Course Descriptions

TBO 102  Ngũ Thư / Pentateuch 

The term תוֹרָה, transliterated as “Torah”, plays one of the most crucial roles in the Hebrew Bible. It basically means “instruction”, “teaching”, “doctrine”, and thus designates “percept”, “statute”, “law”. “Moses delivered to us a Law, an inheritance for the assembly of Jacob” (Deut 33:4). In various Bible reading traditions, “The Law of the LORD” (1Chron 16:40; 2Chron 31:3; 35:26; Ezra 7:10) or “The Book of Moses” (2Chron 25:4; 35:12; Ezra 6:18) are familiar names refering to the first five Books of the Old Testament, the Pentateuch. This portion of the Bible brings us up to the creation of the world and the formation of Israel as a nation by covenant with YHWH. Jewish traditions highly revere the Pentateuch as the most sacred text, which forms the foundation of the Jewish faith. Christian traditions also honor the Pentateuch as foundational and original portion for understanding the entire Bible. Our course will investigate this significant portion. 

Cao Gia An, S.J. 

TBO 103  Các Sách Ngôn Sứ / Prophets of Israel 

The Bible relates the fascinating story of God and His salvation plan for the human race. In this saving plan, the prophets play a key role. The prophets are the voice of the Lord speaking to his people, delivering his message. The prophets are also the voice of the people crying to the Lord in the midst of the vicissitudes of their lives.  

Not only proclaim the coming events as the Exile, the Return from the Exile, the Day of the Lord, Judgment, but also do the prophets deal with the present situation. They proclaim that YHWH is not just the God of Israel, but the God of all nations and peoples. They strongly inveigh against idolatry, religious festivities for form’s sake, at the same time, reminding their listeners of the importance of the social justice in their daily life. Their lessons influence the shape of Judaism and foreshadow the coming of Christ.  

Cao Gia An, S.J. 

TBO 04 Thánh Vịnh & Văn Chương Khôn Ngoan / Psalms & Wisdom Literature 

This course aims to help students attain basic knowledge about the Book of the Psalms: a history of constructing the text, nature of the text, contemporary exegetical methods, and the fundamental dimensions of the Psalms captured as a great prayer (which are prayer, praise, promise, and creation). Then, after examining various forms and the content of the Psalms as well as different exegetical methods, the course aims to present a spiritual and theological approach through applying this approach to several particular psalms. This spiritual and theological approach consists of three steps:1. Determining the literary structure of the psalms2. Pointing out the spiritual movement of the prayer in the psalms3. Uncovering the image of God expressed through that spiritual movement, then examining to which extent the prayer of the Psalms announces Christ and is fulfilled by Christ (Lc 24:44). 

Nguyễn Thể Hiện, C.Ss.R. 

TBN 102 Tin Mừng Nhất Lãm / Synoptics 

The course will focus on the study of the Synoptic Gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke. It deals with the historical setting, literary relationships, content, and interpretation of these Gospels with reference to their theologies. In particular, the course will deal with the proclamation of the good news by Jesus and the early Church as presented in the synoptic gospels; the story of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark; the infancy narrative of Matthew and Luke; a synoptic study of the ministry of Jesus, i.e. the beginning (baptism and temptation narratives), his words (sayings, parables, discourses) and deeds (his praxis, especially the miracle stories); a synoptic study of the passion and resurrection narratives and the way the evangelists elaborated the early Christian kerygma to address the particular situations and needs of their communities; the literary style, theological concerns and particular perspectives of each evangelist; pastoral applications and relevance of the texts to contemporary situations and issues. 

Phạm Quý Trọng 

TBN 103 Tin Mừng Gioan / John 

The course will explore the literary and theological aspects of the Fourth Gospel in order that its message is grasped and applied to our Christian life today. In particular, the course will explore the meaning of these following texts:1. The Prologue; 2. The witness of John Baptist on Jesus’ mission; 3. The “call” of the disciples; 4. The wedding at Cana; 5. The dialogue of Jesus with Nicodemus; 6. The revelation of Jesus about himself to the Samaritan woman; 7. The cure of a paralyzed man at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath; 8. The multiplication of the loaves; 9. The cure of the man born blind; 10. The Good Shepherd; 11. The resurrection of Lazarus; 12. The conclusion of the first book of John; 13. The account of the Passion; 

Nguyễn Cao Siêu, S.J. 

