Theology 121 is the foundational course of the Ateneo de Manila Theology Program. It introduces sophomore students to the basics for “doing theology” at a college level in the Philippines of today. Theology is faith seeking understanding. Undertaken to arrive at answers to the fundamental questions of the meaning and purpose of human existence in the light of the rich sources of Catholic faith, this on-going search is carried on in the context of the local Christian community, the Church in the Philippines today. 

The course aims at developing in the students the skills needed for “theologizing”: interpreting Scripture and Church Teaching in the unceasing interplay between the “Good News” of salvation and concrete human experience. These skills are focused on Jesus Christ, God’s definitive revelation, in whom the believing Christian’s faith-response finds life’s ultimate meaning and purpose. Learning to “theologize” plays an essential role in developing basic human attitudes and values, by deepening the personal understanding and practice of the Christian faith indicative of disciples of Jesus Christ and active members of his Body, the Church.