Religion 200: Christianity and Religious Diversity Phone: 299-3430

Fall, 2017 Office Hours:

Dr. Ernest L. Simmons, Jr. 2:30-4:00 MWF
Office: Academy 210 and by appointment

“The purpose of liberal arts education is to complicate a person open.” J. Sittler

CHRISTIANITY AND RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY

Syllabus and Course Outline
I. Course Description:
This course seeks to meet the needs of all students for a better understanding of religion
as a basic feature of human life and of Christianity’s classic and contemporary
expressions, through the methods appropriate to the study of religion. The course offers
an important initial opportunity for integrative study characteristic of a liberal arts
education and fulfills the first core requirement in religion. It invites students to engage in
thoughtful and informed reflection upon religious questions.

This section of Religion 200 will focus on the theological formation and analysis of
Christian Doctrine by employing Biblical, historical and contemporary texts. The nature
of God, Creation, Suffering and Evil, Redemption, and Vocation, as well as brief
introductions to both Judaism and Islam will be addressed.

II. Course Goals, Objectives and Learning Outcomes:

Goal 1: Instill a Love for Learning

Objective 1: enhance, along with Inquiry Seminars and Inquiry Oral and
Written Communications, learning which provides a foundation for
study of the liberal arts and humanities
Goal 2: Develop foundational Skills and Transferable Intellectual Capacities
Objective 2: encourage critical inquiry and constructive thought about
religion and religious questions
Goal 3: Develop an Understanding of disciplinary, interdisciplinary and
intercultural perspectives and their connections
Objective 3: introduce Jewish and Islamic religious traditions in their
historical and contemporary expressions
Goal 4: Cultivate an examined cultural, ethical, physical and spiritual
self-understanding
Objective 4: introduce theological reflection through the interaction of the
Christian faith with its historical-cultural context
Objective 5: critique major Christian doctrinal areas in regard to both their
historical and contemporary expression
Objective 6: introduce various forms of ethical theories and systems.
Objective 7: prepare for advanced work in the second religion course
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Goal 5: Encourage Responsible Participation in the World

Objective 8: assist growth in the understanding and expression of personal
faith through careful critique of the material addressed.

Learning Outcomes: Students will demonstrate…

1. a critical understanding of religion, i.e.

a. religious literacy knowledge about religion and an awareness of the complex
role and significance of religion in human life and the ability to think critically
about religious phenomena and questions, with particular reference to
Christianity;
b. awareness of the essential terms and concepts used in the study of religion,
along with a basic grasp of the four areas of inquiry;
c. an ability to recognize the social implications of religious phenomena (e.g.,
ideas, beliefs, practices, texts, and values)
2. an informed appreciation for diversity, i.e.,
a. an ability to recognize and respect the diversity of religious forms and
expressions, both within and among religious traditions;
b. a critical understanding of social differences (e.g., race, class, gender,
ethnicity) as supported/challenged by religious traditions
c. recognition of the ecological implications of religious phenomena (e.g., ideas,
beliefs, practices, texts, and values)
3. foundational skills, i.e.,
a. the capacity for effective reading, writing, and speaking about religion
b. the capacity for critical thinking and academic research about religion
4. self-awareness and sense of responsibility, i.e.
a. the capacity for introspection and the ability to identify assumptions
b. the capacity to reflect on vocation, personal life goals, and social
responsibility

III. Course Texts:

a. Finding God in the Questions, Johnson [FGQ]
b. The Great Divorce, Lewis [GD]
c. Introduction to Christian Theology, Hanson [CT]
d. The Freedom of a Christian, Luther (trans. Tranvik) [FC]
e. The Shadow of the Galilean, Theissen [SG]
f. Acts of Faith, Patel [AF]
g. The Bible, NRSV, New Revised Standard Version