TBN 104.2 Các Thư Phaolô / Paul and His Letters 

The course begins with an introduction to Paul as a historical figure and as a letter writer. The peculiarities of ancient letters will be explored and compared to Paul’s letters in general, before turning to Galatians and Romans as two examples of Paul’s letters. The focus in this course will be on Pauline theology.1. Paul as a historical figure: establishing a chronology; 2. Paul’s Damascus event: conversion or call? 3. Letter writing in Antiquity; 4. Paul’s letters: similarities and distinctions to ancient letters; authentic and pseudepigraphical letters;  

Boris Repschinski, S.J. 

TF 102 Thần Học Căn Bản I: Đức Tin & Mạc Khải / Fundamental Theology I: Revelation and Faith 

TF 103 Thần Học Căn Bản II: Kinh Thánh, Truyền Thống, Huấn Quyền Fundamental Theology II: Scripture, Tradition, Magisterium 

TD 102 Thiên Chúa Ba Ngôi / Trinity 

This course offers an overview of Christian Trinitarian theology and presents its significance for the Christian life of faith. Using an integrated historical, theological, and pastoral approach, the course will explore Scriptural sources, dogmatic developments, and systematic reflections on the Triune God. Our point of departure will be the revelation of the “economic Trinity” in Jesus Christ, which enables an initial grasp of the mystery of the “immanent Trinity.” It permits us to study the evolution of Trinitarian doctrine in the Patristic, Medieval, Reformation, and contemporary theology. The course also examines the ecclesial, social, and political implications of Christianity’s profession of the Mystery of the Triune God. 

Nguyễn Hữu Khanh, S.J. 

TD 103 Kitô Học / Christology 

This course aims at providing the students with substantial knowledge of and deep reflections on the words and deeds of Jesus Christ. It takes as its starting point the faith experience based on scriptural and ecclesiastical testimonies of Jesus Christ. It also takes into account the modern historical consciousness in order to understand the questions raised by contemporaries concerning the historicity and trustworthiness of our faith in Jesus Christ. 

The course will examine the relationship between historical research and faith in Christology, then goes on to explore different themes relating to the words and deeds of Jesus Christ; it also explicates the meaning of Jesus' death and Resurrection and finally will explain the first four councils' affirmations regarding Jesus' identity and being. 

Beside the Gospels, the course refers to important theologians, classics and modern, in order to help the students: 

- To get the latest information on recent developments relating to the methods and directions of Christological research. 

- To obtain in a profound and solid manner the foundational knowledge and the dynamic of scriptural and traditional Christologies. 

- To get acquaintance with modern and contemporary approaches in Christology. 

- To practice a contextual way of understanding and of reflecting on the person and mission of Christ, applying particularly in the social context of the Church in Viet Nam. 

Nguyễn Hai Tính, S.J. 

TD 104.2 Truyền Giáo Học / Missiology 

TD 104.3 Thần Học Các Tôn Giáo / Theology of Religions  

Context: The Second Vatican Council marked a significant advancement in the Catholic understanding of religions, portraying them in a more positive light within official Church documents. This shift, influenced by a deeper understanding of cultures and diverse religious traditions, reflected a necessary change in perspective. However, contrary to the Council’s intentions and explicit statements, certain post-conciliar environments witnessed the emergence of religious relativism. This perspective propagated the notion that all religions held equal value in the pursuit of salvation, leading to a decline in missionary zeal and questioning the exclusive and universal mediation of Christ. In such context, theology is expected to present a foundational understanding of the nature of religion, to search approaches to engage non-Christian religions, and to guide religious dialogue.  

Đinh Văn Điệp, O.Carm. 

TD 105.2 Bí Tích Tổng Quát: Dẫn Nhập & Các Bí Tích Khai Tâm 

Sacraments: General and of Initiation 

This course is aimed at providing the students with general knowledge of the Sacraments in the Catholic Church with special attention to those of Initiation. Students will be guided into a deeper understanding of how and why the Sacraments play an essential part in the Catholic faith, prayer and worship. Students will learn how the Sacraments are rooted in the Scriptures and practiced throughout the history of the Church. They learn to understand the sacraments as effacious signs of Christ’s love for his Church and as symbolic actions making present the reality of the Trinity’s love for humanity. 

