Theology
Studying Theology Online, in the Tradition of the Church
Domuni-Universitas is rooted in the long theological tradition of the Catholic Church, particularly that of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans). Faithful to this heritage, Domuni-Universitas also follows the directives of Pope Francis, as outlined in the apostolic constitution Veritatis Gaudium. This document calls for overcoming various dualisms, such as those between theology and pastoral practice, and between faith and life, while emphasizing openness to the universal dimensions of the Gospel through a dynamic and dialogical approach.
Pope Francis stresses the importance of transdisciplinarity, collaboration between institutions, and the promotion of an “open thought” in response to the call for a “radical paradigm shift and even a courageous cultural revolution.”
For Pope Francis, theological education should not merely involve the transmission of knowledge; it should also aim to develop intellectual tools that support the proclamation of the Gospel in a diverse world, marked by ethical and religious pluralism. Theology, thus, is envisioned as a science that serves encounter and communion, rooted in a “spirituality of global solidarity” that stems from the mystery of the Trinity.
“The Pope envisions a ‘mystique of the we’ within the Church, a ‘spirituality of global solidarity that arises from the mystery of the Trinity.’”
This vision calls for “not merely transmitting knowledge, skills, and experiences,” but more so, “developing intellectual tools, paradigms of action and reflection, suited to proclaiming the Gospel in a world characterized by ethical and religious plurality.”
Theology: A Contemplative Discipline
Theology, at its core, is both an intellectual and spiritual pursuit aimed at contemplating truth and sharing it with others. Saint Thomas Aquinas, a prominent Dominican theologian, captured this approach with the phrase “Contemplare et contemplata aliis tradere”, meaning “to share with others the fruits of contemplation”. The teaching at Domuni-Universitas aligns with this tradition.
At Domuni-Universitas , the teaching of theology seeks to cultivate in students a profound understanding of the Word of God, nourished by attentive contemplation and intellectual effort.
The professors at Domuni-Universitas , many of whom are members of Dominican or religious communities, teach a living theology that is infused with spiritual depth and theological richness. Their personal commitment to faith enhances their ability to convey an embodied theology, in service of the mission of the Church.
Transculturality and Transdisciplinarity in Theology, A Multilingual Faculty, a Crossroads of Cultures
Domuni-Universitas promotes dialogue among cultures, echoing Pope Francis’s call for a transcultural theology. The Faculty of Theology is truly international and multilingual, offering courses in French, English, Spanish, Italian, and Arabic. This enables enriching exchanges among students and professors from diverse backgrounds. Multilingual forums and shared bibliographies further enhance this cultural interaction, creating a rich academic environment.
A Global Network Serving Theology
Domuni-Universitas relies on a broad network of academic partners, including Dominican universities and research centers worldwide. The Dominican network, through the Studium.OP, brings together universities and research centers of the Order of Preachers, fostering academic synergy in theological education. Key partners include the École Biblique de Jérusalem, the Angelicum in Rome, Universidad Santo Tomas in Bogota, Universidad Santo Tomas in Manila, and other important centers in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
In addition, Domuni collaborates with Catholic and secular universities and well-known theological centers like the Université Catholique de Louvain, Université de Lorraine, and Université Saint-Joseph of Beirut. This international cooperation provides students with access to interdisciplinary resources and extensive research opportunities. Whether through cultural exchanges or scholarly production, this institutional diversity strengthens the global and transcultural theological education that Domuni-Universitas aims to provide.
Special attention is given to programs in the Arabic language and to Christian communities of the East.
Transdisciplinarity and Integrated Learning
Transdisciplinarity is a central element of the educational approach at Domuni-Universitas . Thanks to close collaboration between its various faculties, certain courses are designed to integrate perspectives from different disciplines. This approach helps to address the challenges of the contemporary world in a holistic manner, fostering a broader and more integrated reflection.
This interdisciplinary dialogue is in line with the transdisciplinarity promoted by Pope Francis in Veritatis Gaudium (4c). A future theologian must master analysis, logic, and critical reasoning, while expressing their arguments with clarity. They are encouraged to develop convincing expression, both in writing and speaking. These skills are either introduced or further developed throughout the theological program at Domuni, fostering a comprehensive intellectual and spiritual formation.
Additionally, many theology students already possess skills and knowledge acquired through previous academic studies or professional experiences. Studying theology allows them to re-examine questions that arise in their professional lives – whether they are ethical, anthropological, historical, or social in nature. This offers them an opportunity to integrate these issues into their theological reflection, enriching their understanding and developing new perspectives that are relevant to their professional and personal contexts.
Various Pathways for Studying Theology Online
Domuni-Universitas offers theological programs at different levels (Bachelor, Master, PhD), accessible to students who have completed secondary education or have an equivalent level of knowledge. Depending on their academic or professional goals, students can choose from several study paths. Some focus on a Dominican approach to theology, while others provide the opportunity to pursue national degrees from France or Europe, as well as certifications in partnership with other universities.
For those with advanced university degrees in other fields, it is also possible to enroll in a transition year to acquire the foundational knowledge needed before beginning a Master’s program in theology. This pathway allows students to combine theological education with their existing expertise in other disciplines.
Addressing Contemporary Theological Challenges
Christian theology as a discipline engages with a range of fundamental intellectual and spiritual issues. At its core is the understanding of Scripture, which involves the study of biblical texts, their theological interpretation, and their reception within Tradition. This is essential for comprehending the Christian faith. In addition, theology explores fields like Christology (the study of the person and work of Christ), Pneumatology (the theology of the Holy Spirit), and the doctrine of God, focusing on the mystery of the Trinity.
Ethical and moral questions, as well as interreligious dialogue, are also key areas of reflection. In a multireligious world, Christian theology seeks to promote mutual understanding and interfaith cooperation. Finally, contemporary theology must address the challenge of inculturation, that is, adapting the Christian faith to diverse cultural environments while maintaining its doctrinal integrity.
Theology is not simply an academic subject; it is a living discipline, rooted in the pursuit of truth and spiritual commitment. Through Domuni-Universitas, students have the opportunity to explore this discipline in depth, while benefiting from a unique flexibility that is suited to the demands of modern life in a globalized world.