The Early Church as Ideal: Old Catholic Theology Beyond the Basics
Peter-Ben SmitThis course offers the possibility to deepen your knowledge of Old Catholic theology by thematic and in-depth case-driven classes, linked to a key starting point of Old Catholic theology: the faith and order of the Early Church. How can a modern church be so ‘traditional’ at the same time? This apparent tension and paradox will be the core theme of this weeklong, intensive course. In 2021, this course will be offered online for the first time. The topics and disciplines covered by the course include: fundamental and liturgical theology, spirituality, and ecumenism. Case studies that will be explored cover topics such as marriage, the ordination of women and mission. The course will also engage with Old Catholic worship as it is being celebrated today. At the end of the course, students will have a deepened knowledge of, and insight in Old Catholic theology and her appeal on the Early Church and will be able to apply this knowledge in theological reflexion and research. The course is at the advanced level of a MA curriculum. Students may be expected to do advance reading for the course.
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The Early Church as Ideal: Old Catholic Theology beyond the Basics - Summer School 2022
The Early Church as Ideal: Old Catholic Theology beyond the Basics
This course offers the possibility to deepen your knowledge of Old Catholic theology by thematic and in-depth case-driven classes, linked to a key starting point of Old Catholic theology: the faith and order of the Early Church. How can a modern church be so ‘traditional’ at the same time? This apparent tension and paradox will be the core theme of this weeklong, intensive course. The course will be taught by experts in Old Catholic theology affiliated with the Old Catholic Seminary in Utrecht and beyond. After the online edition of this summer school last summer the organisation aims to offer the course face-to-face again in Utrecht in the summer of 2022. The topics and disciplines covered by the course include: fundamental and liturgical theology, spirituality, and ecumenism. Case studies that will be explored cover topics such as marriage, the ordination of women, spirituality, and mission. The course will also engage with Old Catholic worship as it is being celebrated today. At the end of the course, students will have a deepened knowledge of, and insight in Old Catholic theology and her appeal on the Early Church and will be able to apply this knowledge in theological reflexion and research. The course is at the advanced level of a MA curriculum. Students may be expected to do advance reading for the course. Entry requirements for this course are having attended the course ‘Old Catholic Theology in an Ecumenical context’, advanced knowledge of theology or a similar qualification. The course ‘Old Catholic Theology in an Ecumenical context’ is offered in immediate connection with this advanced course. Are you interested in participating in both courses? You can apply for the combination track here: Old Catholic Theology: The Early Church as Charism and Challenge. Combining both courses also leads to a reduced fee. Old Catholic theology is understood as the theological discourse within the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht.
Summerschool: Old Catholic Theology in Its Ecumenical Context
Dear Reader, I'm very glad that you're interested in our summer school in Old Catholic theology. Since 2012 we have been inviting students to Utrecht to explore Old Catholic theology together. More than a course, the experience has been an experience of fellowship for all participants, students and professors alike. Because of the success of the now classical introductory course Old Catholic Theology in its Ecumenical Context we will continue to offer it. It is a unique opportunity to acquaint yourself with the basic tenets and key voices in Old Catholic theology.
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As an introduction to ecclesiology, this course seeks to provide a fundamental understanding the Church’s origin, nature, structure, and mission. An overview of the New Testament and historical sources for the theology of the Church will develop into two primary tracks: 1) an introduction to the major ecclesiological models, images, themes and issues; 2) a special consideration of the Church of Rome and its relationship to the universal Church, particularly the question of primacy and collegiality.
T HE E A R L Y
C HU R C H A S
IDEAL:
O L D C A T HO L I C
T HE O L O G Y
B E Y O N D T HE
BASICS
PROGRAMME*
9 July 2022 – 15 July 2022
Old Catholic Seminary at Utrecht University
*Tentative
Dear visitor!
I’m happy to welcome you to the summer school in Old
Catholic theology. Since 2012, we have been inviting
students to Utrecht to explore Old Catholic theology
together. More than a course, the experience has been a real
feast for all participants, students and professors alike.
WELCOME
Prof. Dr. Peter-Ben Smit
Course director
Following on the success of the now classical introductory
course ‘Old Catholic Theology in its Ecumenical Context’,
we offered an advanced course for the first time in 2021.
