Joseph Hartzler, S.M.
- Adjunct Assistant Professor in Systematic Theology
Degrees
- Ph.D. in Systematic Theology University of St. Michael's College Toronto School of Theology
- Licentiate in Sacred Theology, Regis College Toronto School of Theology
- Master of Theology, Regis College Toronto School of Theology
- Master of Divinity, University of St. Michael's College Toronto School of Theology
- B.A. Religious Studies University of San Francisco
"Theology is expected to answer the ultimate questions of life and those that only children dare voice" (Mercy Amba Oduyoye). I would hope to be part of the larger conversation of interpreting the wealth of the tradition that allows and empowers authentic ministry and responds to the questions of our lives."
Joe Hartzler, SM is an ordained member of the Society of Mary (Marianists). Joe brings to FST a ministerial background that includes education in Catholic schools and parish ministry, ministries that resonate with the future of many students' educational goals.
Joe, a native of San Francisco, has ministered in a variety of schools and parishes with diverse constituencies. Differing contexts such as Hawaii, Toronto, and the Bay Area provided a lived experience of the church as a wealth of cultures that continues to foster a tremendous resource for the mission of the church.
Selected Course Descriptions
Interpreting the Church
This course examines five key documents of the Second Vatican Council. Having considered the theological foundations of these documents, the second part of the course examines the synod statements of Africa, America, and Asia. Considering these synod statements enables the student to see how Vatican II has been received in various cultures and ecclesial contexts.
Social Theology
This course considers the social implications of doctrine and the relevance for society and ecclesial life today. Key themes such as creation, trinity, the communion of saints, as well as others, are analyzed for their social relevance. The misconception that doctrine is not "practical" is critiqued in the methodology of the course. Specific pastoral situations are examined in order to emphasize the integration of doctrine and ecclesial practice.
Christian Anthropology
This course offers an introduction to the theological themes of creation, sin, grace and eschatology. The course provides an introductory survey of these theological themes from the larger tradition as well as examining the contemporary understandings of social grace and the theology of the human person.
Gaudium et Spes
This course provides a consideration of the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World (Gaudium et Spes). The course considers the structure, the anthropology and operating hermeneutic that shaped this Important conciliar document. In addition, a consideration of the issue of reception and contemporary "schools" of interpretation will be highlighted in light of their impact on contemporary pastoral and ministerial situations. The areas of special urgency identified by the council: Dignity of Marriage and the Family, Proper Development of Culture, Economic and Social Life, the Political Community, and the Fostering of Peace and Establishing a Community of Nations will be investigated in light of the conciliar contribution of each, and their contemporary challenges In the current world and ecclesial context.