Nguyễn Xuân Vinh 

TD 105.3 Các Bí Tích Chữa Lành: Hoà Giải & Xức Dầu Bệnh Nhân 

Sacraments of Healing: Penance and Anointing 

TD 105.4 Các Bí Tích Phục Vụ Cộng Đoàn: Truyền Chức Thánh & Hôn Phối 

Sacraments of Vocation: Holy Orders and Christian Marriage 

The two courses aim to help students grasp basic understanding of the Sacraments for ministering the people of God. The historical and theological analyses of the Sacraments of Healing, particular the Sacrament of Penance, are further developed and put into practice by another seminar on Ad Audiendas Confessiones. The two courses also provide a suitable preparation for those who are to be ordained to the Holy Orders—diaconate and priestly ministries—with useful theological and pastoral reflection. 

Nguyễn Xuân Vinh 

TD 106.2 Nhân Học Kitô Giáo Theology of Human Person I: Christian Anthropology 

TD 106.3 Nguyên Tội & Ân Sủng Theology of Human Person II:  

Sin and Grace 

« Nouvel Adam, le Christ, dans sa révélation même du mystère du Père et de son amour, manifeste pleinement l’homme à lui-même et lui découvre la sublimité de sa vocation. » (Gaudium et Spes 22). La première partie du cours est consacrée à la révélation de l’être humain dans la Bible: sa création, une, d’âme et de corps, à l’image de Dieu. Nous aurons l’occasion d’analyser cette perception de l’homme à travers les Pères de l’Eglise, les Conciles, ainsi que les théologiens contemporains. La deuxième partie s’emploie à étudier l’homme dans son libre acheminement vers Dieu, son existence marquée par le péché mais justifiée et renouvelée par la grâce divine, ainsi que son accomplissement ultime, au-delà de la mort, selon des paroles de la vie éternelle. 

Nguyễn Tiến Dưng, A.A. 

TD 106.4 Cánh Chung Học Theology of Human Person III:  

Eschatology 

TD 107 Phụng Vụ Liturgy/ Christian Worship 

This course is aimed at presenting an overview of the history of Catholic liturgy, its sources, development, rituals and symbols. Experiences of today and the need for development in pastoral liturigical application will also be in discussed. Essential elements such as time, space, environment, music and ritual language will be studied. Pastoral, liturgical, cultural elements and practical application of theological and liturigcal principles will be explored. 

Đỗ Đình Tư, C.Ss.R. 

TD 104.6 Thánh Mẫu Học / Mariology 

This course is designed to provide an overview of the origin and development of Marian doctrine and devotion. It examines from a Roman Catholic perspective selected themes, claims, controversies, and deliberation that hold particular significance for the study of Mariology. Attentive to historical scholarship and contemporary theological implications of Mary and her place in the Christian tradition, the course also explores the relationships between faith and reason as well as faith and culture in today’s Christianity. 

Nguyễn Hữu Khanh, S.J. 

Thomas the Apostle is believed to have spread Christianity to the East as Paul the Apostle spread Christianity to the West. Thomas or his disciples evangelized the Syrians, Chaldeans, and eventually the Indians. It was later through the Nestorian Christians of Persia that Christianity in the 7C was extended to China. In the 13C and 14C Franciscans and Dominicans renewed the gospel message in Asia. Francis Xavier, Matteo Ricci, and Robert di Nobili in the modern period renewed Asian Christianity. Despite persecution in the 18C and 19C, Christian Churches emerged strongly in the 20C until driven underground in 1949 by the Communist Parties of China, Vietnam, and North Korea. Philip Jenkins sums up Christianity in Asia: “We can’t understand Christian history without Asia – or, indeed, Asian history without Christianity.” 

Nguyễn Thanh Tùng 

TH 104 Giáo Phụ Học / Patristic Studies 

The course is aim to provide an introduction to the Fathers of the Church, to their lives and their theology. The main themes are as follow: (1) Introduction. Patrology, patristics and early Gnosticism literature; (2) the apocryphal Bibles and the canonization of the New Testament; (3) the Apostolic Fathers; (4) Ignatius of Antioch; (5) the martyrdom. Justin Martyr and the Greek apologetic literature; (6) the Gnosticism; (7) Irenaeus of Lyon; (8) Alexandria between the 2^nd and 3^rd century: Clement and Origen; (9) the school of Antioch; (10) Tertullian and Cyprian; (11) Athanasius; (12) the Cappadocian Fathers: Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, Gregory of Nazianzus; (13) Augustine.  

