Religion
Our undergraduate program in religion invites students to inquire more deeply into the Christian faith, to gain an enhanced appreciation of the contributions of Christianity to the development of twenty-first century culture, and to prepare for life-long lay or career ministry.
We offer courses of study in Biblical Studies, Historical Studies, Theological Studies, Practical Studies, and World Religions. These courses are designed to be a part of a liberal arts curriculum. A major or minor in religion is recommended for students who are considering careers in pastoral ministry, missions, other church-related vocations, and the teaching of religion. The major or minor is also recommended for those pursuing other careers but who are interested in undergraduate studies in religion.
The student who majors or minors in religion should be aware of the opportunities provided by seminaries and divinity schools to reduce the time for a Master of Divinity degree. This may be done by accelerated programs or by receiving credit for courses taken at the baccalaureate level. Information on some of these opportunities is available in the office of Ministry Guidance.
Recommendations Regarding Languages
Students interested in pursuing a post-baccalaureate seminary degree are encouraged to take courses in biblical languages. Courses in biblical languages may apply to University requirements for foreign languages or for electives but not toward a major in religion. Please refer to the index for information concerning the course offerings in Arabic, Aramaic, Greek, and Hebrew.
Students interested in pursuing graduate studies in religion at the doctoral level are encouraged to take German.
Hebrew (HEB)
HEB 1301 Introductory Hebrew I (3)
An introduction to the orthography, morphology, and syntax of Biblical Hebrew.
HEB 2310 Intermediate Hebrew I (3)
Pre-requisite(s): HEB 1302 or its equivalent
Selected readings in the historic prose of the Old Testament with Hebrew composition.
HEB 2320 Intermediate Hebrew II (3)
Pre-requisite(s): HEB 2310 or its equivalent
Selected readings in the Prophets, Psalter, and Wisdom literature of the Old Testament.
HEB 5309 Selected Documents from the Hebrew Scriptures (3)
Cross-listed as REL 5309
Pre-requisite(s): HEB 3301; or equivalent
Exegesis of selected portions of the Hebrew scriptures with careful attention given to grammar, syntax, history, and theology. The course may be taken up to three times when content differs.
Religion (REL)
REL 1310 The Christian Scriptures (3)
An introduction to the Old and New Testaments (their contents, historical backgrounds, and major themes), and to appropriate strategies for interpretation of the Bible.
REL 1350 The Christian Heritage (3)
Pre-requisite(s): REL 1310
An introduction to Christian life and thought, from the early church to the present, through an examination of texts and practices with an emphasis on Christian doctrine, ethics, witness and institutions.
REL 2480 Introduction to Ministry (4)
The church and its ministry, including leadership, and functions of ministry, with a special attention to the history, heritage, distinctive characteristics, and cooperative efforts of Baptists. Includes an internship under the supervision of an area minister.
REL 3301 Psalms and Wisdom Literature (3)
A study of the worship and wisdom literature of the Old Testament: the books of Psalms, Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes.
REL 3303 Archaeology and the Bible (3)
Cross-listed as ARC 3303
An introduction to Biblical archaeology with emphasis on the archaeological discoveries which relate significantly to the understanding and interpretation of the Bible.
REL 3304 Prophets (3)
A study of Old Testament prophecy emphasizing the prophetic books-their origins, times, and messages.
REL 3305 Interpreting the Old Testament (3)
Analysis of the literature of the Old Testament, examining various methods used in Old Testament study. Attention will be given to relevant bibliography, leading scholars, and major issues in current Old Testament study.
REL 3307 Former Prophets (3)
The Former Prophets (Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, and 1 and 2 Kings) as narrative, with attention to relevant historical, theological and literary issues.
REL 3308 The Literature of the Pentateuch: Narrative, Poetry, Genealogy, and Law (3)
The first five books of the Old Testament with attention to the Pentateuch’s distinct literary forms, their historical and cultural contexts, and the intersecting visions of reality these texts offer.
