M.A. Comprhensive Exams Conclude My Theology Studies at CTU

M.A. Comprhensive Exams Conclude

My Theology Studies at CTU

by Alexander Denny Wahyudi, SX

On March 28 and 29, 2007 I had my comprehensive examinations at CTU for my M.A. studies in theology with the major of spirituality and the minor of cross-cultural. These exams are intended to be a “capstone” event in the M.A. program. I have taken this study since my second year of theology study at CTU (2004-2007). It was together with my M.Div (Master of Divinity) program. I took the General M.A. that means I do not have to write a thesis. This comprehensive exams are meant to demonstrate the candidate’s grasp of the content of the disciplines included within his/her program and to afford the candidate an opportunity to demonstrate the scope and integration of his/her theological studies, so that the M.A. represents more than just an accumulation of courses. As preparation of these exams, I prepared eight questions that divided into five for my major in spirituality and three in cross-cultural including the bibliography. They have to be approved by the three professors in the board. For the first day, I presented a thirty-minute lecture of my first question, namely: Using Book VIII of the Confessions of Saint Augustine which pertains to his conversion, discuss the content with Lonergan’s theory of human meaning-making and the “conversion theory” of John Cameli. How do you re-appropriate it for catechumens in a college setting of your own country, Indonesia? A half hour of the rest, the three professors asked me questions based upon this presentation. For the second day, for one hour they asked me the other seven questions orally. They are about the spirituality of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Julian of Norwich, celibate chastity in religious life, theory of religion and religion studies, Lectio Divina by Guigo II, Interreligious dialogue of Christian-Buddhism, and Inculturation. The board of the exams consists of Father Paul Lachance, OFM, Sister Mary Frohlich, RSCJ, and Edmund Chia. Finally, I could pass this crucial moment of my studies at CTU. I thank God for this grace I ever receive in my life through the Xaverians and the professors who have approved my effort and struggle to conclude this graduate studies. I was feeling much released after this great tension during the last week of the exams. I am looking forward the second graduation on May 17 for this M.A. degree after last year I graduated of my M.Div studies.