCourse Level: Basic

St. Paul explained to the Corinthians community that "There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone" (1 Cor. 12:4-6).This message is timeless. All generations must understand the “uniformity” of the Spirit, the Lord and God. All creation receivedgifts from God for the building of the Kingdom of God. Regardless of the multiple faith traditions, various cultures, and experiences, we all serve each other. This uniformity in the Body of Christ is a universal reality that we have when we accept that we are all created in God’s image. 

For this reason, the practice of "Theological Reflections" is foundational; it is a spiritual movement for an individual or group to recognize God's omnipresence in all occurrences with humanity. Through this lens, theological reflection propels ministers, church leaders and small group leaders too notice God’s daily presence. The Psalmist said, "Seven times a day I praise you because your judgments are righteous" (Ps. 119:168). The Psalmist observed God throughout the day by practicing "Theological Reflection." During the day, the Psalmist is meditating, seeking God while he is near, praying, giving witness, singing melodic hymns, calling on him for God's judgments are righteous. 

Successful completion of this course earns 1.5 CEU's. Click here for more information about CEU's.

• Understand different theories of Theological Reflection
• Recognize and differentiate other methods for carrying out theological reflection
• To understand some of the considerations regarding facilitation of a theological reflection method.
• Develop one’s own personal understanding of Theogoical Reflection.

• Required Book: Gros, Joye, OP Theological Reflection: Connecting Faith and Life Chicago, IL: Loyola Press, 2002 ISBN: 0829417249; ISBN-13: 978-0829417241; ASIN: B002YX0VIM
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• Week 1: Understanding Theological Reflection
  • Define and describe what theological reflection is
  • Explain why theological reflection is useful
  • Introduce a model of theological reflection that helps explain the elements in the theological reflection process
• Week 2: Components of a Theological Reflection Method
  • To become familiar with one method for carrying out a theological reflection process
  • To discover some of the skills needed to do theological reflection
  • To examine how to use theological reflection in various ministerial settings
• Week 3: Facilitating Theological Reflection
  • Identify necessary skills for facilitating theological reflection
  • Reflect on one’s conversion, ministry and commitment through theological reflection
  • Embrace the importance of being authentic to Catholic Tradition