REL 100 Introduction to the Bible
REL 111 Introduction to Religion
REL 121 Introduction to Christianity
REL 260 World Christianity
REL 306 Jesus in the Gospels
REL 323 History of Christianity
REL 324 Major Religions
REL 342 Christian Thought
REL 352 Christian Thought in the Non-Western World
REL 432 Supervised Church Work
REL 433 Reformation Era
REL 435 Contemporary Theology
REL 479 Special Projects
REL 489 Readings in Religion

The courses in Religion are designed to acquaint students with the human search for meaning, particularly in the Judeo-Christian tradition, to challenge them to reflect critically and appreciatively upon their own religious traditions and experiences, and to equip them for more effective service in their churches, chosen vocations, and civic and social relationships.

The Religion program is constructed especially for students who plan to continue their studies in a theological seminary or graduate school of religion, or who intend to seek employment in a church-related vocation. Students planning to continue in seminary or graduate school are advised to support their program with courses in English, history, philosophy, natural science, social science, fine arts and music, and foreign language. Those who intend to seek employment in a church-related vocation after graduation are advised to support their program with courses directly related to their occupational interests such as business administration, education, music, and social work.

Religion Minor (18 credits)
REL 100 Introduction to the Bible - 3 credits
REL 323 History of Christianity - 3 credits or REL 433 Reformation Era
REL 342 Christian Thought - 3 credits

Select one from:
REL 324 Major Religions - 3 credits
REL 352 Christian Thought in the Non-Western World - 3 credits

Select 6 credits from:
Approved religion electives

Back to Top

Religion Major (33 credits)
REL 100 Introduction to the Bible -3 credits
REL 111 Introduction to Religion - 3 credits
REL 323 History of Christianity - 3 credits
REL 324 Major Religions - 3 credits
REL 342 Christian Thought - 3 credits
REL 352 Christian Thought in the Non-Western World - 3 credits

Select 15 credits from:
Approved religion electives

Back to Top

Youth Ministry Major
(See Integrated Studies: Youth Ministry major)

Back to Top

Religion Courses

Back to Top

REL 100 Introduction to the Bible 3 credits
An introductory study of the literature, life and faith of ancient Israel, early Judaism and early Christianity as expressed in the Old and New Testaments.

Back to Top

REL 111 Introduction to Religion 3 credits
An introductory study of the religious experiences, practices and thought of the world’s communities, with attention to differences as well as similarities.

Back to Top

REL 121 Introduction to Christianity 3 credits
An introductory study of Christianity; the biblical sources and the central figure of Jesus; Christian theology; the history of Christianity; and Christianity in the modern world.

Back to Top

REL 260 World Christianity 3 credits
A study of the contemporary situation of the Christian religion globally. The course will focus on the emergence and development of Christianity in the traditionally non-Christian, non-western world, paying attention to incultured forms of Christianity, evolving pattern of Christian participation in political action, justice issues, fundamentalism and Pentecostalism in Africa, South-East Asia, and Latin-America.
Prerequisite: REL 100 Introduction to the Bible, REL 111 Introduction to Religion, or REL 121 Introduction to Christianity.

Back to Top

REL 306 Jesus in the Gospels 3 credits
A study of the portraits of Jesus in the Gospels of the New Testament. Students will be introduced to critical methods of investigating the Gospels as well as to the current state of “life of Jesus” research.
Prerequisite: REL 100 Introduction to the Bible, REL 111 Introduction to Religion, REL 121 Introduction to Christianity or equivalent. Offered as needed.

Back to Top

REL 323 History of Christianity 3 credits
A survey of the history of the Christian community in its social context with emphasis upon one or more designated periods or topics.
Prerequisite: REL 100 Introduction to the Bible, REL 111 Introduction to Religion, REL 121 Introduction to Christianity or equivalent. Offered as needed.

Back to Top

REL 324 Major Religions 3 credits
A study of the nature, origin and development of the major non-Christian religions of the world. (Cross-listed as PHI 324)
Prerequisite: REL 100 Introduction to the Bible, REL 111 Introduction to Religion, REL 121 Introduction to Christianity or equivalent. Offered as needed.

Back to Top

REL 342 Christian Thought 3 credits
A study of the central doctrines of the Christian faith, with attention to their classical formulations as well as more recent interpretations of them.
Prerequisite: REL 100 Introduction to the Bible, REL 111 Introduction to Religion, REL 121 Introduction to Christianity or equivalent. Offered as needed.

Back to Top

REL 352 Christian Thought in the Non-Western World 3 credits
An investigation of the main trends, themes and contributions to Christian thought of the non-Western world particularly Africa, Latin America and South-East Asia where Christianity is rapidly expanding. Special attention is paid to colonial and post-colonial methods for the study of Christianity, as well as the historical, socio-economic, cultural and political factors that inform the theological process.
Prerequisite: REL 100 Introduction to the Bible, REL 111 Introduction to Religion, or REL 121 Introduction to Christianity.

Back to Top

REL 399 Special Topics 1-3 credits
A selected area of study in religion. The topic is announced in the appropriate semester’s course schedule.
Prerequisite: Generally, sophomore standing or permission of instructor. Offered as needed.

Back to Top

REL 432 Supervised Church Work 1-4 credits
An applied course designed particularly for students wishing to pursue careers in full-time church work. The work will be done under the direction of the supervising pastor (or equivalent) and a member of the Religion Department. Areas of concentration may be chosen in accordance with the student’s interests and vocational objectives. Reading assignments will normally precede and/or accompany the practical experience. At least 40 hours of work will be required for each hour of credit.
Prerequisites: 12 credits in religion and permission of department chair.

Back to Top

REL 433 Reformation Era 3 credits
A study of the sixteenth-century Reformation with special emphasis upon Lutheran, Reformed, and Catholic movements.
(Cross-listed as HIS 433)
Prerequisite: REL 100 Introduction to the Bible, REL 111 Introduction to Religion, REL 121 Introduction to Christianity or equivalent. Offered as needed.

Back to Top

REL 435 Contemporary Theology 3 credits
An analysis and critique of major theologians and decisive theological movements marking the twentieth century.
Prerequisite: REL 100 Introduction to the Bible, REL 111 Introduction to Religion, REL 121 Introduction to Christianity or equivalent. Offered as needed.

Back to Top

REL 479 Special Projects 1-2 credits
Individualized projects in religious studies which may involve research, participation and reporting.
Prerequisites: Junior standing, 12 credits in religion and permission of department chair.

Back to Top

REL 489 Readings in Religion 1-3 credits
Extensive reading under the supervision of the instructor in the following areas: 1) biblical studies; 2) church history; 3) theology; 4) life and worship.
Prerequisites: Junior standing, nine credits in religion, and permission of department chair.

Back to Top

This page was last updated on January 19, 2007 .