Religious Leadership Courses

RS 123 NEW TESTAMENT

This course is a contemporary critical study of the message and the meaning of the New Testament, of its origin and of the historical situation in which it was written. Important scriptural terms, ideas and themes are examined. Emphasis is given to the traditions, which formulate the faith demands of the New Covenant and its proclamation: Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. 3 hours a week, 1 semester, 3 credits. Spring.

RS 134 SACRAMENTAL THEOLOGY

A study of the contemporary theology of the sacraments and their role in the Christian’s life within the church. The ongoing dialogue within the Christian churches in the area of sacramental theology is examined in depth. 3 hours a week, 1 semester, 3 credits. Spring.

RS 151 CONTEMPORARY APPROACHES TO MORALITY

A survey of the principal trends in moral theology, tracing these trends from their biblical roots to the new insights of modern scholars. 3 hours a week, 1 semester, 3 credits. Fall.

RS 122 HEBREW SCRIPTURES - OLD TESTAMENT

An introduction to the inspired writings of the Old Testament. The books of the Old Testament are selectively examined as statements of faith. The course analyzes the traditions behind these texts, the various literary forms in these books and the kinds of experiences of the Jewish peoples that produced these writings. The course also considers the role of Hebrew scriptures in the faith of Christianity. 3 hours a week, 1 semester, 3 credits. Fall.

RS 130 ENCOUNTERING GOD IN FAITH

New approaches for examining the rational foundations of religious faith with special emphasis on the problem of God and the sources of unbelief in contemporary culture; a consideration of religious and peak experiences; the current question of God-talk; the nature of faith and its relationship to reason and to theology. 3 hours a week, 1 semester, 3 credits. Fall.

RS 131 JESUS THE CHRIST

A historical and theological development of the foundational period of the Christian community’s understanding of Christ as the risen Lord. The course will then explore the further development of these basic beliefs through the Chalcedonian, medieval and modern periods. Some sections of this course will include a service-learning component. 3 hours a week, 1 semester, 3 credits. Fall and spring.

RS 144 WOMEN IN THE JUDEO-CHRISTIAN TRADITION

This course seeks to examine the contributions as well as the contemporary understandings of women in life, theology and ministry. The course will also endeavor to present the contributions of women in the search for God in theology and spirituality. 3 hours a week, 1 semester, 3 credits. Fall.

RS 145 THEOLOGY OF DEATH AND DYING

An examination of America’s interest in death education, recent contributions of the behavioral sciences; biblical and theological perspectives on death and after-life in Christian and in Jewish teachings. 3 hours a week, 1 semester, 3 credits. Fall and spring.

RS 147 CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE

This course will attempt to establish the scriptural and traditional roots of the Christian understanding of marriage. Topics of contemporary interest are studied. 3 hours a week, 1 semester, 3 credits. Fall.

RS 164 AMERICAN PROTESTANTISM

A consideration of the history of the many epochs in American Protestantism; a study of the religious beliefs of the different groups that constitute American Protestantism; a survey of revival, evangelism and reform movements that occurred at different points in their history; the social significance of the Protestant churches in America from their beginnings until today. 3 hours a week, 1 semester, 3 credits. Fall.

RS 165 JUDAISM

A study of religion, philosophy, history and way of life of the Jewish people. A special emphasis is given to the concepts of Judaism as they are practiced and understood by contemporary members of the Jewish faith. 3 hours a week, 1 semester, 3 credits. Spring.

RS 168 THE SACRED QUEST - A STUDY OF WORLD RELIGIONS

The religions of the world provide a great record of humanity’s quest for the sacred in thought, ritual and artistic expression. From the earliest times of pre-history down to the present day, people have expressed their deepest convictions about the universe, about the great issues of life and about the sacred in worship and in creed. This course will attempt to study some of the varied expressions of humanity’s religious impulse through the various religious traditions that have developed in different cultures at different times. 3 hours a week, 1 semester, 3 credits. Spring.

RS 173 QUEST FOR GOD

A study of humanity’s prayerful attempts to commune with God as these have developed in both the East and the West. Analysis of the common elements found in the prayer experience as well as the differences from diverse cultures, philosophies and the like. 3 hours a week, 1 semester, 3 credits. Fall.

RS 174 SOCIAL JUSTICE AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Through the study of Judaeo-Christian social thought, this course will provide a theological method for examining problems relative to social justice and human development. 3 hours a week, 1 semester, 3 credits. Spring.

RS 200 THE HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY

This course will survey some of the main figures and themes in the history of Christian spirituality. Readings from Augustine, The Cloud of Unknowing, The Imitation of Christ, Hildegaard of Bingen, Julian of Norwich, John of the Cross, Theresa of Avila, Bonaventure, Francis de Sales, Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Oscar Romero will be used to illustrate the breadth, depth and diversity of Christian spiritualities. Previous religious studies course recommended. 3 hours a week, 1 semester, 3 credits. Spring.

SOC 239 SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION

A theoretical examination of the character and internal structure of religious institutions and their relationship with other institutions of society. Prerequisite: SOC 100 or SOC 133 or SOC 136. 3 hours a week, 1 semester, 3 credits. Spring.