University of Santo Tomas Institute of Religion
Encyclopedia
The University of Santo Tomas Institute of Religion, or "UST-IR", is the theology
-teaching department of the University of Santo Tomas
for the civil sciences.
As one of the offices under the Vice Rector for Religious Affairs, the IR has been a prime mover in campus evangelization primarily through classroom instruction. Located at the heart of the UST Main Building, the site of IR's office symbolizes the directive of the Church that theology should be the core of the curriculum in Catholic institutions.
To attain these goals, we make the following as our objectives:
was established in June 1933 when a reorganization of all Religion
classes took place. From the foundation of the University in 1611 up to close of the 19th century, the administration could not see the need of a department specifically dedicated to the task of coordinating the formal and practical religious instruction of the University students. Religion, then, was the very core of the education of the youth within or outside the campus. It was an important part of the curriculum required by the education authorities of the country.
The Institute was organized and headed by the Very Rev. Fr. Francisco del Rio , O.P. in 1933. The task of appointing and forming faculty members teaching Religion as well as the preparation of the curriculum and coordination of the religious projects and activities constituted its basic functions.
After the war
, like the University, the Institute resumed full operations.
Presently, the Institute of Religion is entrusted with the responsibility of providing the students with a Catholic education through academic instruction in the different curricular offerings of Theology in the civil faculties and colleges. There are currently five course offerings:
This education is founded in the Scriptures, Church teachings and Thomistic tradition
. As an integral element of its mission-vision statement, the Institute of Religion endeavors to form young Christian professionals who are inspired by the values of the Gospel and are committed to bring about meaningful changes in society.
The Institute of Religion is under the Vice-Rector for Religious Affairs (VRRA), working in collaboration with other offices under the VRRA, namely, the Center for Campus Ministry (CCM) and the Office for Community Development (OCD).
Philippines°N date=December 2010°W
Theology
Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
-teaching department of the University of Santo Tomas
University of Santo Tomas
The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines , is a private Roman Catholic university run by the Order of Preachers in Manila. Founded on April 28, 1611 by archbishop of Manila Miguel de Benavides, it has the oldest extant university charter in the...
for the civil sciences.
As one of the offices under the Vice Rector for Religious Affairs, the IR has been a prime mover in campus evangelization primarily through classroom instruction. Located at the heart of the UST Main Building, the site of IR's office symbolizes the directive of the Church that theology should be the core of the curriculum in Catholic institutions.
Objectives
The UST Institute of Religion, while upholding the mission of the University, are committed to building a Praying, Discerning, Witnessing and Evangelizing Community of Catholic Educators whose love for Christ and His Church serves as our wellspring in fostering integral Christian formation of the Thomasian community. In line with this commitment, the Institute pursues efforts to the development of:- well-formed young Christian professionals among our students who can effect meaningful changes in our society;
- committed Christian educators and experts among ourselves in various fields of TheologyTheologyTheology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
and Religious EducationReligious EducationReligious Education is the term given to education concerned with religion. It may refer to education provided by a church or religious organization, for instruction in doctrine and faith, or for education in various aspects of religion, but without explicitly religious or moral aims, e.g. in a...
; and - service-oriented members of the Thomasian community committed to work for the welfare of the local academic community as well as to reach out especially to the less fortunate members of the society.
To attain these goals, we make the following as our objectives:
- To contribute to the nurturing and strengthening of our community life;
- To provide students with the integral Christian formation founded on the Scriptures, Church teachings and Thomistic traditions
- To equip our faculty members, Religious Education and Theology teachers and Graduate students in Theology with necessary studies, training, research for professional development;
- To offer assistance and work closely with the academic community on matters affecting their Christian life and obligations as educators in a Catholic university;
- To collaborate with the Campus Ministry in fostering the spiritual growth of the non-academic community; and
- To collaborate with organizations and groups of the University committed to community services and outreach programs.
History
The Institute of Religion of the University of Santo TomasUniversity of Santo Tomas
The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines , is a private Roman Catholic university run by the Order of Preachers in Manila. Founded on April 28, 1611 by archbishop of Manila Miguel de Benavides, it has the oldest extant university charter in the...
was established in June 1933 when a reorganization of all Religion
Religion
Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that establishes symbols that relate humanity to spirituality and, sometimes, to moral values. Many religions have narratives, symbols, traditions and sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life or to...
classes took place. From the foundation of the University in 1611 up to close of the 19th century, the administration could not see the need of a department specifically dedicated to the task of coordinating the formal and practical religious instruction of the University students. Religion, then, was the very core of the education of the youth within or outside the campus. It was an important part of the curriculum required by the education authorities of the country.
The Institute was organized and headed by the Very Rev. Fr. Francisco del Rio , O.P. in 1933. The task of appointing and forming faculty members teaching Religion as well as the preparation of the curriculum and coordination of the religious projects and activities constituted its basic functions.
After the war
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, like the University, the Institute resumed full operations.