REL 3309 Advanced Biblical Hebrew I (3)
Pre-requisite(s): HEB 1302 or its equivalent
Selected readings in narrative prose of the Hebrew Bible with attention to advanced grammar and syntax.
REL 3310 Advanced Biblical Hebrew II (3)
Selected readings in poetic texts of the Hebrew Bible with attention to advanced grammar and syntax.
REL 3311 Jesus and the Gospels (3)
A study of the portrayal of Jesus in the New Testament Gospels and an introduction to the question of "the historical Jesus.
REL 3312 The Johannine Literature (3)
A study of the Johannine Literature with special attention to the historical setting, literary design, theological themes, and interpretations of the Gospel and Epistles of John.
REL 3314 Paul and His Writings (3)
A study of the life and letters of the apostle Paul.
REL 3315 The General Epistles (3)
A study of Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, Jude, and 1, 2, and 3 John.
REL 3319 Interpreting the New Testament (3)
Analysis of literature of the New Testament, examining various methodologies, both historical and contemporary, in New Testament study. Attention will be given to relevant bibliography, leading scholars, and major issues in current New Testament study.
REL 3320 Advanced Classical and Biblical Greek I (3)
Pre-requisite(s): GKC 1302 or its equivalent
Selected readings from Plato and the Gospels with attention to advanced syntax and to the interpretive relationship between Classical and New Testament texts.
REL 3321 Advanced Classical and Biblical Greek II (3)
Pre-requisite(s): GKC 2320 or its equivalent
Readings in Homer's Odyssey with continued emphasis on Greek syntax and the interpretive relationship between Classical and New Testament texts.
REL 3325 Women and Gender in the Old Testament (3)
Examines the characterization and roles of women and gender construction in the Old Testament and the various ways these text are interpreted.
REL 3330 Introduction to Church History (3)
A survey of church history from New Testament times to the present.
REL 3331 Topics in Historical Studies (3)
Major themes or movements in church history. The course may be repeated once with a different topic.
REL 3333 History of Roman Catholicism (3)
Historical and theological developments of Roman Catholicism from the patristic period to the present. Special attention will be directed toward individuals, movements, and councils.
REL 3338 Women in Christian History (3)
A survey of the role of women in Christian history from the early church to the present.
REL 3339 Law and Religion in the United States (3)
See PHI 3339 for course information.
REL 3344 New Religious Movements in the United States (3)
The origin, development, and teachings of various New Religious Movements from a sociological, theological, phenomenological, and historical perspective.
REL 3345 World Religions (3)
Cross-listed as AST 3345
Historical, aesthetic, philosophical, anthropological, sociological, and psychological approaches to the major faith traditions of our world.
REL 3348 The Holocaust (3)
Cross-listed as HIS 4342
Pre-requisite(s): Nine semester hours of history or consent of the instructor
An in-depth exploration of the history of Nazi Germany’s systematic mass murder of European Jews and other minorities during World War 2. Emphasis on anti-Semitism, the political cult of personality in Nazi Germany, the perpetrators of the Holocaust, Jewish reactions to the Holocaust, and the memory of the Holocaust
REL 3351 Introduction to Christian Theology (3)
Central doctrines of the Christian faith: revelation, the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit election, man, sin, Holy Scripture, and reconciliation. Classical and contemporary theological formulations will be used as illustrative material.
REL 3354 Christianity and the Arts (3)
Examines the historical entanglements of Christianity and arts and explores frameworks for theologically interpreting artworks today.
REL 3381 Communication in Ministry (3)
A study and practice of effective communication in ministry.
REL 3382 Cross-Cultural Ministry (3)
Issues related to cross-cultural ministry and contemporary approaches for Christian missions.
REL 3390 Christian Ethics (3)
Introduction to Christian Ethics through texts from Christian thinkers. By examining primary sources and varied approaches to Christian ethical reflection, students develop critical assessments of contemporary moral issues including family life, economic systems, and violence and war.
