This course is designed to equip persons to serve effectively as reflective leaders in the contemporary church and related Christian or faith-based ministries. This course includes a comprehensive and holistic study of factors inherent to the practice of leadership and ministry in a variety of settings. Research based theories and models of leadership, organizational design, and administrative principles will be discussed and evaluated from biblical-theological and cultural perspectives.
While this course is rooted in Biblical, Franciscan, and Catholic social teaching, it will also explore other spiritualities (Islam, Judaism, Native American, etc.) that respond to environmental issues. Social analysis and theological reflection skill development will enable students to better articulate the conflicts humans have in relationship with the rest of the natural world and how they can contribute to the health of the planet. Prerequisite: 160 or 342. IFP
In the face of the vast, increasing economic inequality, this seminar interrogates the role of religious institutions and individuals. Do our religious institutions sustain or challenge economic inequality, and how This class will attempt to answer this question with a focus on three types of texts: classical texts that shaped 20th Century U.S. Christian consciousness; contemporary works that analyze the effects of economic inequality on the social fabric; and texts that clarify the vital roles some contemporary religious movements are playing in supporting economic inequality. SJE, IFP
A selective survey on how Christian tradition has viewed Jesus Christ from Biblical to modern times; the centrality of the role and mission of Jesus for contemporary persons. A study of Biblical and contemporary metaphors for Jesus. Prerequisite: 160 or 342. IFP
Contemporary Practice in World Religions is a course introducing students to diverse religious traditions. Coursework will review various faith practices in their contemporary applications. Students will explore the academic study of religion, reviewing the theology of sacred texts, rituals and worship and experiences of major religious traditions. Lectures, site visits and prayer experiences with practicing members of various faith traditions offer an additional point of conversation and discussion of current issues between religions and culture. Prerequisite: 160 or 342.
This course uses films (and similar media) to help participants develop an ability to recognize theological and religious themes and pratice methods for theological reflection. A variety of films will be shown, rated G-R, on themes of sacrifice, vocation, leadership, forgiveness, love, family, faith, and Catholic tradition. Prerequisite: 160 or 342. IFP
This course delves into foundational materials for developing a personal spirituality based on Christian principles for spiritual development. It will promote an understanding of the influence that spirituality, beliefs, and values have on human health and healing. The student will apply course content in developing a personal holistic approach in the care of self, patients, clients, families, and communities. Prerequisite: 160 or 342. IFP
A survey of the history of the Christian Church: its leaders, conflicts and development from the age of the Apostles to contemporary times. A study of the impact of church history for today's religious experience. Application of historical themes to the modern world. Prerequisite: 160 or 342. IFP
This class is designed to familiarize students with Christian tradition-its scripture, history, and doctrines-and its application and misapplication to the contemporary world. Banking on the adult learner's experience and wisdom, students will be given additional tools to be critical thinkers about religion and religious experience in the public square. Students will have the opportunity to compare and contrast Christian thought with other monotheistic traditions, namely Islam and Judaism. Restricted to students with junior standing or higher. May not also take RLST-160 or 305. TI
This class is designed to familiarize students with Christian tradition-its scripture, history, and doctrines-and its application and misapplication to the contemporary world. Students will be given the tools and language to be critical thinkers about religion and religious experience in the public square. Students will have the opportunity to compare and contrast Christian thought with other monotheistic traditions, namely Islam and Judaism. Restricted to students with freshman and sophomore standing. May not also take RLST-305 or 342. TI