Religion
Professors: R. Bowman, M. Haar, A. Pederson, R. Swanson
The Religion major urges students to study and wrestle with the diversity and richness of texts, ideas and communities within Christianity and within other religious traditions. The major has two tracks: a Religion track and a Religion/Philosophy track. The major is intended to give students a broad introduction to critical theological reflection, to relate that reflection to the students’ total educational experience, and to respond creatively to the world in which they live in terms of their own religious and theological heritage. The major aims to broaden students’ moral responsibility, to develop their critical thinking, speaking, and writing skills while encouraging them to consider faith and ethical commitments as preparation for a life of responsible service in church and society. Most importantly, the Religion major encourages students to engage enduring questions about the meaning of life in a context of liberal arts learning.
The Religion track is designed to acquaint students with the discipline of theology in both its historic and contemporary expressions and to see the connection between theology and various religious and philosophical traditions. The Religion/Philosophy track is designed to explore how the methods and concepts of philosophy can assist us in the examination and clarification of theological ideas.
Students may choose a Religion major as a viable liberal arts major which encourages them to think more clearly, critically, and comprehensively about questions that matter. It is also a major that may be chosen as preparation for seminary and graduate study and church-oriented vocations. As a reflection of the holistic and integrative orientation of a liberal education, courses are offered in the areas of Text and Context, Tradition and Culture, Contemporary Issues, and Seminar and Thesis Courses.
Text and Context:
Courses in this area stress the interpretation and analysis of primary texts as they evolved in their own historical and cultural context and as they are interpreted and appropriated in other cultural and historical contexts.
Tradition and Culture:
Courses in this area discuss and analyze theological traditions as they developed within their own historical culture and as they evolved in response to historical and cultural changes.
Contemporary Issues:
Courses in this area discuss and analyze topical issues from biblical, theological, or ethical perspectives.
Seminar and Thesis:
Courses in this area offer advanced work for Religion majors and other students interested in more in depth discussions of selected topics within the theological and textual traditions.