IV. Course Requirements:

a. Assigned readings and responsible participation in class discussion. The reading is
based upon a reading speed of 20 pages/hour and about 80 pages per week. There
is a total required reading of about 950 pages leaving the remainder for the
expository analysis paper.
b. Three exams covering both the lectures and assigned readings. (55%)
Exams 1 & 2 - 15% each, Exam 3 will be comprehensive - 25%
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c. One expository analysis paper (5-7 pages) dealing with a topic from one of
the course texts and a selected scholarly article. (15%)
d. Class presentation and reflection paper (3-4 pages) on assigned reading for a class
session, due at that session. PowerPoint presentations are required. (15%)
e. Five short assignments – quizzes, journal or reaction papers (1-2 pages). (15%)
NOTE: The quiz or discussion paper for a given class session will be turned in at
that session and cannot be made up.

Requirement Summary:
Exam 1 15%
Exam 2 15%
Exam 3 25% Paper & Pres. 30% Short Assignments 15%
___________ ______________ _______________
55% 30% 15%

V. Grading:
Total Possible - 1,000 points
a. Examinations - 550 points total [Exams 1&2 - 150pts. each, Exam 3 - 250pts.]
b. Expository Analysis Paper- 150 points total.
c. Class Presentation -150 points total [75 points presentation, 75 points ref. paper]
d. Quizzes and reaction papers - 150 points total [10-30 points each]

Grade scale: 90%-100%(A); 80%-89%(B); 70%-79%(C); 60%-69%(D); Below 60%(F).

VI. Course Due Dates:

The first exam will be on 4 October, the second on 3 November and the third during
final exam week, 13 December. The expository analysis paper is due 29 November.
Class presentations will be signed up for during the second week of class and occur
over the course period. The quizzes and reaction papers will occur during the course
and at least one class days' notice will be given before a paper is due.

Make-up Exam Policy:

If a student cannot take an exam at the assigned time, s/he must get permission
from the instructor and if granted, make an appointment with the department
secretary (Academy Hall 213) to schedule a make-up time. If any change in test
time is needed, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the department
secretary to set up an alternate test time.

Assignments are due on time and normally there will be some reduction in grade for
late papers or exams. Exceptions to this rule will be granted in special cases such as
illness or a death in the immediate family, but arrangements for late assignments
should be made prior to the due date if at all possible.
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VII. Academic Integrity Statement:

Students are expected to be guided by the highest expressions of academic integrity in
completing course requirements. These expectations are set forth in Academic Integrity at
Concordia College. Students who show disregard for academic integrity and are detected
should expect to be penalized by receiving a failing grade (in such cases make-up is not
possible). Each violation of academic integrity will be reported to the Academic Dean’s
Office and the offender will be placed on probationary status for one year.

Violations of academic integrity include cheating, plagiarism, falsification, facilitating

other’s violations and impeding. These violations are fully defined in Academic Integrity
at Concordia College pp. 11-13 and should be carefully studied.

These definitions were developed in a North American context. Other cultures define
forms of academic dishonesty differently. International students studying at Concordia,
however, are expected to be guided by North American norms of academic integrity. Any
student who is unclear about the application of these norms in the completion of a
particular assignment should consult the

VIII. Accommodation of Students with Disabilities:

Concordia College is committed to complying with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973 as amended and interpreted and strengthened by the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) in meeting the needs of students who have disabilities under the law. It is the
policy of the College to make services available for students who, through a recent
assessment, can clearly document a disability. Services offered shall include support,
counseling, information and academic assistance.

Furthermore, Concordia College policy calls for appropriate accommodations to be made

for students with documented disabilities on an individual and flexible basis. It is the
responsibility of students, however, to make their needs known and to seek assistance,
which is available at the college.

IX. Expository Analysis Papers

A. Purpose: The expository analysis paper is intended to assist you in doing two
things: first, to be able to clearly and concisely summarize the argument of an author,
and second, to critique and evaluate that argument. The primary purpose of the paper
is to facilitate engagement with the author beyond the sheer accumulation of
information. Accordingly, the primary emphasis is upon critique and analysis and not
upon summary of the author's position or argument. The majority of the paper should
focus on your analysis of the content of the author’s argument. The over all length of
each paper is to be five to seven pages.