Presently, the Institute of Religion is entrusted with the responsibility of providing the students with a Catholic education through academic instruction in the different curricular offerings of Theology in the civil faculties and colleges. There are currently five course offerings:
| Course Code | Title | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
| THY1 Theology 1 |
Contextualized Salvation History Salvation Within religion salvation is the phenomenon of being saved from the undesirable condition of bondage or suffering experienced by the psyche or soul that has arisen as a result of unskillful or immoral actions generically referred to as sins. Salvation may also be called "deliverance" or... |
A study of the fullness of God’s manifestation in the person of Christ as seen through the Sacred Scriptures. This coursed is aimed towards an understanding of Sacred Scriptures so that the student may live by the word of God Word of God Word of God or God's Word may refer to:*Divine revelation**certain Religious texts**Prophecy**Biblical literalism*Logos as "divine word"** in biblical creation, see Genesis creation narrative**in trinitarianism, see Jesus Christ the Logos... and may reveal Christ through his conduct. |
| THY2 Theology 2 |
Church and Sacraments Sacraments of the Catholic Church The Sacraments of the Catholic Church are, the Roman Catholic Church teaches, "efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper... |
This course is based on the Dogmatic Constitution of the Church (Lumen Gentium Lumen Gentium Lumen Gentium, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, is one of the principal documents of the Second Vatican Council. This dogmatic constitution was promulgated by Pope Paul VI on November 21, 1964, following approval by the assembled bishops by a vote of 2,151 to 5... ). A study of the saving Action of Christ through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony. |
| PHL5 Theology 3 or Philosophy 5 |
Christian Ethics Christian ethics The first recorded meeting on the topic of Christian ethics, after Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, Great Commandment, and Great Commission , was the Council of Jerusalem , which is seen by most Christians as agreement that the New Covenant either abrogated or set aside at least some of the Old... |
This course deals with the understanding of the meaning of being a Christian Christian A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament... . It looks into the Christian concept of the human person and the meaning of freedom and responsibility. It attempts to articulate the lifestyle and attitudes in keeping with the values of Christ and how to be equipped and strengthened to face challenges that confront us. Guided by the reflection of the Church through the ages, anchored on Scriptures and Tradition Sacred Tradition Sacred Tradition or Holy Tradition is a theological term used in some Christian traditions, primarily in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox traditions, to refer to the fundamental basis of church authority.... , it addresses issues on life, sexuality Human sexuality Human sexuality is the awareness of gender differences, and the capacity to have erotic experiences and responses. Human sexuality can also be described as the way someone is sexually attracted to another person whether it is to opposite sexes , to the same sex , to either sexes , or not being... and truth that modern man faces today. |
| SCL3 Theology 4 or Sociology 3 |
The Social Teachings of the Church Catholic social teaching Catholic social teaching is a body of doctrine developed by the Catholic Church on matters of poverty and wealth, economics, social organization and the role of the state... |
(Mater at Magistra, Pacem in Terris, Populorum Progressio, Pastoral Constitution on the Church on the Modern World) – A study of the present Filipino life: in the family, in his work, in his social contacts. The Filipino—his outlook on life, his faith. Problems, studying the social and cultural conditions; offering solutions in the light of the teachings of the Church. |
| SCL9 Theology 5 or Sociology 9 |
Marriage Marriage Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found... and Family Family In human context, a family is a group of people affiliated by consanguinity, affinity, or co-residence. In most societies it is the principal institution for the socialization of children... |
The nature and fundamental importance of sexuality Human sexuality Human sexuality is the awareness of gender differences, and the capacity to have erotic experiences and responses. Human sexuality can also be described as the way someone is sexually attracted to another person whether it is to opposite sexes , to the same sex , to either sexes , or not being... . The nature of marriage. Theology of marriage. Parental duties and rights. Limits of parental duties and rights. The family Family In human context, a family is a group of people affiliated by consanguinity, affinity, or co-residence. In most societies it is the principal institution for the socialization of children... and community Community The term community has two distinct meanings:*a group of interacting people, possibly living in close proximity, and often refers to a group that shares some common values, and is attributed with social cohesion within a shared geographical location, generally in social units larger than a household... . Characteristics of the modern family. Problems of the family in today’s society. |
This education is founded in the Scriptures, Church teachings and Thomistic tradition
Analytical Thomism
Analytical Thomism is a philosophical movement which promotes the interchange of ideas between the thought of Saint Thomas Aquinas , and modern analytic philosophy....
. As an integral element of its mission-vision statement, the Institute of Religion endeavors to form young Christian professionals who are inspired by the values of the Gospel and are committed to bring about meaningful changes in society.
The Institute of Religion is under the Vice-Rector for Religious Affairs (VRRA), working in collaboration with other offices under the VRRA, namely, the Center for Campus Ministry (CCM) and the Office for Community Development (OCD).
See also
- University of Santo TomasUniversity of Santo TomasThe Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines , is a private Roman Catholic university run by the Order of Preachers in Manila. Founded on April 28, 1611 by archbishop of Manila Miguel de Benavides, it has the oldest extant university charter in the...
- University of Santo Tomas Faculties of Ecclesiastical StudiesUniversity of Santo Tomas Faculties of Ecclesiastical StudiesThe University of Santo Tomas Faculties of Ecclesiastical Studies are the ecclesiastical schools of the University of Santo Tomas, the oldest and the largest Catholic university in Manila, Philippines.Ecclesiastical Faculties consist of academic programs being offered since the University was...
External links
- University of Santo Tomas - Official website
- UST Institute of Religion - Official Website
- UST Central Library- Central Library Website
- Santisimo Rosario Parish - UST Parish
Philippines°N date=December 2010°W