Seminar in Roman Catholicism from Trent to Today
In this course we will examine the rise of Roman Catholicism, focusing on tradition and change from the 16th-century Council of Trent to the present day. Topics will include changing views on vernacular Bibles and lay reading of Scripture, adaptations of Catholicism in global contexts, and Catholic theologies of liberation. We will also examine current controversies over traditional beliefs and practices, such as women's roles in the church, and views of the pope and clergy on contraception, abortion, and gay marriage. We will pay attention to recent waves of disaffiliation stemming from these issues and the appeal of charismatic Protestant Christianity. Some background in the study of religion or European history expected. 3 hrs. sem.