The Role of Theology to the Life of Students  In the diverse landscape of human beliefs and spiritual inquiries, theology stands as a beacon guiding individuals in the search for God. This reflection aims to unravel the intricate relationship between theology and the pursuit of God, providing college students with a comprehensive understanding of the role theology plays in this profound quest. The theological reflection below explores the transformative role of theology in shaping the spiritual narratives of college students. Spiritual Journey in Higher Education As college students embark on the journey of higher education, the study of theology emerges as a guiding light, offering a profound lens through which to make sense of their spiritual journey and encounters with God. Theology transcends the boundaries of mere intellectual pursuit. It becomes a sacred space where students grapple with the profound questions of existence, seeking to understand the divine thread woven...

THE PROFESSION OF CHRISTIAN FAITH   (excerpted from The Catechism of the Catholic Church nos. 232-267) INTRODUCTION  The profession of the Christian faith encompasses a diverse and widespread belief system rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Christianity, one of the world's major religions, is centered on the belief in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus as the Son of God and the savior of humanity. Christians follow the Bible, which includes the Old and New Testaments, as their sacred scripture. The Christian faith is marked by various denominations and traditions, each interpreting and expressing their beliefs in unique ways. Practices such as prayer, worship, and community involvement are integral to the Christian experience, fostering a sense of spiritual growth and connection with God. The profession of the Christian faith often emphasizes values such as love, compassion, forgiveness, and the pursuit of justice, guiding adherents in their individual and co...

The Filipino Catholic Faith   (Excerpted from The Catechism for Filipino Catholics, nos. 28-54) Opening The "Good News" of Jesus Christ The “Good News” is that God has become man in Jesus Christ our Lord, who came to save us from sin and bring us to fullness of life. This is the Gospel which we Filipinos have accepted. As PCP II proudly declares: “For us Filipinos, the first century of the coming millennium will mark the 500th year since we as a people accepted the Faith” (PCP II 3). It makes us the only Christian nation among our Asian brethren.  Christ's Message and Filipino Culture There are deep affinities between Christ’s message and the Filipino’s inmost ways of thinking and acting. “Much of the Gospel has become part of us - compassion, forgiveness, caring, piety - and makes of us a basically decent people (PCP II 15). Through the past centuries, right up to our present critical times, growing more mature in the following of Christ has meant becoming more truly a...

What is Theology All About?  (by :  Raul J. Bonoan, S.J)           If theology is to have – and it certainly has – a rightful place in any academic curriculum and the life of a Catholic university, it cannot afford to be merely a haphazard presentation of the truths of the faith or a series of free-wheeling discussions on the relevance of Christianity today. Like chemistry, history, psychology, or any other subject, theology must be properly a study and as such, ought to be characterized by some method or order. I hesitate to call it a “science” or “discipline” inasmuch as these words often evoke the unhappy image of an esoteric body of truths cultivated by thinkers safely locked up in their ivory towers. But if science is to be understood – as it is generally understood today – as a methodic study of our inquiry into a significant question or phenomenon (something that falls within the range of human experience), then there is no justifiable r...

The Traits that Bind all Seminarians Together As I contemplate the diverse and multifaceted community of seminarians spread across the globe, I am struck by the common traits that unite us on our unique journeys of religious/priestly vocation. These shared qualities form a deep bond that transcends geographical boundaries and cultural differences, creating a sense of kinship and connection among seminarians worldwide. 1. Passionate Devotion Seminarians are driven by a passionate devotion to their faith and a genuine desire to serve others. This devotion fuels our commitment to deepening our spiritual lives, expanding our theological knowledge, and embracing the responsibilities that come with religious/priestly leadership. It is a flame that burns within us, igniting our actions and propelling us forward on our chosen path. 2. Humble Servanthood Seminarians embody the spirit of humble servanthood, recognizing that our calling is not about personal glory or power, but rather ab...