Major- Theology
The Department of Theology reflects the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church and Benedictine Monasticism. The department has two distinct educational purposes within the College. The first is to enable all students to become theologically literate. This is accomplished primarily through two required courses offered in the College’s core program of studies. In Theology 105 (Introduction to Scripture) and Theology 205 (Introduction to Theology), the student is introduced to the study of theology as an academic discipline. The department also offers upper-level courses classified as Humanities electives for non-majors.
The second purpose is to provide students majoring in theology with the foundational skills necessary for graduate study or for service to the world and the Church. The department’s courses provide a basic introduction to the areas of systematic and historical theology, biblical studies, and ethics. Students intending to pursue graduate studies (General track) supplement their theology courses with additional courses in philosophy. Students preparing directly for some form of service (Pastoral track) take four supporting psychology and/or education courses from a Theology Department list. In addition, students on the Pastoral track complete a culminating internship at an approved site, with a concluding exercise to help them reflect theologically upon the service experience and relate it to classroom learning. The department attempts to acquaint students in both tracks with the development of the Catholic theological tradition and to integrate that tradition into the larger program of liberal studies offered by the College.

The general goal of the Department of Theology is to foster a theological literacy among our students that is grounded in the Catholic tradition. As well as enriching the student’s knowledge of the human condition and of Western civilization, theological literacy should enable the student to grasp theological issues in society at large. The department maintains the following goals for students choosing to major in theology: 1) to attain knowledge of basic theological ideas and to become familiar with the core themes of the Catholic theological tradition; 2) to develop the ability to think critically about theological issues together with the ability to express that thinking clearly; and 3) to develop the research and professional skills necessary for careers in theology or related areas. 194

B. A. in Theology
To be accepted into the degree program, the student must have completed
TH 105 with a grade of “C” or better.

The Core Curriculum
Students transferring more than 13 credit hours to Belmont Abbey College are not required to take the First-Year Symposium.

Major requirements (300 Level or above)

• TH 311 Jesus and Salvation
• TH 320 The Church
• TH 330 Introduction to Moral Theology or TH 340 Catholic Social Teaching
• An upper elective in Scripture
• Three upper electives
• TH 450 Seminar in Theology (senior year)
• TH 475 Senior Thesis (following TH 450)

Support Courses in Humanities

• Upper-level English
• Upper-level History
• Foreign Language (Spanish recommended for Pastoral track)
• Students Majoring in Theology select either a general or pastoral course of study

General Track

• PH 303 Philosophy of Knowledge
• PH 316 Metaphysics
• Upper-level Philosophy or Theology

Pastoral Track

• Psychology or Education courses
• Upper-level Philosophy
• TH 453 Pastoral Internship

To graduate from the program, the student must earn a minimum of 30 hours in Theology courses at or above the 200-level. In keeping with the general requirements of the College, the B.A. requires the student to earn a minimum of 120 hours.

Minor in Theology

• TH 205 Introduction to Theology
• 12 hours of other upper-level theology courses  

The preponderance of the hours above TH205 must be taken at Belmont Abbey College.

It is the student’s responsibility to see that all degree requirements for graduation are fulfilled.

 
Faculty

Dr. Grattan Brown – Assistant Professor of Theology
B.A. Washington and Lee University, License in Sacred Theology Accademia Alfonsiana, Bachelor of Sacred Theology University of St. Thomas Aquinas, M.A. University of Memphis, Ph.D. Accademia Alfonsiana

Dr. Ronald Thomas – Assistant Professor of Theology
B.A. University of Memphis, M. Div. Emory University, Ph.D. University of Cambridge

Sr. Jane Russell OSF - Associate Professor of Theology, Coordinator of Justice and Peace Studies B.A. Alverno College, M.A. University of San Francisco, Ph.D. University of Notre Dame

Before coming to the College, Sr. Jane served in various educational, pastoral, and administrative positions, most notably as campus minister and adjunct theology faculty at Creighton University and as Provincial Councilor for her order. Her research interests span many phases of the twentieth century Catholic renewal, from small Christian communities to liberationist theologies and new ministries. A frontier to which she hopes to give increasing attention is the interface of theology and science, especially in relation to the long-term flourishing of the earth community.

Dr. David Williams - Chair and Associate Professor of Theology, Pre-Law Advisor B.A. Georgetown University, M.A. Boston College, Ph.D. (Political Science) Boston College, Ph.D. (Theology) Boston College

Dr. Williams's initial studies focused on Christian and medieval political theory. That interest led to more theological concerns and so he took up additional work in theology, specializing in systematics and New Testament. His research interests fall on traditions of biblical interpretation, analytic philosophy of religion, and pre-scholastic theology (with special reference to the monastic and Victorine traditions). Activities outside the classroom are an essential part of his self-understanding as a theologian, because theological study ultimately exists in order to serve the Church's life and evangelization.