Undergraduate Theology Course

Every spring semester, an introductory Catholic theology course entitled “Origins of the Catholic Faith” is offered at the Newman Center. It meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-5:00pm in the Newman Center Basement. The course is usually taught by Fr. Jim Wehner, the Rector of St. Paul Seminary. The Bishop of Pittsburgh also usually teaches two lectures during the semester.

Undergraduate credit can be received if arranged with your academic advisor. In the past, students from H&SS, MCS, Tepper, and CFA have all received 9 units of GenEd credit in their respective colleges by taking this course. Cross-registration with Duquesne University is required, but the course is offered at the Newman Center.

Course Objective
Origins of the Catholic Faith is designed to study the Christian Faith from its theological foundation presuming the validity of God’s revelation to the human race. The course will present from the outset the capability of one to understand, believe, and express the mystery of the Christian Faith through the two human fonts of knowledge - Faith and Reason. The course will study the evolution of the dogmatic teachings of the Catholic Church as they are contained in Sacred Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium. The human desire for truth and the pursuit of happiness are anthropological dispositions to which the Christian Faith is directed with ultimate fulfillment in God, that is, Eternal Life. The course will explore these themes to present-day challenges in light of the proclamation of Christ’s Gospel.

Course Materials
The primary texts for the course will be the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the documents of Vatican II, and the teachings of Pope John Paul II. All texts and materials are provided without charge through the generosity of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Course Contents:

  • Week 1: Christian Anthropology
  • Week 2: Divine Revelation
  • Week 3: Holy Trinity, One God
  • Week 4: Jesus the Christ
  • Week 5: The Kingdom of God
  • Week 6: Transmission and Reception
  • Week 7: The Catholic Church
  • Week 8: Sacrament of Salvation
  • Week 9: The Sacred Liturgy
  • Week 10: Evangelization
  • Week 11: The People of God
  • Week 12: Morality: Life in Christ
  • Week 13: Social Justice
  • Week 14: The Church of Pittsburgh