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 8

What is Religion? Cosmogony

Chapter 1 Chapter 9

Ways of Studying Religion Anthropology

Chapter 2 Chapter 10

The Sacred and the Holy Theodicy

Chapter 3 Chapter 11

Sacred Scripture Ethics

Chapter 6 Chapter 12

Sacred Symbol, Myth, and Doctrine Soteriology

Chapter 4 Chapter 13

Sacred Ritual The Sacred & Secular in Modernity

Chapter 5 Chapters 14 & 15

Society and the Sacred

Chapter 7