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Major in Biblical Languages | Major in Biblical Studies | Major in Religious Studies
Major in Christian Leadership | Major in Christian Ethics | Major in Religion and the Arts
Major in Ministry (Evening Program) | Minors in Religion
Religion Courses
Moench Center for Church Leadership


School of Religion
Darrell Gwaltney , Dean

Marty Bell, Robert Byrd, William Choate*, Ray Conner*, Ben Curtis, Clyde Cutrer (professor emeritus), Lloyd Elder, Marilyn Holland-Shuey*, Amy Jennings*, Gene Lovelace*, Mark McEntire, Martha Woody Minardi*, Lori Patton*, James Porch*, Thomas Russell*, Steven Simpler, Judy Skeen, Harold Smith*, Bill Stephens*, John Tullock (professor emeritus)
*Part-time.

Vision:

The School of Religion seeks to be a premier academic community that nurtures a living faith in God, reflects critically on its discipline, and develops skills for Christian ministry, and distinguishes itself through its emphases on contemplative spirituality and social justice.

Purpose:

The purpose of the School of Religion is to provide student-centered, academically challenging religion classes to the diverse student body of Belmont University and to provide a foundation of religious studies for students preparing for congregational ministry and advanced theological studies.

Goals:

  1. To provide all Belmont students with a solid foundation in biblical and theological studies.
  2. To teach courses for religion majors and minors in the following areas: biblical languages, biblical studies, religion and society, theological and historical studies, practical studies, seminars and special studies.
  3. To offer professional education courses in practical ministry.
  4. To offer continuing education opportunities to ministers and laity.
  5. To integrate contemplative spirituality and social justice into the curricular and co-curricular program.

Major in Biblical Languages (B.A.)

This major provides students the opportunity to gain proficiency in both Biblical Hebrew and Koine Greek. With two full years of both languages, the student will be able to engage in translation of the biblical languages. This degree prepares a student for excellence in biblical study.

Major in Biblical Languages (B.A.) Hours
General Education Core Requirements B.A. 59-63
Prerequisites for Religion Major   6
    REL 1250, New Testament and Exegesis 3  
    REL 2350, Christian Doctrine (1) 3  
     
Core Emphasis    
    REL 1410, Vocation and Christian Life 1  
    REL 2410, Spiritual Formation 3  
    REL 2510, Christian Ethics 3  
    REL 4015, Colloquium 2  
Area Emphasis *    
    REL 2110, Intermediate Biblical Hebrew 3  
    REL 2120, Advanced Biblical Hebrew 3  
    REL 2150, Intermediate Koine Greek 3  
    REL 2160, Advanced Koine Greek 3  
    REL 3110, Readings in Hebrew Bible 1.5  
    REL 3120, Readings in Hebrew Bible 1.5  
    REL 3150, Readings in GK NT Literature 1.5  
    REL 3160, Readings in GK NT Literature 1.5  
    Biblical Studies Elective 3  
Total in Major   30
Minor Requirements   18
Electives   15
Total   128

1) REL 2350, Christian Doctrine is a prerequisite for the following: REL 2410 Spiritual Formation; REL 2510 Christian Ethics; all courses in Religion and Society division, in the Theological and Historical Division, and Biblical Studies Division.

* Note: Courses taken in Religion cannot count in both major and minor requirements.

Major in Biblical Studies (B.A.)

This major focuses upon providing skills for biblical interpretation and study. In addition to a foundation of spiritual formation and theology, nearly two thirds of this major is the study of the Scriptures.

