Author: pvpkottayam

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SSS 513 Book of Hebrews

Program : Baccalaureate in Theology Semester : S6 Credits : 1.5 Teacher : Rev. Fr. Thomas Vadakkel Aim This course gives a short introduction to the book of Hebrews. The writer of Hebrews continually makes mention of the superiority of Christ in both His personage and in His ministering work. In the writings of the Old Testament, we understand the rituals and ceremonies of Judaism symbolically pointed to the coming of Messiah. The superiority of Jesus over angels. Moses and Joshua is stated in the first chapters. The new priesthood, the new covenant and the new sacrifice are discussed in the following chapters. This gives courage to hold fast to the promptings of the Spirit and stand firm in persecutions…

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SSS 512 Major & Minor Letters of St. Paul

Program : Baccalaureate in Theology Semester : S4 Credits : 06 Teacher : Rev. Fr. Thomas Vadakkel Aim The course on the Letters of St. Paul (placed in two semesters) takes the student to a closer understanding of the person of Paul the Apostle and his mission and vision. All the letters are introduced in the class and by the end of the course, the student is supposed to be capable ofunderstanding clearly the Pauline perspectives. The first few classes discuss the introductory materials, such as the nature of Pauline Letters, the Person of Paul. etc. The first part of the course concentrates on the Major Epistles (Romans. 1 & 2 Corinthians and Galatians). The second part of the course…

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SSS 511 Acts of the Apostles and Introduction to Pauline Letters

Program : Baccalaureate in Theology Semester : S3 Credits : 1.5 Teacher : Rev. Fr. Thomas Vadakkel Aim This course on the second volume of Luke aims at familiarising the students with the life of the early Church. This course includes the discussion on the book of the Acts of the Apostles as the fulfilment of Acts 1.8; ecclesiology of the Acts; Pentecost; apostolic kerygma; life style of the early Christian community; role of St Peter in the early Church; council of Jerusalem; St Paul, the apostle of the gentiles; his missionary journeys. References Haenchen. E.. The Acts of the Apostles. A Commentary (Philadelphia- Oxford 1971). Fitzmyer. J. A.. The Acts of the Apostles (New York 1998). John Chrysostom. Homiliae…

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SSS 510 Johannine Gospel and Epistles

Program : Baccalaureate in Theology Semester : S4 Credits : 03 Teacher : Rev. Fr. Andrews Mekkattukunnel Aim This course on the third Gospel aims at preparing the students to experience the person of Jesus of Nazareth as presented by the evangelist Luke. The following themes are discussed in this course: Luke’s vision of the history of salvation and two-volume work; exegetical analysis of the first two chapters of the Gospel; Mary in Luke; the figure of John the Baptist; Jesus: the mercy of God incarnate; programmatic speech of Jesus in the synagogue of Nazareth; salvation and forgiveness of sins; Gospel of the holy Spirit, of joy. of women, of prayer and praise; on the way to Jerusalem with Jesus;…

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SSS 508 Gospel of Mathew

Program : Baccalaureate in Theology Semester : S3 Credits : 03 Teacher : Rev. Fr. G. Kokkatt Aim The aim of this course is to introduce the gospel of Mathew. Once the course is over, each student is supposed to interpret the Gospel in its theological and pastoral context. The introductory lessons discuss matters related to the name, authorship, date. etc. of the Gospel of Matthew. A discussion of the structure of the book is done and a working structure is proposed. Then the whole book is exegetically analysed, from within the working structure. Throughout the course, a synoptic approach is followed. The passion narratives and the Resurrection appearances are discussed in the context of all the four Gospels. References…

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SSS 507 Introduction to Synoptics and the Gospel of Mark

Program : Baccalaureate in Theology Semester : S1, S2 Credits : 4.5 Teacher : Rev. Fr. Andrews Mekkattukunnel Aim The course on the Gospel of Mark aims at equipping the students to encounter in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah and the Son of God as is seen in Mark. The following themes are discussed in the Course: Gospel of Mark - the Gospel of Peter; Christological titles in Mark; baptism and temptations of Jesus; Kingdom of God in words and deeds; the parables of the kingdom; Peter’s confession and transfigmation; discipleship in Mark; replacement of the temple by Jesus; death and resurrection of Jesus; endings of Mark. References Best. E.. Disciples and Discipleship: Studies in the Gospel…

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SSS 506 Book of Psalms

Program : Baccalaureate in Theology Semester : S5 Credits : 03 Teacher : Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuttiyanickal Aim The goal of this study is to bring about an active and meaningful engagement between the student and the Book of Psalms. The student can have a two-part study: an initial understanding of the Books of Psalms and its exegesis. Thus the first part discusses, the origin, source, formation, authorship and date, various divisions and collections, the gerne and setting, and theology of the psalms, and the use of psalms among Christians. The exegetical study offers a theological reading of some particular psalms applying various methods and approaches of interpretation. References Allen. L.C.. Psalms 101-150. WBC 21. Waco 1981. Alter. R.. The…

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SSS 505 Wisdom Books

Program : Baccalaureate in Theology Semester : S4 Credits : 03 Teacher : Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuttiyanickal Aim The course on Wisdom Books gives a general introduction to the wisdom literature as a whole and discusses the Wisdom Books in particular. The course is intended to give the student a basic understanding of this large area of the Word of God. The first few classes discuss the introductory materials. After the general introduction, each book is introduced, paying attention to the structure, content, relation to the other books, and the theology. Certain selected texts will be exegetically analysed in the class. References Any serious commentary on the Old Testament is of use for the course. Faculty of Theology Institute of…

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SSS 504 Major and Minor Prophetic Literature

Program : Baccalaureate in Theology Semester : S3, S4, S5 Credits : 07 Teacher : Rev. Fr. Cyriac Valiyakunnumpurathe Aim Biblical Prophets: Non Literary Prophets The course aims at introducing the students of theology into the world of OT Prophets. Besides giving information about the features of OT prophecy, and the life, background, and theology of the Major and MinorProphets of Israel, the students are prepared through the analysis of certain prophetic texts to imbibe the spirit of Prophets so that they might meaningfully and prophetically dialogue with man and society. The following themes are discussed in this course: Prophecy in Ancient Near East and Prophecy in Israel; Basic texts for prophet and prophecy: Dent 18.15-22 (Ex 20.18-21); Num 11.10-30;…

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SSS 503 Historical Books

Program : Baccalaureate in Theology Semester : S3, S4 Credits : 03 Teacher : Rev. Fr. Cyriac Valiyakunnumpurathe Aim We will concentrate on the historical books proper - Joshua. Judges. 1& 2 Samuel. 1 & 2 Kings - even though there are 21 books in the section of the historical books of the OT. We will also see in brief the ‘Deuteronomistic History’ and its content and message. Analysing the historical, political, social and geographical backgrounds of the books we will try to see the basic features of these books. Basing on the God-human relationship which is the the sum total of God’s revelation in OT we will go through the booksand study the important personalities appearing in the books…

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