Nguyễn Mai Kha, S.J. 

TM 102 Thần Học Luân Lý Căn Bản Fundamental Moral Theology 

This course provides a broad overview of moral theology for Jesuit scholastics, as well as for religious students studying at the SJJS. Students will be introduced to the diverse and rich history of moral theology within the tradition of the Church. Through this, they will gain a deeper awareness, understanding, and appreciation for the moral guidance of the Church. By tracing the historical development of moral teachings, the course will emphasize the ongoing discernment process of the Church as it progresses through history. Through the use of specific examples and cases, the course will describe analytical methods, as well as how to apply specific moral principles while highlighting the dynamic interplay between teaching authority and the role of conscience when facing challenging pastoral cases in the context of Asia.   

Nguyễn Thanh Hùng, S.J. 

TM 103 Đạo Đức Sinh Học / Bioethics  

In the first part, the course aims to provide students with certain understanding of human sexuality and sexual morality based on both relevant ethical principles and the teaching of the Catholic Church. It also takes into consideration the pastoral context of the local church in applying those principles and teachings.In the second part, the course helps the students to have a critical understanding of ethical principles and practices in contemporary bio-medical ethics. It also aims to attain a familiarity to the directives of the Catholic Church Teaching and apply them to multiple issues concerning human life in the pastoral context of Vietnam. 

Trần Như Ý Lan  

TM 103.1 Đạo Đức Tính Dục / Sexual Ethics 

This course examines several topics on human sexuality such as intimacy, patriarchal system, homosexuality, friendship, body, celibacy, and feminism as a way to understand human beings as sexual beings who seek transformation in faith.  This course invites students to write a journal on their process of self-understanding, including one’s framework of human sexuality in terms of self-knowledge and implication of pastoral work. This course comprises lectures, watching films, and group discussions. This course approaches human sexuality in a more spiritual and pastoral way, rather than Catholic sexual education, Catechism or bioethics.  After each class, students integrate through thought through journaling and finally hand in their synthesis paper.   

Sophia Park 

TM 104 Đạo Đức Xã Hội / Catholic Social Teaching 

This course aims to help students who have studied Fundamental Moral Theology to focus their understanding and analysis of Catholic Social Teaching with practical application on several selected themes that are relevant to their local context.  

Nguyễn Minh Triệu, S.J. 

TJ 102 Giáo Luật Tổng Quát / Introduction to Canon Law 

This course aims to help students understand (i) the Law of the Catholic Church whose origin is Christ—the First Legislator of the Church; (ii) the traditional sources of the church law— history, theology; and (iii) the function of law in the Church today. The course also examines the main laws in the Code of Canon Law 1983: General norms, the People of God, and the teaching role of the Church. Its objectives: 1. To indicate that the Code is the authentic law of the Church, i.e., the Code is grounded in Christ who is revealed in Scripture and the Tradition of the Church, it is especially unified in the teaching of Vatican II. Briefly, students are guided to recognize the proper value of the 1983 Code in the life of the Church today. 2. To see the Code as a practically pastoral means—not as abstract but animated laws reflected on Jesus’ experience of living out the Jewish laws as a Jew. Thus, law is not regarded as a burden on which no one bothers to set a finger (cf. Mt 23:4). 3. To grasp a basic understanding of the content of the Code as well as acquiring some skills so that students can apply a church law into a particular pastoral situation but also appropriately interpreted the church laws when needed. 4. To discern about using various resources of interpretation, periodicals, articles… for clarifying the meaning of the text and positively presenting the spirit of the church laws. 5. Furthermore, in this course students learn about God revealed in Jesus Christ and about deepening the love for God. 

Nguyễn Đức Trí, S.J. 

TJ 103 Giáo Luật: Các Bí Tích / Canon Law of the Sacraments 

The course firstly deals with the essential elements of Book IV of the Code of Canon Law in reference to the sacraments. Special attention is given to the sacrament of Matrimony, its canonical implications and the need for pastoral care and preparation for marriage. Then it concentrates on Part III of Book II with regard to various religious communities. Specific cases of a cannonical nature involving individual members of these institutes will be analyzed and discussed in depth. 