Major in Biblical Studies (B.A.) Hours
General Education Core Requirements B.A. 59-63
Prerequisites for Religion Major   6
    REL 1250, New Testament and Exegesis 3  
    REL 2350, Christian Doctrine (1) 3  
     
Core Emphasis    
    REL 1410, Vocation and Christian Life 1  
    REL 2410, Spiritual Formation 3  
    REL 2510, Christian Ethics 3  
    REL 4015, Colloquium 2  
Area Emphasis    
    REL 2360, Hermeneutics 3  
    Religion and Society Course 3  
    Theological / Historical Studies Course 3  
    Biblical Studies Elective in OT 3  
    Biblical Studies Elective in OT 3  
    Biblical Studies Elective in NT 3  
    Biblical Studies Elective in NT 3  
Total in Major   30
Minor Requirements   18
Electives   15
Total   128

1) REL 2350, Christian Doctrine is a prerequisite for the following: REL 2410 Spiritual Formation; REL 2510 Christian Ethics; all courses in Religion and Society division, in the Theological and Historical Division, and Biblical Studies Division.

* Note: Courses taken in Religion cannot count in both major and minor requirements.


Major in
Religious Studies (B.A.)

This major provides students the opportunity to focus on a more generalized study of religion. Students may choose from a wide variety of courses in biblical studies, theological/historical studies, religion in society, and practical studies classes. This degree allows students to pursue particular interests in the study of religion.

Major in Religious Studies (B.A.) Hours
General Education Core Requirements B.A. 59-63
Prerequisites for Religion Major   6
    REL 1250, New Testament and Exegesis 3  
    REL 2350, Christian Doctrine (1) 3  
     
Core Emphasis    
    REL 1410, Vocation and Christian Life 1  
    REL 2410, Spiritual Formation 3  
    REL 2510, Christian Ethics 3  
    REL 4015, Colloquium 2  
Area Emphasis    
    Biblical Studies Elective in OT (3000 or 4000 level) 3  
    Biblical Studies Elective in NT (3000 or 4000 level) 3  
    Religion Elective 3  
    Religion in Society Elective 3  
    Religion in Society Elective 3  
    Theological / Historical Studies Elective 3  
    Theological / Historical Studies Elective 3  
Total in Major   30
Minor Requirements   18
Electives   15
Total   128

(1) REL 2350, Christian Doctrine is a prerequisite for the following: REL 2410 Spiritual Formation; REL 2510 Christian Ethics; all courses in Religion and Society division, in the Theological and Historical Division, and Biblical Studies Division.

* Note: Courses taken in Religion cannot count in both major and minor requirements.


Major in
Christian Leadership (B.A.)

This major prepares students who plan to serve in some leadership capacity in a church setting or some other Christian organization. The degree focuses on biblical studies and leadership issues and skills in organizations. It is an ideal degree for someone called to serve in ministry.

Major in Christian Leadership (B.A.) Hours
General Education Core Requirements B.A. 59-63
Prerequisites for Religion Major   6
    REL 1250, New Testament and Exegesis 3  
    REL 2350, Christian Doctrine (1) 3  
     
Core Emphasis    
    REL 1410, Vocation and Christian Life 1  
    REL 2410, Spiritual Formation 3  
    REL 2510, Christian Ethics 3  
    REL 4015, Colloquium 2  
Area Emphasis    
    REL 2450, Dynamics of the Local Church 3  
    REL 3430, Pastoral Care 3  
    REL 3460, Worship and Preaching 3  
    REL 4410, Servant Leadership 3  
    Biblical Studies Elective 3  
    Biblical Studies Elective 3  
    Theological / Historical Studies Elective 3  
Total in Major   30
Minor Requirements   18
Electives   15
Total   128

(1) REL 2350, Christian Doctrine is a prerequisite for the following: REL 2410 Spiritual Formation; REL 2510 Christian Ethics; all courses in Religion and Society division, in the Theological and Historical Division, and Biblical Studies Division.

* Note: Courses taken in Religion cannot count in both major and minor requirements.


Major in
Christian Ethics (B.A.)

This major prepares students to make an impact in a wide variety of fields that call for leadership with integrity and value. The major provides the student with academic and practical experiences in ethics formation and application.

