The purpose of this course is to give students a general knowledge and appreciation of Sacred Scripture. Through study of the Bible they will come to encounter the living Word of God, Jesus Christ. In the course they will learn about the Bible and its value to people throughout history. Students will learn how to read the Bible and become familiar with its major sections, its content and structure, the different types of literature it contains, and the major people, places and events of Salvation History. The course will pay particular attention to the Gospels and offer students opportunities to grow in their love and knowledge of Jesus Christ. In addition, students will engage in activities to become part of the community at Central Catholic. Introductory units will help students learn about the mission and charism of Central Catholic and give them the tools they need to be successful in our four-year Theology Curriculum.

The first semester is developed to help students understand that in and through the Church they encounter the living Jesus Christ. They will be introduced to the fact that the Church was founded by Christ through the Apostles and is sustained by him through the Holy Spirit. The students will come to know that the Church is the living Body of Christ today. This Body has both divine and human elements. Students will earn not so much about events in the life of the Church but about the sacred nature of the Church.The purpose of the second semester is to help students understand all that has been done for us through God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Through this course of study, students will learn that for all eternity, God has planned for us to share eternal happiness with God, which is accomplished through the redemption Christ won for us. Students will learn that they share in this redemption in and through Jesus Christ. They will also be introduced to what it means to be a disciple of Christ and what life as a disciple entails.

In this course students will study the sacraments of the Catholic Church and Moral Theology. Students will learn about faith development and the broad sense of the term “Sacrament” and what it means to be a “Sacramental person” and member of a “Sacramental Church.” Students will then examine each of the sacraments in detail so as to learn how they may encounter Christ throughout life. The Moral Theology part of the course is designed to address questions about morality, conscience, and relationships within the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Students will explore self identity questions as they come to an understanding of how they make moral choices. Students will be introduced to various ways in which humans attempt to arrive at a truth on which to base their decisions. The study of classical, medieval, and contemporary thought will help students determine reliable method of reasoning, as well as critique unreliable methods. Students will be introduced to Church documents that relate to moral issues of past, present, and future. Students will be taught Church teaching on moral issues and taught how to read and analyze those teachings to see how they fit into their daily lives. The students will also look to Scripture to analyze and understand the moral teachings of Jesus and how they apply to us today

1st Semester, World Religions; 2nd Semester, Social Justice
Students will learn about the beliefs and customs of non-Christian religions. The course begins with an inquiry into the concepts of sacred mystery, God, faith and religion. It then analyzes religious traditions beginning with the nature of indigenous religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.

Social Justice is designed to raise students’ awareness regarding social issues in our world. After learning the fundamentals of Catholic social teaching, the students will analyze various economic and social injustices based on these principles. Topics include, but are not limited to: discrimination, local and world poverty, hunger and oppression, and life issues. Students will draw upon their service experiences throughout the course.

Dual Credit Option: 4 PCC Credits for World Religions portion

1st Semester, Christian Relationships; 2nd Semester, Social Justice
This course explores the claim that we find God in loving, committed relationships and that we are called to live our lives in loving response to the One Who loved us first. Students reflect on identity, communication, love, sexuality and Christian life commitments, (marriage, holy orders and religious life) in light of Jesus’ example and teaching. Students are challenged to contrast contemporary cultural values with Christian values of honesty, love and commitment. Students are also challenged to recognize their service as one way to respond to God’s love for us.

The second semester is designed to raise students’ awareness regarding social issues in our world. After learning the fundamentals of Catholic Social Teaching, the students will analyze various economic and social injustices based on these principles. Topics include, but are not limited to: discrimination, local and world poverty, hunger and oppression, and life issues. Students will draw upon their service experiences throughout the course.