Revised 07/01

REL 246 - Christianity (3 CR.)

Course Description

Examines the origins and historical development of Christianity, its basic metaphysical and theological assumptions, the essential doctrines, and the present state of the church in the modern world. Lecture 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

To survey the origins and historical development of Christianity. To examine its basic theological assumptions, its essential doctrines, and its philosophical base. To analyze and discuss contemporary issues and problems which trouble Christian communities today. ENTRY LEVEL REQUIREMENTS None

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

None.

Course Objectives

At the completion of this course, students will be able to

• Identify and discuss basic theological vocabulary, such as "grace," "sin," "creation," "redemption," "justification by faith," "sacrament," "sacrifice," "judgment," "incarnation," etc.
• Discuss the historical development of Christianity, including Jesus and the New Testament period, the patristic era, medieval Christianity, the reformation, and the modern period.
• Analyze and evaluate important issues in contemporary Christianity.
• Understand the significance and impact that Christianity has had on western civilization.

Major Topics to Be Included

 Critical attention will be given to the following:

• Basic philosophical and theological assumptions of Christianity.
• Fundamental doctrines and terminology.
• The historical development of Christianity from the New Testament to the present time.
• Issues and problems of contemporary Christianity, which might include such problems as liberation theology, conflicts between technology and Christian values, process theology and the idea of a finite god, evangelicals and social justice, orthodox spirituality, contemporary black theology, feminist issues in Christianity, etc.