‘The Early Church as Ideal: Old Catholic Theology Beyond
the Basics’ also proved to be a wonderful experience for all
participants. For this reason, we will be offering both
courses again in 2022. Also, the option to combine both
courses in one ‘track’ will be back!
As we enjoyed the benefits of online teaching in 2021, we
will return to the benefits of physical classes again in 2022.
We hope to create the best conditions for an intense
community of learners and a direct encounter with the
context of the Netherlands in this manner. Should the
pandemic not permit this format, we will offer the courses
online again.
Therefore, I’d like to invite you to join us again in Utrecht
in 2022! You can become part of a unique community of
learners in Old Catholic theology. While you connect with
participants from all over the globe, you will learn more
about Old Catholic systematic theology, liturgy, history,
spirituality, ecumenical relations, canon law, and praxis.
I am glad that faculty members of the Old Catholic
Seminary in Utrecht are offering their time and talent
again. They include some of the brightest minds in Old
Catholicism, such as Dr. Mattijs Ploeger in the field of
liturgy and systematic theology, Prof. Andreas Krebs from
the Old Catholic Institute in Bonn in dogmatics, Dr. Dick
Schoon, Bishop of Haarlem in church history, and practical
theologian Rev. Jutta Eilander – van Maaren on spirituality
and praxis. As always, we’ll cooperate with the prime
museum of religious art in the Netherlands, the
Catharijneconvent. A new part of ‘Old Catholic Theology
in its Ecumenical Context’ will be an excursion to
Amsterdam, where (Old) Catholicism enjoyed a rich (and
oftentimes illegal) existence.
Feel free to explore the two course offerings at the Utrecht
Summer School website, here for the classic introductory
course “Old Catholic Theology in Its Ecumenical Context”
and here for the bright new advanced course, “The Early
Church as Ideal: Old Catholic Theology Beyond the
Basics”. And are you feeling ambitious? The two courses can
be combined in the track “Old Catholic Theology: The
Early Church as Charism and Challenge” (with a discount!)
Should you ask yourself the question: is this for me? The
answer is probably: yes, it is! Courses are suitable for
theologians, clergy and interested lay persons alike. Please
be in touch with Ms. Rieneke Brand, at
[email protected] should you have any questions.
With every good wish,
Prof. Dr. Peter-Ben Smit, course director
2
P RO G R A M M E D E S C R I P T I O N
This course offers the possibility to deepen your knowledge of Old
Catholic theology by thematic and in-depth case-driven classes, linked to
a key starting point of Old Catholic theology: the faith and order of the
Early Church. How can a modern church be so ‘traditional’ at the same
time? This apparent tension and paradox will be the core theme of this
weeklong, intensive course. The course will be taught be experts in Old
Catholic theology affiliated with the Old Catholic Seminary in Utrecht
and beyond.
The topics and disciplines covered by the course include: fundamental and
liturgical theology, spirituality, and ecumenism. Case studies that will be
explored cover topics such as marriage, the ordination of women and
mission. The course will also engage with Old Catholic worship as it is
being celebrated today. Old Catholic theology is understood as the
theological discourse within the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of
Utrecht.
At the end of the course, students will have a deepened knowledge of, and
insight in Old Catholic theology and her appeal on the Early Church and
will be able to apply this knowledge in theological reflexion and research.
The course is at the advanced level of a MA curriculum. Students may be
expected to do advance reading for the course.
Entry requirements for this course are having attended the course ‘Old
Catholic Theology in an Ecumenical context’, advanced knowledge of
theology or a similar qualification. The course ‘Old Catholic Theology in
an Ecumenical context’ is offered in immediate connection with this
advanced course. Are you interested in participating in both courses? You
can apply for the combination track here: Old Catholic Theology: The
Early Church as Charism and Challenge.
Target audience
• Students who attended the course: 'Old Catholic Theology in its
Ecumenical Context';
• Students of theology interested in Old Catholicism and ecumenism;
• Clergy and theologians interested in Old Catholicism and ecumenism;
• Laypersons with formal or informal theological training interesting in
Old Catholicism and ecumenism.
The course is of specific interest for students with Anglican, Orthodox,
Lutheran, Old Catholic, and ecumenical backgrounds.
Aim of the course
The goals of the course are, the following;
1. The student will have a deepened knowledge of and insight in Old
Catholic theology and her appeal on the Early Church;
2. The student will be able apply this knowledge in theological reflection
and research;
3. The student will be able to undertake further independent study of
aspects of Old Catholic theology.