REL 3391 Global Ethics (3)
The major theoretical and applied debates in the field of global ethics (ethics in global context, approached using a variety of methodologies, including but not limited to traditional Christian ethical approaches).
REL 3394 War and Peace in the Christian Tradition (3)
An examination of relevant Biblical materials and their interpretation and application throughout Christian history. An analysis of three major historical positions; pacifism, just war, and crusade, and an examination of contemporary expressions in scholarship, public policy, and popular thought.
REL 3396 Christianity and Films (3)
Film viewing and critiquing of films from an ethical-theological perspective. This course will not be accepted for credit toward the six hour religion requirement by the university.
REL 3397 Gender, Feminism and Theology (3)
Christian theology through the lenses of gender and feminism, including questions, critiques, and arguments of feminist theologians.
REL 3V00 Biblical Journeys in the Holy Land (1-3)
A tour and intensive study of the Holy Land, focusing on the geological, historical, archaeological, cultural, and theological contexts of the land of the Bible.
REL 3V02 Undergraduate Research/Experiential Learning (1-3)
Supervised undergraduate research or experiential learning in the field of religion. The course may be repeated for up to three semester hours of credit.
REL 3V9R Research (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of the instructor
Undergraduate research undertaken with the supervision of a faculty member. May be taken for a maximum of 6 hours.
REL 4300 Special Topics in Religion (3)
Special topics of study in the discipline of religion, especially in areas not covered in the regular curriculum. The course may be repeated once when content differs.
REL 4302 Archaeology and the Ancient Near East (3)
Cross-listed as ARC 4302
Ancient Near East, its history, culture, and religion as evidenced through archaeological excavation and the interpretation of archaeological data. The focus of the course will be upon the Biblical period.
REL 4304 Syriac (3)
Cross-listed as SYR 4304
Introduction to ancient Syriac with selected readings from Syriac manuscripts of biblical books as well as early Christian literature.
REL 4305 Topics in Old Testament Studies (3)
A designated book, group of books, or major theme from the Old Testament. The course may be taken up to three times when content differs.
REL 4315 Topics in New Testament Studies (3)
A designated book, group of books, or major theme from the New Testament. The course may be taken up to three times when content differs.
REL 4316 Readings in the Greek New Testament and Early Christian Literature (3)
Language and literature of the New Testament and other early Christian writings including sample texts from a variety of early Christian genres (epistles, narratives, apocalyptic, etc.).
REL 4317 Early Christianity and Identity in the Roman World (3)
The study of the rise of early Christianity and the complexity of Christian identity in the Roman world.
REL 4333 History of Protestantism (3)
History of Protestant Christianity from the precursors of Martin Luther to the present with emphasis upon the sixteenth-century Reformation, the various confessional traditions and major theological issues, the major developments affecting modern Protestantism, and the present state and future of Protestantism. The study will focus on Europe and North America.
REL 4335 Baptist Life and Thought (3)
Baptist history and thought to the present, including the outreach of Baptist missions. The development of basic doctrine and polity within their historical settings, with special attention to biographies of important Baptist men and women.
REL 4336 Introduction to Religion in America (3)
American religious heritage with emphasis on its organization, expansion, thought, worship, and impact on American society.
REL 4337 The European Reformation (3)
The theology and historical context of the Magisterial, Radical, and Catholic sixteenth-century European Reformation.
REL 4338 Women in Religion in America (3)
The role of women in religion in America from colonial times to the present.
REL 4340 Christian Missions (3)
Biblical basis for missions, the expansion of Christianity, the encounter with non-Christian traditions, and contemporary rationales for Christian missions.
REL 4341 World Christianity (3)
Theologies and practices of Christian communities in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and among immigrant Christian communities in the US and Europe, including cross-cultural encounters, inter-religious dialogue, global south Christian spirituality, and health and environmental issues.
REL 4342 Christianity and the World Religions (3)
The exchange and encounter between Christianity and the major world religions. Focus on religious worldviews, major events, religious and political trends, the history of missions, and a post-colonial critique of religious pluralism.
