REL 2003H: Introduction to Religious Thought

Dr. William L. Power

207 Peabody Hall

Office Hours: By Appointment

Office Phone: 542-1490 Home Phone: 354-1860

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Religion including various theological perspectives and the philosophy of religion..

TEXT: Anatomy of the Sacred, sixth edition, James C. Livingston

REQUIREMENTS: Read text according to sequence as indicated on course outline; class discussion and participation; two exams - over text and class lectures; regular and prompt attendance is expected; excessive absences may effect final grade.

All academic work must meet the standards contained in “A Culture of Honesty.” All students are responsible to inform themselves about those standards before performing any academic work.

The course syllabus is a general plan for the course; deviations announced to the class by the instructor may be necessary.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Introduction Deity

Preface Chapter 7

What is Religion? How is it Studied? Cosmogony

Chapter 1 Chapter 8

The Sacred or the Holy Anthropology

Chapter 2 Chapter 9

Sacred Scripture Theodicy

Chapter 5 Chapter 10

Sacred Symbol, Myth, and Doctrine Ethics

Chapter 3 Chapter 11

Sacred Ritual Soteriology

Chapter 4 Chapter 12

Society and the Sacred The Sacred & Secular in Modernity

Chapter 6 Chapter 13