Major in Christian Ethics (B.A.) Hours
General Education Core Requirements B.A. 59-63
Prerequisites for Religion Major   6
    REL 1250, New Testament and Exegesis 3  
    REL 2350, Christian Doctrine (1) 3  
     
Core Emphasis    
    REL 1410, Vocation and Christian Life 1  
    REL 2410, Spiritual Formation 3  
    REL 2510, Christian Ethics 3  
    REL 4015, Colloquium 2  
Area Emphasis    
    REL 2340, Martyrs, Mystics, and Saints 3  
    REL 3520, Issues in Ethics 3  
    REL 3540, Eco-justice and Faith 3  
    REL 4420, Ethics Internship 3  
    Biblical Studies Elective 3  
    Religion in Society Elective 3  
    Theological / Historical Studies Elective 3  
Total in Major   30
Minor Requirements   18
Electives   15
Total   128

(1) REL 2350, Christian Doctrine is a prerequisite for the following: REL 2410 Spiritual Formation; REL 2510 Christian Ethics; all courses in Religion and Society division, in the Theological and Historical Division, and Biblical Studies Division.

* Note: Courses taken in Religion cannot count in both major and minor requirements.


Major in
Religion and the Arts (B.A.)

This major prepares the student to be an effective interpreter of Christianity in contemporary culture. An interdisciplinary degree that allows the student to combine the study of religion with the study of music, art, or theater, the degree creates opportunities for students to prepare for ministry in a wide variety of fields where faith intersects with culture.

Major in Religion and the Arts (B.A.) Hours
General Education Core Requirements B.A. (2) 59-63
Prerequisites for Religion Major   6
    REL 1250, New Testament and Exegesis 3  
    REL 2350, Christian Doctrine (1) 3  
     
Core Emphasis    
    REL 1410, Vocation and Christian Life 1  
    REL 2410, Spiritual Formation 3  
    REL 2510, Christian Ethics 3  
    REL 4015, Colloquium 2  
Area Emphasis *    
    REL 3380, Faith and Beauty 3  
    REL 3550, Faith and Popular Culture 3  
    REL 4380, Theology and the Arts 3  
    REL 4390, Religion and the Arts Symposium 3  
    Arts Focused Electives (Electives must be from one art area) 9  
   
MUSIC (1)
Music History/Music Theory (3-4 hours – take 1 course)
• MUH 2200 Music History: 1700 to Present (3 hours)
• MUT 1300 Fundamentals of Music Theory (4 hours) (2)
Applied Music/Ensembles (3 hours – take three 1-hour courses)
• Private Lessons (3 semesters for one hour each semester,
elective level) (3)
• MUN__ (Ensembles) — Based on audition or permission of director (3 semesters for one hour each semester)
Church Music/Music Education (3 hours – take 1 course)
• MUR 4420 Hymnology (3 hours)
• MUR 4410 Church Music Administration (3 hours)
• MUE 4250 Psychology of Music (3 hours)

THEATRE (4)
Core Experience (6 hours—choose 2 classes)
• TDR 2080 Acting I [for Majors] (3 hours)
• TDR 2250 Basic Directing (3 hours)
• TDR 3020 Basic Playwriting (3 hours)
• TDR 2030 Play Analysis (3 hours)
• TDR 4430 Stage Management (3 hours)
• TDR 3050 Creative Dramatics for the Classroom (3 hours)
Practicum Experience (3 hours—choose 2 to 3 classes)
• TDR 1310, 1320, 2310, 2320 Performance and Production Lab (Repeatable) (1 hour)
• TDR 2110, 3110, 4110 Theatre Workshop (2 hours)

ART (5)
Core Experience (3 hours)
• Art 4990, Special Studies: Symbolism And Visual Aesthetics In Religion (3 hours)
Emphasis Area (Select 6 hours from one emphasis area)
• Emphasis 1: Art History — Choose two 3-hour courses from Art History Seminars
• Emphasis 2: Studio Art — Choose 6 hours from one of the following disciplines (Art 2000 level or above): Drawing, Figure Drawing, Painting, Clay/Ceramics, Photography, Printmaking, 3D/Sculpture)

   
        
Total in Major   30
Minor Requirements   18
Electives   15
Total   128

1 Students in the Religion and the Arts Major (Music Emphasis) must take MUH 2000 (The Musical Experience) as their General Education fine arts course. MUH 2000 should be taken before MUH 2200.