B. Procedure:
1. Article: Select a scholarly article from the library dealing with a topic covered in
one of the course texts. Please consult the ATLA Religion DB+ ATLAS, on the
Concordia website to find a suitable article listed by either subject or author. (See
below for location details). The article should be at least five pages long and you
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must give a full bibliographical entry and page references for it. Internet articles
require prior approval by the instructor.
2. Thesis: State the thesis of your paper in one sentence in the opening paragraph of
the paper. It should indicate what you think about the article or the point you want
to make about the article as a whole.
3. Summary: Summarize the author's argument in one - two pages. It is imperative
that one understand the position one is to critique before one begins the critique. To
do this concisely not only indicates a grasp of the position to be critiqued but also
an ability to cut away the excess argumentation so as to get to the heart of the
argument and its supporting evidence. Please use inline page number references.
4. Analysis: Analyze the content (not form) of the author’s argument in four to five
pages in light of the following four criteria:
a) Focus. This refers to the distinctness and intelligibility of the author's
argument. Is it clear and concise so as to be understandable and intelligible?
b) Coherence. This refers to the basic integration of the main points of the
argument. Are they all interrelated and necessary such that each follows from or
requires the others?
c) Relevance. This refers to the accountability of the argument to human
experience. Does the author address real human needs and issues? Does the
argument help resolve any serious social or personal human problem?
d) Evaluation. What is your overall evaluation of the article? Did you find it
significant, helpful, problematic or confused? Here is where you indicate your
subjective opinion about what has been read.

C. Suggested Resources:
1. Journals - - The best place to look for journal articles on your topic is in the
ATLA Religion DB+ ATLAS, located on the Concordia web site under
“Academics” and then “Library,” and next “Find Articles,” on the right side and
then select “Religion” in the Major/Discipline box and then click “GO” ATLA
RELIGION DATABASE + ATLAS will be the first entry on the list. In the
index you will need to indicate subject or author heading, year(s), language and, if
known, a specific journal. Our library has most of the major journals published in
English. Some suggested journals are: Dialog, Word and World, Journal of the
American Academy of Religion, Journal of Biblical Literature, Interpretation,
Journal of Religion, Theology, Today, Union Seminary Quarterly Review,
Journal of Christian Ethics, Church History, Christian Century, Christianity
Today, Christianity and Crisis, Sojourners and ZYGON: Journal of Science
and Religion.
Additional Indexes that may be of use are: Humanities Index, Biography Index,
Historical Abstracts, Religious and Theological Abstracts, and
Philosopher's Index.

2. Reference Works - These also would be found in the reference section of the
library. Some main ones are: The Encyclopedia of Religion, The New Catholic
Encyclopedia, The Encyclopedia of Philosophy, The Oxford Dictionary of the
Christian Church, Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia of World Biography.
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D. Evaluation: Your paper will be evaluated in light of the following criteria:

1. Analysis (coherence and relevance) 50%
2. Summary (comprehensiveness and clarity) 20%
3. Thesis (focus and scope) 10%
4. Creativity (novelty of thought or expression) 10%
5. Form (style, spelling, grammar) 10%

It is expected that the paper will be between five and seven [5-7] pages in length
typed, double-spaced in #12 font and employ correct grammar, spelling, punctuation,
etc. Please proofread your papers before you turn them in! The paper must also
contain your name and campus P.O. number.

NOTE: Plagiarism consists in presenting the writings or ideas of another as your

own. If you are in doubt always indicate the reference or source. Plagiarism
constitutes grounds for immediate failure of the paper.

