Pastoral Theology

Overview

The Pastoral Theology program of Loyola Marymount University provides theological foundations in pastoral theology, especially in the Roman Catholic tradition, and integrates the formation of persons preparing for pastoral ministry with their study of the Christian theological tradition (spirituality, liturgy, faith and culture, ethics, as well as biblical, historical, and systematic theology, and ecumenical and interreligious dialogue). Throughout the program there is a stress on the holistic relationships between pastoral theology, faith seeking critical understanding, and faith that does justice.

Pastoral Theology Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Assess pastoral situations from a critical stance;

• Reflect on ministerial practice in and perfect ministry skills for a culturally and religiously diverse society;

• Perform biblical exegesis with attention both to historical contexts and contemporary pastoral contexts

• Reflect critically on the praxis of faith and of justice within an ecumenically-minded Roman Catholic context

• Situate contemporary theological developments and pastoral practice in light of historical trajectories;

• Interpret the work of seminal thinkers in Christian ethics and analyze contemporary moral problems;

• Establish strategies and habits for the integration of one’s own faith, pastoral practice, and theological expertise.