2 Students may take a three-hour Harmony class if they qualify by taking the Theory Placement Test.

3 No audition required.

4 Students in the Religion and the Arts Major (Theatre Emphasis) must take TDR 2000 (The Theatre/Film Experience) as their General Education fine arts course.

5 Students in the Religion and the Arts Major (Art Emphasis) must take ART 2000 (The Art Experience) as their General Education fine arts course.



Major in Ministry - Evening Program (B.A.)

Offered through Belmont's University College

This program of study allows adults to refocus their careers in response to a call for Christian service or ministry. It provides a foundational course of study in biblical studies, theology and church history, and practical ministry and leadership.

Major in Ministry - Evening Program (B.A.) Hours
General Education Core Requirements 59-63
Prerequisites for Religion Major   6
    REL 1250, New Testament and Exegesis 3  
    REL 2350, Christian Doctrine (1) 3  
Core Emphasis    
    REL 1410, Vocation and Christian Life 1  
    REL 2410, Spiritual Formation 3  
    REL 2510, Christian Ethics 3  
    REL 4015, Colloquium 2  
Area Emphasis    
    REL 2310, Understanding Church History 3  
    REL 2460, Education in the Church 3  
    REL 2540, Dynamics of the Local Church 3  
    REL 3430, Pastoral Care 3  
    REL 3450, Missions and Church Development 3  
    REL 3460, Worship and Preaching 3  
    REL 4410, Servant Leadership 3  
Total in Major   30
Minor Requirements   18
Electives   15
Total   128

Note: Courses taken in Religion cannot count in both major and minor requirements.


MINORS in REL

Minor in Biblical Languages

Minor in Biblical Languages Hours
Prerequisite  
    REL 2350, Christian Doctrine or REL 2360, Hermeneutics 3  
Area Emphasis *    
    Elementary Biblical Hebrew / Koine Greek (1) 4  
    Elementary Biblical Hebrew / Koine Greek (1) 4  
    Intermediate Biblical Hebrew / Koine Greek (1) 3  
    Advanced Biblical Hebrew / Koine Greek (1) 3  
    REL 3150 or REL 3160, Readings in GK NT Literature 1.5  
    REL 3110 or 3120, Readings in Hebrew Bible 1.5  
    Elective Readings 1.5  
Total   18.5

(1) A student who minors in Biblical Languages must take the first year of Greek and the first year of Hebrew, but may take the second year of either Greek or Hebrew.

* Note: Courses taken in Religion cannot count in both major and minor requirements.

Minor in Biblical Studies

Minor in Biblical Studies Hours
Prerequisite  
    REL 2350, Christian Doctrine (1) 3  
Area Emphasis *    
    REL 2410, Spiritual Formation 3  
    REL 2510, Christian Ethics 3  
    Biblical Studies Elective in OT 3  
    Biblical Studies Elective in OT 3  
    Biblical Studies Elective in NT 3  
    Biblical Studies Elective in NT 3  
Total   18

(1) REL 2350, Christian Doctrine is a prerequisite for the following: REL 2410 Spiritual Formation; REL 2510 Christian Ethics; all courses in Religion and Society division, in the Theological and Historical Division, and Biblical Studies Division.

* Note: Courses taken in Religion cannot count in both major and minor requirements.

Minor in Religious Studies

Minor in Religious Studies Hours
Prerequisite  
    REL 2350, Christian Doctrine (1) 3  
Area Emphasis *    
    REL 2410, Spiritual Formation 3  
    REL 2510, Christian Ethics 3  
    Theological / Historical Studies 3  
    Religion and Society Elective 3  
    Biblical Studies Elective 3  
    Religion Elective 3  
Total   18

(1) REL 2350, Christian Doctrine is a prerequisite for the following: REL 2410 Spiritual Formation; REL 2510 Christian Ethics; all courses in Religion and Society division, in the Theological and Historical Division, and Biblical Studies Division.

