Nature and Grace

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course offers an introduction to the theology of the human person, the field of theology known as “Christian anthropology” or “theological anthropology.” It focuses especially on topics such as the nature of human nature, our experience of divine grace, and the doctrine of original sin, with attention to practical and pastoral implications for the spiritual life and ecclesial community. The course aims to provide a comprehensive, historically contextualized overview of the field and to help students think with rigor and creativity about the human person in light of Christian faith. We begin by situating the topic of Christian anthropology in our contemporary context. Then, we consider the philosophy and theology of emotion, as a practical foundation for constructing a holistic Christian understanding of the human person, using the thought of Thomas Aquinas on emotion as a touchstone. With this foundation in place, we turn to thematic discussions of three central topics: human nature, original sin, and (especially) divine grace. At the end of the course, students should have a good knowledge of: the principal scriptural themes concerning the human person and the human condition and our divinization in Christ; the history of the Church’s reflection on nature, original sin, and grace; the relevance and significance of contemporary science for theological reflection on the human person and human origins; the enduring value of Christian reflection on human affectivity and human flourishing; the philosophical and theological elements necessary for an adequate contemporary Christian anthropology; the relevance of Christology to Christian anthropology; and the practical and pastoral importance of getting nature and grace right.