Philosophical Foundations for Ministry

Certificate in Philosophical Foundations for Ministry

This semester-long program explores foundational themes in philosophy that prepares ministers or ministry candidates to understand the relationship between theology and philosophy, and to express their ideas coherently and clearly. Classes will meet in Fall 2024. Details are below under General Information.

The study of philosophy and ethics is foundational to the discernment of questions of ultimate concern: What is the good life? What is right and wrong, and how do we know? What is knowledge and what are its sources? What is the mind? What is justice? What is the basic nature of reality? Does God exist?

Based on the principle that all ministry simultaneously advances and is supported by truth claims, the Philosophical Foundations for Ministry professional certificate program has a threefold goal: to expose students to the classic questions of philosophy, to assist students in exploring and testing their own philosophical questions and positions, and to foster in the students the ability to express their ideas in a philosophically sound way.

Argumentation is the lifeblood of this program, not only in the form of identifying and understanding the arguments of others, but also in being able to formulate and defend your own. In this vein, there is an intimate, mutually-reinforcing relationship between knowing what you believe to be the case about a particular author, text, position, etc. and expressing what you believe to be the case, both orally and in essay/exam form. As such, this program will devote significant time to examining how to read an argument and structure a response to it.

Who Should Participate

This foundational program is open to all, but has been especially designed for those preparing to serve or currently serving in ministry.

Program Benefits

By the end of the program students will be able to:

• Describe the impact of philosophy on past and present society and to begin to critically examine their own ideas about truth, methods of thinking, and the nature of reality
• Describe the impact of ethical thinking on past and present society and to begin to critically examine their own ideas and practices of good and bad and right and wrong
• Demonstrate improvement in the capacity to read, write, and argue (both orally and in written form) in a philosophical-ethical context

Credit from this program may be applicable to some level of professional certification at the discretion of the certifying diocese. Please be sure to check with the appropriate diocesan office to confirm that this program qualifies.

General Information

Course and program requirements, schedules and tuition are subject to change; and additional fees may be incurred for books and materials. Click here to review all policies prior to enrollment. For additional information, contact the Center at (310) 338-2799 or crs@lmu.edu.