REL 4343 Topics in Islam (3)
The tenets, doctrines, and sects of Islam, including the religious underpinnings of Islamic society. Field trip required. The course may be repeated once with a different topic.
REL 4346 Topics in Asian Religions (3)
Cross-listed as AST 4346
The basic history, beliefs and practices of religions in Asia. Course may highlight a specific religious tradition. The course may be repeated once with different topic.
REL 4347 Topics in African Religions (3)
History of religious expression in Africa plus contemporary changes as African religious traditions interact. With content changed, this course may be repeated once for a maximum of 6 semester hours.
REL 4348 Modern Judaism (3)
Trends in 20th Century in Jewish thought, including Zionism, post-Holocaust thought, movements of Jewish renewal, and ecumenical relations.
REL 4349 The World's Religions and Violence (3)
Modern violence (particularly war, atrocity, and genocide) and how the religious traditions of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Shinto, Sikhism, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism understand, challenge, and participate in it.
REL 4350 Augustine's Theological Development (3)
Cross-listed as CLA 4350
Selected writings of Augustine that focus on such themes as the problem of evil, scriptural hermeneutics, his theological anthropology, and his Trinitarian theology.
REL 4355 Salvation (3)
Development of the doctrine of Salvation through the centuries, including theories of atonement, models of salvation, and how they function in the contemporary church.
REL 4356 Christian Persecution and Martyrdom in the Roman World (3)
Cross-listed as CLA 4356
See CLA 4356 for course information.
REL 4357 Pagans and Christians in the Later Roman World (3)
Cross-listed as CLA 4357
See CLA 4357 for course information.
REL 4374 Leadership in Ministry (3)
The principles and models of effective leadership in ministry.
REL 4388 Christian Literary Classics (3)
Cross-listed as ENG 4388
A study of the various ways in which theological and imaginative excellence is displayed in such classic Christian authors as Augustine, Dante, Herbert, Bunyan, and Hopkins.
REL 4389 Disability Ethics (3)
Disability ethics, a unique field within in Christian ethics/theology, focuses on helping students understand various aspects of disability, what it has to teach Christians about God and one another, and how to include people with disabilities in worshipping communities.
REL 4390 Contemporary Christian Ethics Theory (3)
Designated theme, issue, or person in contemporary Christian ethical theory. The course may be taken up to three times when content differs.
REL 4393 Environmental Ethics (3)
Moral perspectives which inform and support environmental activity in our society. The primary focus will be on the various interpretations of how humanity is properly related to its environment and the consequences of these interpretations for the environmental action of individuals and social institutions.
REL 4395 Bioethics (3)
Ethical issues in the fields of health care and other life sciences. Some of the issues studied include behavior modification, abortion, euthanasia, health care delivery, human experimentation, and genetic modification. A major research project on a selected issue approved by the professor will be required of each student.
REL 4396 Religion and Sport (3)
Cross-listed as HP 4396
This course explores the relationship between religion and sport, focusing on the issues of the sacred (persons, objects, time, space, communities), myth, theology, ritual, and experience. This course will not be accepted for credit toward a major or minor in religion or toward the six hour religion requirement by the University.
REL 4397 Race, Racism, and Religion in America (3)
Survey of dominant theological perspectives on race and histories of racism in American Christianity, as well as religious resources for racial reconciliation.
REL 4399 Senior Seminar (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Senior standing
A senior level course required of all students majoring in religion. The seminar provides opportunity for reflection on the various disciplines and their interconnectedness in religious studies through assigned reading and directed research.
REL 4V06 Palestinian Archaeology (1-6)
Archaeology of Palestine through readings, lectures, travel to excavated sites in Palestine, and participation in excavation at a selected site of major importance in Palestine. May be repeated once for credit.
REL 4V9R Research (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of the instructor
Undergraduate research undertaken with the supervision of a faculty member. May be taken for a maximum of 6 hours.