* Note: Courses taken in Religion cannot count in both major and minor requirements.

Minor in Christian Leadership

Minor in Christian Leadership Hours
Prerequisite  
    REL 2350, Christian Doctrine (1) 3  
Area Emphasis *    
    REL 2410, Spiritual Formation 3  
    REL 2450, Dynamics of the Local Church 3  
    REL 2510, Christian Ethics 3  
    REL 3430, Pastoral Care: Practice of Ministry 3  
    REL 3460, Worship and Preaching: Practice of Ministry 3  
    REL 4410, Servant Leadership 3  
Total   18

(1) REL 2350, Christian Doctrine is a prerequisite for the following: REL 2410 Spiritual Formation; REL 2510 Christian Ethics; all courses in Religion and Society division, in the Theological and Historical Division, and Biblical Studies Division.

* Note: Courses taken in Religion cannot count in both major and minor requirements.

Minor in Christian Ethics

Minor in Christian Ethics Hours
Prerequisite  
    REL 2350, Christian Doctrine (1) 3  
Area Emphasis *    
    REL 2340, Martyrs, Mystics, and Saints 3  
    REL 2410, Spiritual Formation 3  
    REL 2510, Christian Ethics 3  
    REL 3520, Issues in Ethics Seminar 3  
    REL 3540, Eco-Justice and Faith 3  
    Religion in Society Elective 3  
Total   18

(1) REL 2350, Christian Doctrine is a prerequisite for the following: REL 2410 Spiritual Formation; REL 2510 Christian Ethics; all courses in Religion and Society division, in the Theological and Historical Division, and Biblical Studies Division.

* Note: Courses taken in Religion cannot count in both major and minor requirements.

Minor in Religion and the Arts

Minor in Religion and the Arts Hours
Prerequisite  
    REL 2350, Christian Doctrine (1) 3  
Area Emphasis *    
    REL 2410, Spiritual Formation 3  
    REL 2510, Christian Ethics 3  
    REL 3380, Faith and Beauty 3  
    REL 3550, Faith and Popular Culture 3  
    REL 3480, Theology and the Arts 3  
    REL 4390, Religion and Arts Symposium 3  
Total   18

(1) REL 2350, Christian Doctrine is a prerequisite for the following: REL 2410 Spiritual Formation; REL 2510 Christian Ethics; all courses in Religion and Society division, in the Theological and Historical Division, and Biblical Studies Division.

* Note: Courses taken in Religion cannot count in both major and minor requirements.

Minor in Spiritual Formation

Minor in Spiritual Formation Hours
Prerequisite  
    REL 2350, Christian Doctrine (1) 3  
Area Emphasis *    
    REL 2340, Martyrs, Mystics, and Saints 3  
    REL 2410, Spiritual Formation 3  
    REL 2510, Christian Ethics 3  
    REL 3350, Classics of Christian Spirituality 3  
    REL 4450, Practice of Contemplation 3  
    Religion and Society Elective 3  
Total   18

(1) REL 2350, Christian Doctrine is a prerequisite for the following: REL 2410 Spiritual Formation; REL 2510 Christian Ethics; all courses in Religion and Society division, in the Theological and Historical Division, and Biblical Studies Division.

* Note: Courses taken in Religion cannot count in both major and minor requirements.