Study load
4 contact hours/day; about 40 hours of preparatory self-study will be
required.
Costs
Course fee:
€ 425
Registration
Application deadline:
01 May 2022
3
LECTURERS (a.o.)
The Rev. prof. dr. PeterBen Smit
Prof. dr. Andreas Krebs
The Rev. dr. Mattijs
Ploeger
Rev. Leonie van
Straaten
Mr. Adriaan Snijders,
LL.M.
Ecumenism
Old Catholic and
Ecumenical theology
Systematic Theology
Spirituality
Canon Law
4
PROGRAMME
PART I
Time
Location
Description
12.00-18.00
Saturday, 9 July
You will find the exact key pick up location in the pre-departure information, which
Key pick up (for new participants)
becomes available after you have paid the course fee.
Lecturer
10.00
Mass at Gertrud's Cathedral,
Willemsplantsoen 2, Utrecht
Attendance of Mass and subsequent coffee hour with the local priest and parishioners.
12.00
Informal lunch.
Mass will be followed by an informal lunch. Lunch will be provided.
Sunday, 10 July
10.00-12.00
12.00-13.30
Introduction
Lunch Break
13.30-15.30
Seminar. Location t.b.d.
10.00-12.00
Lecture. Location t.b.d.
12.00-13.30
13.30-15.30
Lunch Break
Seminar. Location t.b.d.
Monday, 11 July
Introduction: The Appeal to the Early Church: Inspiration and Problem
Prof. dr. Peter-Ben Smit
Spirituality and Structure: The Old Catholic Eucharistic Prayers and Patristic Inspiration
Dr. Mattijs Ploeger
- Case study I
Tuesday, 12 July
Old Catholics in Search of God in A Secular Age: The Early Church as Help and
Hindrance
Ancient Marriage in Search of Modern Meaning - Case Study II
Prof. dr. Andreas Krebs
Prof. dr. Andreas Krebs
5
PROGRAMME
PART II
Time
Location
Description
Lecturer
Wednesday, 13 July
A Model for All Others? The Early Church as an Inspiration for Canon Law in the 21st Mr. Adriaan Snijders,
Century
LL.M.
10.00-12.00
Lecture. Location t.b.d.
12.00-13.30
Lunch Break
13.30-15.30
Excursion. Dom Church Utrecht Stones that Speak: The Dom Church as a Source of Spiritual Renewal in Utrecht
Ds. Hans Uytenbogaardt.
Thursday, 14 July
Renewing Spirituality out of Ancient Sources: Cases from a Dutch Old Catholic Praxis –
Rev. Leonie van Straaten
Case Study III
10.00-12.00
Seminar. Location t.b.d.
12.00-13.30
Lunch Break
13.30-15.30
Seminar. Location t.b.d.
What has not been assumed has not been redeemed: Ancient theology for a modern
church order – the ordination of women - Case Study IV
10.00-12.00
Lecture. Location t.b.d.
12.00-13.30
Informal lunch. Location t.b.d.
Friday, 15 July
Back to the Future? Possibilities and Impossibilities for an Appeal to the Early Church in
Prof. dr. Peter-Ben Smit
the 21st century
Lunch will be provided.
Dr. Mattijs Ploeger
6
FURTHER INFORMATION
For more INFORMATION or to APPLY for this course check:
The Early Church as Ideal: Old Catholic Theology beyond the Basics
Not attended the FIRST course yet?
Old Catholic Theology in its Ecumenical Context
Applying for BOTH? Check the combination TRACK for discount:
Old Catholic Theology: The Early Church as Charism and Challenge
Scholarships:
For information regarding financial assistance, please contact the course director at [email protected].
Covid reservations:
Due to the unpredictability of covid/travel restrictions the course organization will definitively decide whether
the summerschool will take place offline in Utrecht on the 1st of June 2022. Keep this in mind when you need
to book a flight or train. If it somehow will not be possible to organize the summerschool in Utrecht there will
be a back-up plan to deliver the summerschool online like last year. There will be a possibility to cancel your
application in the case you only want to attend the summerschool when it takes place in Utrecht. N.B. there
won't be a recording or online livestream when the course will take place in Utrecht.
Disclaimer:
Due to unforeseen circumstances the programme could be (slightly) changed.
7
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