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In the course of its 2,000-year history Christianity has elaborated its teachings and reflected on them and their significance in a process called theology. That process inevitably takes place within a dialogue with culture, but that same engagement is also prepared to critique culture wherever needed. Fordham University's Department of Theology continues that dialogue. Small group seminars provide the scene for the process, in a dialogue with both texts and a distinguished faculty. Theological studies are divided into the area of biblical, historical, and systematic theology.
The focus of Biblical studies is on the cultural contexts in which the texts were written, as well as upon questions of literary criticism and the theological implications of the text. Historical theology studies the intellectual and social contexts of western Christian theology, working closely with scholars in other disciplines, such as philosophy, history, and the social sciences. Systematic theology concentrates on a study of modern Roman Catholic theology based in Scripture and tradition in dialogue with contemporary issues such as quality-of life questions, bio-medical ethics, ecology and the environment, feminism, developing world issues, sexual ethics, and social justice issues outside and within the Church itself.
To broaden the students' resources, Fordham participates in the New York City Doctoral Consortium, making possible cross-registration, use of the library collections as well as collaboration with the faculties of Columbia University, Union Theological Seminary, New York University, Jewish Theological Seminary, General Theological Seminary, and St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary.
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