Nguyễn Đức Trí, S.J. 

TJ 104 Giáo Luật: Bí Tích Hôn Phối / Matrimonial and Procedural Law 

The course presents a systematic study of the Sacrament of Marriage according to the canon law of the Catholic Church, with attention to the underlying theological doctrines, the pertinent canons of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, and relevant jurisprudence. After a brief historical introduction, students are introduced to the elements of nuptial consent (cann. 1055-1062), impediments, and other factors that can invalidate consent (cann. 1073-1107). Also covered are pastoral care and the prerequisites for the celebration of marriage (cann. 1063-1072), as well as the “canonical form” of marriage (cc. 1108-1129). Finally, aspects of Book VII of the Code and Dignitas Connubii will be covered through an introduction to tribunal procedures dealing with the invalidity or dissolution of marital unions. 

Bryan V. Phạm, S.J. 

TP 102  Giảng Thuyết / Homiletics 

This course has its purpose to provide the priestly candidates basic guides to prepare their homilies in their new situation as pastors. 

Trần Quang Diệu 

TP 103.2 Quản Trị Mục Vụ / Pastoral Management 

This course provides an overview of pastoral management theory and present specific management skills to complement already acquired theological knowledge, pastoral abilities, and specialized competencies.It is also offered as one mean to assist managers and pastors within the Church fulfill their stewardship responsibilities with competence and accountability as well as with satisfaction. 

Bùi Hà Ngân, S.J. 

TP 104  Nghe Giải Tội / Ad Audiendas Confessiones 

This seminar course aims to help candidates to the priesthood in their final year of theology acquire necessary skills, attitudes and competency for the ministry of the sacrament of reconciliation. In order to achieve that goal, the seminar is organized to prepare candidates for their ad audiendas confessiones exam. The methods of instruction and the format of the ad auds exam for each candidate aim to test his skills as a competent confessor. The examinee needs to be able to listen attentively, ask appropriately, and respond pastorally to penitents. 

Phạm Văn Tú, S.J.-Nguyễn Đức Trí, S.J.-Nguyễn Minh Triệu, S.J. 

TD 108.2 Thần Học Linh Thao / Theology of the Spiritual Exercises 

This course offers in-depth studies of the theology that lays foundation for Ignatian spirituality in areas such as Ignatian discernment, and Jesuit mission and inculturation. The core reading materials will come from Ignatius’ own writings, including the Autobiography and the Spiritual Exercises, along with the writings of contemporary Ignatian scholars on the topic. The course is organized as a seminar, and class participation is expected and valued highly. Student evaluation consists of 3 short reflection papers coming out from assigned readings/group discussion, and a final research project. 

Phạm Trung Hưng, S.J. 

TP 105  Tư Vấn Mục Vụ / Pastoral Counseling 

TBL 104.2 La-tinh I&II / Latin I&II 

This course exposes the students to the language, culture and history of the Romans. An introduction to the language through Part I “Familia Romana” of the Lingua Latina per se illustrata emphasizes the comprehension of the Latin language by reading it and doing exercises and thus understanding the socio-cultural context of the Romans. These introductory lessons are also aimed at paving the way for later reading comprehension of Ecclesiastical Latin texts. 

Nguyễn Mai Kha, S.J. 

TBL 103.2 Hy Lạp I&II / Biblical Greek I&II 

This course is an introduction to the Koine Greek language of the New Testament. It emphasizes on the acquisition of basic vocabulary and grammatical aspects. It is aimed at enhancing New Testament studies in its original language, increasing effectiveness in biblical research and pastoral ministry later on. 

Nguyễn Thái Hiệp, S.J. 

TDS 102 Ôn Luyện Thi Toàn Diện Thần Học / Theological Synthesis and Comprehensive Examination 

This course aims at providing the students with an overview of all doctrinal matters and their systematic relations. It also offers some enculturated interpretations of doctrinal affirmations, making their intelligibility more accessible to the students.   

At the end of the course, the students are expected: 

- To know the rationale of the theology program with its related components. 

- To know the importance of doctrinal matters in the whole theological system. 

- To master the fundamentals of doctrinal matters. 

- To be able to explicate doctrinal matters in an existential and enculturated manner. 

Nguyễn Hai Tính, S.J.