Summer 2020/Online

TH550

Rosner

TH550: WORLD RELIGIONS IN CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE (4 Units: 160 Units). Jennifer Rosner.

DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this course is twofold. First, it will provide an overview of the world's major religions--Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, with a briefer look at Judaism -- focusing on their emergence and history, core beliefs and practices, religious texts and interpretations, as well as contemporary influence and expressions. Second, this course introduces various approaches on how Christianity relates to other religions and religious pluralisms, technically known as the "theology of religions." We will critically discuss Catholic and Protestant proposals and responses and attempt an outline of an Evangelical approach and briefly touch on the nature of interfaith dialogue. Explorations in comparative theology will also be attempted.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: By completing this course, the student will (1) gain a workable knowledge of selected world religions focusing on origins, core beliefs, and practices; (2) develop skills in learning how to empathetically understand the religious and spiritual attitudes, thoughts, beliefs, decisions, and practices of the Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, and Jews in their own contexts; (3) become sensitive and discerning both concerning similarities and differences among religious beliefs and identities as well as various interreligious approaches and proposals; and (4) learn some basics as to how to relate to other religions and representatives of religions as well as facilitate dialogue from a Christian perspective.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar for a total of 40 instructional hours. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.

REQUIRED READING: 1,200 pp. required.

Knitter, P.F. Introducing Theologies of Religions. Orbis, 2002. ISBN: 978-1570754197, Pub. Price $25.00. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library. [245 pp.].

Ludwig, T. The Sacred Paths. 4th ed. Prentice Hall, 2005. ISBN: 978-0131539037, Pub. Price $166.65. [230 pp.].

Prothero, Stephen. God Is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World. HarperOne, 2008. ISBN: 978-0061571282, Pub. Price $17.99, [75 pp.]

Original sacred scripture texts [50 pp.]

Selected essays and articles (to be provided by the professor) [200 pp.].

Students will also be required to choose two books (with professor approval) for critical analysis [400 pp.].

RECOMMENDED READING: Further readings on specific topics are provided in course syllabus.

ASSIGNMENTS & ASSESSMENT:

Weekly video lectures, PowerPoint presentations,and other class resources [10 hours].
250-word weekly forum posts (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2, 3, 4] [10 hours].
250-word weekly replies (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #3, 4] [10 hours].
1,200 pp. of required reading [80 hours].
Two critical analysis papers, 10 pages total (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2] [20 hours].
Visit to a religious site and reflective report, 3 pages (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #2, 3] [5 hours].
Final research paper of 8-10 pages on a topic of your choice (25%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 4] [25 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the C1 or TH4 requirement in the 120 MDiv Program. Meets requirement for World Religions (WREL) in cultural literacy or the requirement in Globalization (GLBL) in MA programs. Serves as a course substitute for MB501.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.