Theological Research-Reflection Paper

The purpose of this assignment is:

• To explain the Christian mysteries and the response of faith, especially from a Franciscan perspective.
• To reflect theologically through the framework of the Catholic-Christian worldview in dialogue with one’s own life.

Preparation 

1. Select one of these Mysteries for your topic to explore and reflect upon:
   1. Mystery of the Holy Trinity
   2. Mystery of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ
   3. The Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ
2. Read or review the resources needed for your topic. Required resources are:
   1. Mystery of the Holy Trinity
      1. Course content in modules 2-3 (“Who is God?”)
      2. Sheed: chapters 4-6
      3. Kruse: pp. 26-28
      4. Scripture: Mark 1:9-11; 9:2-8; Matthew 28:16-20  Also John 14-17 
      5. Article by Roy Abraham Varghese .
   2. Mystery of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ
      1. Course content in module 5
      2. Sheed: chapter 11
      3. Kruse: pp. 18, 22, 32-37
      4. Scripture: John 1:1-34  Also Luke 1-2; Matthew 1-2 
      5. Article by Tim Staples  
   3. The Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ
      1. Course content in module 6
      2. Sheed: chapter 12
      3. Kruse: pp. 20-21
      4. Scripture: Luke 22:39-53; Luke 24:1-53  Also Matthew 26-28 
      5. Article by Paul Thigpen 
3. While studying your topic, what questions are you asking, and what answers have you found? You may delve into the Questions for consideration on the designated course module(s). What connections are you making?
4. Reflect on how the chosen topic impacted you.
   1. What was new for you or stated in a new and different way?
   2. How did you react to it?
      • Are you comfortable with it? Does it fit into your own beliefs? Why?
      • Are you uncomfortable with it? What doesnt fit for you? Why?
   3. Has this teaching influenced your theology, i.e. your own personal understanding or view of and/or your relationship with God? (For example: Is it changed? Nuanced? Does something make more sense to you now?)
      • If so, in what ways?
      • If not, why not?
   4. Either choice is fine, Im simply looking for depth of reflection and appraisal.

Writing your paper

1. Introduction: one paragraph that introduces your topic and indicates its purpose/direction.  
2. Theological exploration: a synthesis of your exploration that
   • defines the mystery you studied
   • responds to what you think are key questions one needs to grapple with when striving to understand this mystery
   • indicates connections you’ve made between resources
   • provides evidence of having studied the five resources and properly cites them (see below).
3. Personal reflection: at least one substantial paragraph in response to step 4 above. 
4. Conclusion: one paragraph that effectively summarizes your paper.
5. Reference page: see examples on Citations (below).  

Formatting, Vocabulary, Syntax, and Mechanics

• At the top of the first page (right or left) include your name, THEO 105, and the date.
• Type double-spaced and use Times New Roman, 12-point font.
• Citations: see examples for in-text citations and the reference page 

   

• Length: three to five pages.
• Proofread and edit your paper! Grammarly may be helpful for you: 
  • Other options: Smarthinking (see menu to the left) and the Writing Center, PJPII Rm. 210.