DESCRIPTION:

Technically known as "theology of religions," this course introduces the student to various approaches to how Christianity relates to other religions and religious pluralisms. Catholic and Protestant, including Evangelical, responses will be critically discussed. Studying theology of religions entails some knowledge of living faiths; therefore, through reading and case-studies, issues related to Islam-, Hindu-, and Buddhist - Christian encounter will also be studied.

Plurality of religions and an ideology of pluralism pose the biggest challenge to Christian theology and mission in the new millennium. While still a neglected topic in theological and missiological curriculum, in the near future it will establish itself as a core issue for practitioners and academicians.

The class will meet once a week for three hours of lecture, discussion, and student presentations.

Kärkkäinen, V.-M. An Introduction to Theology of Religions. InterVarsity, 2003 (relevant sections).

________. The Trinity and Religious Pluralism. Ashgate, 2004.

Knitter, P. Introducing Theologies of Religions. Orbis, 2002.

Netland, H. Encountering Religious Pluralism. InterVarsity Press, 2001 (relevant sections).

Select one:

Cordua, W. Tapestry of Faiths: The Common Threads between Christianity & World Religions. InterVarsity Press, 2002

McDermott, G. R. Can Evangelicals Learn from World Religions? InterVarsity Press, 2001.

Tennett, T. C. Christianity at the Religious Roundtable. Baker, 2002.

Select one:

Harrelson, W. & Falk, R. M. Jews & Christians: A Troubled Family. Abingdon, 2004.

Imbach, J. Three Faces of Jesus: How Jews, Christians and Muslims See Him. Templegate, 1993.

Kung, H. Christianity and World Religions: Paths of Dialogue with Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. Orbis, 1993.

Summer, G. The First and the Last: The Claims of Jesus Christ and the Claims of Other Religious Traditions. Eerdmans, 2004.

Chapman, C. The Cross & Crescent: Responding to the Challenge of Islam. InterVarsity, 2004.

A scholarly introduction to a living faith of student's choice (to be approved by the professor).

Griffiths, P. J. Problems of Religious Diversity. Blackwell, 2001.

Kaplan, S. Different Paths, Different Summits: A Model for Religious Pluralism. Rowman & Littlefield, 2002.

Mortensen, V., ed. Theology and the Religions: A Dialogue. Eerdmans, 2003.

Parry, R. & C. Partride, eds. Universal Salvation: The Current Debate. Eerdmans, 2004.

Ramachandra, V. Faiths in Conflict: Christian Integrity in a Multicultural World. IVP, 2000.

Serretti, M., ed. The Uniqueness and Universality of Jesus Christ: In Dialogue with the Religions. Eerdmans, 2004.

Tiessen, Terrance L. Who Can Be Saved? Reassessing Salvation in Christ and World Religions. InterVarsity Press, 2004.

(1) 1,200 pages of required reading. (2) Reading responses: 15 pages. (3) A research paper: 10 pages. (4) Student presentations in the class.