Minor in Youth Ministry and Church Recreation

Minor in Youth Ministry and Church Recreation Hours
Prerequisite  
    REL 2350, Christian Doctrine (1) 3  
Area Emphasis *    
    REL 2410, Spiritual Formation 3  
    REL 2480, Intro to Church Recreation Ministry 3  
    REL 2490, Intro to Church Youth Ministry 3  
    REL 2510, Christian Ethics 3  
    REL 3410, Supervised Ministry Experience (Youth) 3  
    REL 3420, Supervised Ministry Experience (Recreation) 3  
Total   18

(1) REL 2350, Christian Doctrine is a prerequisite for the following: REL 2410 Spiritual Formation; REL 2510 Christian Ethics; all courses in Religion and Society division, in the Theological and Historical Division, and Biblical Studies Division.

* Note: Courses taken in Religion cannot count in both major and minor requirements.

 


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Professional Leadership Development

As part of the School of Religion, the Anna and Ernest J. Moench Center for Church Leadership seeks to serve in partnership with Baptist churches, associations, conventions, and other Christian groups in providing premier professional education and development opportunities to equip servant leaders for more effective ministry in local churches. The Moench Center pursues its mission through six strategic programs:

Training and Instruction
Consultation and Development
Research and Resources
Leadership Materials
Leadership Journal Publication
Academic Instruction (see REL 217)


Religion Courses (REL)

Biblical Languages

REL 1110,1120. Elementary Biblical Hebrew (4, 4). A study of Biblical Hebrew emphasizing grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and development of exegetical skills.

REL 1150,1160. Elementary Koine Greek (4, 4). A study of the elements of New Testament Greek grammar with practice in composition and translation. Selections from Johannine literature are read. Meets core Humanities requirements for Religion and Biblical Languages minors if complete through 1020 level.

REL 2110. Intermediate Biblical Hebrew (3). Prerequisites: REL 1110 and 1120. A reading course in the Hebrew Scriptures using various books and passages chosen according to need. Vocabulary, forms and fundamentals of syntax are emphasized. Meets B.A. language requirement for Religion majors.

REL 2120. Advanced Biblical Hebrew (3). Prerequisites: REL 1110, 1120, and 2110. A reading course in the Hebrew Scriptures using various books and passages chosen according to need. Vocabulary, forms, and fundamentals of syntax are emphasized. Meets B.A. language requirement for Religion majors.

REL 2150. Intermediate Koine Greek (3). Prerequisites: REL 1150 and 1160. A reading course in the Greek New Testament using various books and passages chosen according to need. Vocabulary, forms and fundamentals of syntax are emphasized. Meets B.A. language requirement for Religion majors.

REL 2160. Advanced Koine Greek (3). Prerequisites: REL 1150, 1160 and 2150. A reading course in the Greek New Testament using various books and passages chosen according to need. Vocabulary, forms and fundamentals of syntax are emphasized. Meets B.A. language requirement for Religion majors.

REL 3110,3120. Readings in the Hebrew Bible (1.5,1.5). Prerequisite: REL 2110, 2120, or consent of instructor. A rotating study of segments of the Hebrew Bible. The course emphasizes vocabulary and grammar. (May be repeated so long as it does not cover the same segment).

REL 3150,3160. Reading in the Greek New Testament (1.5,1.5). Prerequisites: REL 2150, 2160, or consent of instructor. A rotating study of segments of the Greek Literature of the Gospels, Epistles, Acts, and the Apocalypse. The course emphasizes both vocabulary and grammar. (May be repeated, so long as it is not the same segment.)


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Biblical Studies

REL 1010. Understanding the Bible (3). Does not count toward a major or minor in religion. A survey of the Judeo-Christian canon of scripture from the history of the Hebrew people through growth of the New Testament church movement. Emphasis is given to patterns and themes within the biblical material. Meets core requirements; see degree requirements for path instructions. This course fulfills Human Experience A requirement of the BELL Core. It should be taken in the first year, or as early in the student's program as possible. This course combines only with REL 3015, 3020, 3050, 3090 to fulfill the BELL Core requirement in religion.

REL 1020. Introduction to the Old Testament (3). Does not count toward 30 required hours in major or 18 hours for minor in religion. A survey of the history of the Hebrew people from their rise to the Christian era. Historical background and the content of the Old Testament are emphasized. Meets core requirements. This course fulfills the Human Experience A requirement of the BELL Core. It should be taken in the first year, or as early in the student's program as possible. This course combines only with REL 3050 to fulfill the BELL Core requirement in religion.

