REL 231. The Bible as Literature (3)

A study of the bible as a body of great literature, exposing the students to the various literary genres, such as myth, legend, parable, and apocalypse, the understanding of which will open up new ways of appreciating "familiar truths". Texts from the Old Testament, and the Apocrypha will be examined by employing the methods of modern textual, literary and form criticism. May be taken as a free elective.

REL 232. Life and Teaching of Jesus (3)

This course will examine the New Testament presentation of the words and deeds of Jesus of Nazareth. Our study will focus on the social and religious milieu of early Christianity and its Jewish/middle eastern context. The historical background and setting of the Synoptic will explain the theological and literary differences among the Gospels. In order to gain the fullest appreciation of New Testament diversity, students will become acquainted with the most recent methodologies in New Testament research and criticism, e.g. redaction criticism and structural analysis. May be taken as a free elective.

REL 233. Introduction to Religion and Philosophy (3)

A general education requirement, this course introduces students to the basic historical, sociological, psychological, and ethical concepts of religious experience and practice. Using the Judeo Christian tradition as a starting point, the course will cover major world religions, their traditions, sacred writing, and contributions. Students will be encouraged to develop and use analytical thinking skills in exploring the myth, symbol, rite, and morality. Prerequisite: Classification as a sophomore and above

REL 331. African Traditional Religions(3)

We will examine the role African traditional religions played in shaping African culture and history, their theological bases, their spiritual contributions, and their continued influence after their encounters with the missionary religions of Islam and Christianity. May be taken as a free elective.

REL 332. Survey of Church History (3)

Students will be exposed to some of the major issues of the emerging church including the arrival and expansion of Christianity in Africa. Medieval conflicts and issues will be presented in the context of Western expansionism and mission efforts. The course will then concentrate on the Reformation ecumenism, and the role of the church in recent history with emphasis on the church’s involvement in the perpetuation and abolition of slavery, as well as focus on Christian Churches in Africa and Black America. Prerequisite: REL 331.

REL 431. Principles and Problems in Religious Ethics (3)

Reflecting on traditional ethical issues as good and evil, value, duty, and purpose, students will discover the theme of responsibility which will be explored in three living religious traditions: Judaism, Christianity, and Buddhism, as well as in relation to two significant movements in contemporary ethics: Feminism and ecology. The course will raise the question of the nature of ethical reflection itself, its origin, and impact on contemporary discourse. Prerequisite: REL 332.

REL 432. Contemporary Religious Thought (3)

The course will assess the current religious situation as expressed in Christian and Jewish thought with an eye to possible implications for the future of Western religion. Students will be exposed to current trends, e.g. theologies of the death of God, deconstructionism, theological responses to the "holocaust", liberation and feminist theology, process theology, and religious pluralism. Prerequisite: REL 431.