Theology
Program Overview
Theology is a critical reflection on religious belief and practice from within a faith tradition and a prominent place among the liberal arts at King’s College. King’s mission as a Catholic college in the Holy Cross tradition is the basis for this prominence. Moreover, some form of religious experience is a nearly universal aspect of human existence, and the Jewish and Christian traditions have played substantial formative roles in the development of contemporary North American and European cultures. Theology students at King’s are afforded the opportunity to engage in careful study of Hebrew and Christian scripture and the doctrines, practices, and cultures constituting Christian tradition. Such academic study of Christian faith avoids both indoctrination and indifference in the quest for what the Church Fathers called fides quaerens intellectum: “faith seeking understanding.”
As a Catholic Christian college, King’s seeks to foster mature theological reflection that will serve as a foundation for students’ religious and intellectual development as persons and members of society. The college strives to do this in a way that encourages informed religious decisions and recognizes the significance of other religious traditions. Likewise, the college promotes mutual understanding and respect among religious peoples. For these reasons, all students are required to take two courses in theology as part of the CORE Curriculum.
Careers
A student trained in theology develops the analytical skills and the facility with the spoken and written word characteristic of all the liberal arts. Further, the theology major has examined a wide range of ethical issues, historical periods, and philosophical, cultural, and religious concerns. Such training is highly valued in many fields. Some students pursue specifically theological careers, such as in ministries in parishes, hospitals, or service organizations, or teaching theology at the high school or college level. Other students combine the major or minor in theology with other studies, to pursue graduate degrees in related academic fields (like religious studies, history, or philosophy) and or professional degrees in fields such as law, medical or business ethics, social work, and education.
Graduate Program Admissions
Princeton Theological Seminary, Fuller Theological Seminary, Drew University, Villanova University, University of Scranton, University of Notre Dame, St. John's Collegeville.
Program Details
The major program in theology prepares students for a variety of vocational pursuits. Theology students learn to think critically and carefully; read, interpret, and engage difficult texts; and develop excellent written and oral communication skills. These abilities are highly regarded in all professions, but especially in those such as law, journalism, and public service. The major sequence equips a student with a firm foundation for seminary or divinity school training or other graduate study in theology or religious education. Some theology majors go on to serve as secondary school teachers or parish directors of religious education.
A minor in theology can improve preparation for graduate study in any of the humanities and social sciences and for careers in counseling, journalism, law, or public service. Theology majors are encouraged to elect appropriate courses in related disciplines, especially philosophy, English, history, and foreign languages, which are required for the graduate study of theology or religious studies in many institutions.
Off-campus internships in youth ministry, religious education or hospital ministry are available.