X. Class Presentation: Purpose, Procedure and Evaluation

A. Purpose:
The purpose of class presentations is to accomplish three things:
1. stimulate class discussion by providing a prepared response to the
course reading for a given class session
2. give the benefit of your reflection on the assigned reading
3. gain additional experience in oral presentation
This presentation is to be a Reaction to the course reading NOT a
summary of the reading. PowerPoint presentations are required.
B. Procedure:
1. Topic: Sign up in teams of two (2) persons to present reflection on the
reading for a given class session. This will be done the first week of class.
2. Preparation: formulate the reaction and questions that you would like
to present for class discussion during the thirty minute class presentation.
3. Presentation: While the oral presentation is to be done jointly, each
student is also to come with their own three-four (3-4) page prepared
reflection paper on the class material for the day which is to form the basis
for their 10-15 minute contribution to the oral presentation. This paper is
to be typed and turned in at the end of the class session for which it is
prepared. The presentation and paper should include:
a. Issues: Two or three major issues the student wants to raise
from the material,
b. Reflection: The Student's own thoughts about those issues, e.g.,
why important, problematic, etc.
c. Questions: Several very specific discussion questions which the
student would like the class to address.
4. Discussion: After the presentation the class will divide into small
groups for discussion. General class discussion will then follow.
C. Evaluation: The presentation and paper are worth a total of 100 points as an
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individual grade for each presenter, 50 points each.

Presentation and Paper Criteria:
Conciseness of topic and presentation 20%
Clarity of summary 20%
Comprehension of subject matter 20%
Critique of issues and methods involved 20%
Communication of material and information 20%

XI. Course Outline

UNIT and TOPIC READINGS APPROX. DATES
I. Christian Theology
Introduction: Sept. 1-4
Nature of Religion and Theology CT Ch. 1 Sept. 6

A. God CT Ch. 2-3 Sept. 8-11

Finding God in the Questions
1) Does God Exist? FGQ Chs. 1-4 Sept.13-15
2) What is God Like? FGQ Chs. 5 Sept. 18
REFORMATION SYMPOSIUM Sept. 19-20
Sept. 19 7:30pm Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton “October 32nd”
Sept. 20 8:30am Jim Ziolkowsi “Walk in Their Shoes”
10:30am Dr. Cynthia Moe Lobeda “Structural Evil”
1:00pm Rev. Drs. Moses Penumaka and Surehka Nelaval
“Luther in India”
All in The FieldHouse
FGQ Ch. 6 Sept. 22
FGQ Ch. 7 Sept. 25
3) What Difference Does FGQ Chs. 8-10 Sept. 27
It Make?

B. Creation CT Ch. 4 Sept. 29

Genesis 1-2 Oct. 2
EXAM #1 Oct. 4

C. Sin, Evil and Suffering CT Ch. 5 Oct. 6-9

Genesis 3-4, 6-9
Jonah 1-4 Oct. 11
Great Divorce GD Chs. 1-7 Oct. 13
GD Chs. 8-14 Oct. 16
D. The Person of Jesus Christ Gospel of Mark Oct. 18
Christology Video Oct. 20
Mid-Semester Break Oct. 21-24
CT Ch. 6 Oct. 25
The Shadow of the Galilean SG 1-6 Oct. 27
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UNIT and TOPIC READINGS APPROX. DATES

SG 7-12 Oct. 30
SG 13-18 Nov. 1
Lecture: The Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber, the Centrum, 7:30pm Nov. 2

EXAM #2 Nov. 3

E. Christ’s Work of Reconciliation CT Ch. 7 Nov. 6-8

Romans Nov.10-13

F. The Freedom of a Christian Luther – FC Intro. pp. 3-30 Nov. 15

Video – “Luther” Nov. 17-22

Thanksgiving Break Nov. 23-26

Luther - FC Nov. 27
G. Salvation and Sacraments CT. Ch. 9-10 Nov. 29
ANALYSIS PAPER DUE Nov. 29

II. Christianity and Religious Diversity CT Ch. 11 Dec. 1

A. Judaism Handout Dec. 4
B. Islam Handout Dec. 6
Acts of Faith AF Intro. Chs. 1-5 Dec. 8
AF Chs. 6-8 & Conc. Dec. 11

FINAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAM – Wednesday, Dec. 13, 8:30-10:30am

HAVE A GREAT CHRISTMAS BREAK!