REL 1250. Introduction to New Testament and Exegetical Methods (3). Prerequisite: REL 1020. An advanced Biblical studies course for religion majors which focuses upon the interpretation of the New Testament and introduces the methodology of biblical exegesis.

REL 3020. Ancient Wisdom for Contemporary Issues (3). Prerequisite: REL 1010 for General Education. Prerequisite: for religion majors / minors REL 1020 and REL 1250. Does not count toward a major or minor in religion. An integrative study of biblical texts, cultural issues and the theoretical and experiential frameworks for seeing, hearing and acting based upon wisdom literature. In addition to universal issues studied, class and individual choices will be made about which issues will be investigated during any given semester. This course fulfills the Human Experience B requirement of the BELL Core. It should be taken in the junior year, or as close to the junior year as possible.

REL 3050. Introduction to the New Testament (3). Prerequisite: REL 1020. Does not count toward 30 required hours in major or 18 hours for minor in religion. A survey of New Testament history with attention to historical backgrounds and main teachings of the various books in the New Testament. This course fulfills the Human Experience B requirement of the BELL Core. It should be taken in the junior year, or as close to the junior year as possible.

REL 3060. Jesus in the Gospel and in Film (3). Prerequisite: REL 1010 for General Education. Prerequisite: for religion majors / minors REL 1020 and REL 1250. Does not count toward a major or minor in religion. An introductory study of the gospels through the historical and literary perspectives. Movies about Jesus, the gospels themselves and study of the historical setting of the gospels will serve as a basis for investigating the ways Jesus has been understood and misunderstood. This course fulfills the Human Experience B requirement of the BELL Core. It should be taken in the junior year, or as close to the junior year as possible.

REL 3090. Comparative Spirituality in World Religions (3). Prerequisite: REL 1010 for General Education. Prerequisite: for religion majors / minors REL 1020 and REL 1250. Does not count toward a major or minor in religion. A comparative exploration of spirituality in the major world religions and select indigenous peoples, examining how these traditions perceive the purpose of human life and ultimate concerns in relation to the divine.This course fulfills the Human Experience B requirement of the BELL Core. It should be taken in the junior year, or as close to the junior year as possible.

REL 3210. Women in the Bible (3). A study of women in the Bible.

REL 3220. The Pentateuch (3). A comprehensive study of the first five books of the Bible. Some attention is given to theories of composition, with the primary focus being the literary structure of the final form of the text.

REL 3230. Psalms and Wisdom Literature (3). A study of the psalms and wisdom literature of the Old Testament. Poetic form and theological teachings are examined.

REL 3250. Johannine Literature (3). A study is made of the Gospel of John, the epistles of John, and the Revelation.

REL 3260. The General Epistles and Hebrews (3). A detailed study of the contents of James, I and II Peter, Jude and Hebrews.

REL 4220. The Prophetic Literature (3). A survey of the Old Testament Prophets in their cultural and historical setting, with a focus on the literary structure of the prophetic scrolls and their theological teachings.

REL 4230. Old Testament Theology (3). An examination of the theology of the Old Testament, including major approaches and themes. Does not count toward the major/minor requirement in the Historical/Theological area.

REL 4250. The Life and Letters of Paul (3). A study of the Acts of the Apostles as it relates to the life and work of Paul, also the Pauline epistles as related to the history of Acts.

REL 4260. The Life of Christ (3). A study of the life and teachings of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels.


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Religion in Society

REL 2510. Christian Ethics (3). Prerequisite: REL 2350. An introduction to Christian Ethics, with attention given to methodology, biblical foundations, types of ethical thought, and Christian responsibility in relation to current social problems.

REL 3510. Poverty and Justice (3). Prerequisite: REL 2350. A study of poverty and