Religion

Study of the life and teachings of Jesus, focusing on the proclamation of the reign of God and Jesus’ messianic identity as the Son of God. Examination of Jesus in his historical setting will be balanced with discussions of Jesus’...

Content of this course will alternate every other year with one of the following topics. Prophets. A study of the important corpus of prophetic literature from the Hebrew Bible. Attention is given to historical, social, literary and theological features of...

A study of the themes and concepts that provide a biblical basis for nonretaliation and peace making. Particular attention is given to the nature of God’s sovereignty, forgiveness versus vengeance and love of enemies. Prerequisite: CORE 120.

An exploration of biblical themes and narratives alongside the modern application of the Bible in religion, culture, and politics. Students will develop diverse socio-historical, literary, and contextual interpretive skills. This course should be taken by the end of the second...

Why do humans long for utopia, yet consistently fail to produce it? To what extent do we assert our individual freedom in creating the communities we live in, and to what extent do we recognize our lives as resting on...

The Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition has undergone a profound transformation during the past 50 years moving from a largely white, Euro-American denomination into a truly multi-cultural, global church. Drawing on the research projects of the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism...

A study of the nature of moral claims and the bases for ethical principles.The course draws on both moral philosophy and on Christian ethical reflection, addressing the development of character as well as the patterns and methods for both individual...

How do peacemakers sustain their work for peace and justice over a lifetime without burning out? This course examines spiritual paths of peacemakers: theories, teachings and practices for sustaining active nonviolence and peacemaking. A Peacemaking course in the Goshen Core.

Examines the role of religion in causing and nurturing violence and in promoting peace themes which have emerged as central to the pursuit of peace in the 21st century.

Given competing truth claims, how do we learn to appreciate religious diversity, open ourselves to new learning, and yet remain relatively grounded in faith? This course examines historical and contemporary religious life in the USA, with attention to conflicts that...

This course explores how diverse cultures understand nature and how religions engage environmental problems in an era of rapid environmental change. We examine how religious and philosophical systems interpret humanity’s relationship to the nonhuman world, consider how ideas of the...

This survey will focus on a particular theme or area of religious experience as a window into the world’s major religious traditions. Possible themes include: death, the human condition, or worship and ritual. This course is designed to provide students...

Lectures, research and discussion of specific topics in religion such as politics and religion, spirituality, religion and the media.

(Cross-listed from Soc 315) An analysis of the social, cultural and political contexts that profoundly affect religious institutions and expressions, and upon which religion has an influence. Course includes such topics as meaning and belonging, modern individualism, dynamics of religious...

Focuses on three contemporary theologies of liberation (Latin American Liberation Theology, Black Theologies and Feminist Theologies) as they are developing in the Americas. The course examines similarities and differences among these three theologies – in conversation with Womanist and Latina...

An introduction to Islamic religion, culture and civilization. An historical survey will introduce the origins and early development of Islam, its rapid spread and flourishing and its interactions with the Western world. A thorough understanding of the core religious beliefs...

A thorough introduction to theology, examining Christianity’s basic theological features and themes (e.g. human nature, Christology, atonement, the nature of the church, eschatology). An excellent course for those committed to Christian faith as well as skeptics and those along faith’s...

An introduction to the essential beliefs, texts and religious practices of Judaism. The course will survey biblical and talmudic foundations, sketch historical development in Jewish life, thought and religion, and explore Jewish identity. Central concepts such as God, Law and...

Approved practical experience related to studies in religion, including a 40-hour internship or work experience and a directed career preparation component. This can include internships with local religious agencies, non-profits, spiritual care offices, or related organizations. Further options in ministry...

Advanced work in the principles and challenges of religious identities, studies, and applications. The senior seminar includes an individual research thesis project and collaborative readings/discussions on a particular theme in theology or ethics.

A survey of the diversity and shared patterns of Native American societies and their development from the first settlements of North America until the present day. The course aims to foster a broad and sensitive understanding of the history, lifeways...

An analysis of the social, cultural and political contexts that profoundly affect religious institutions and expressions, and upon which religion has an influence. Course includes such topics as meaning and belonging, modern individualism, dynamics of religious collectives and the impact...

This course focuses on the intense connection between ecological context and human society by studying across the steep elevation gradient between the North Indian Plains and the Himalaya Mountains. Students will examine the ways that social structures and practices contribute...

In this course, we immerse ourselves in the stories and ideas of people who have made a positive contribution to the sustainability of the planet. What kind of faith or worldview contributed to action? How does our understanding of right...

This course explores ways in which communities work together to achieve common sustainability goals. Working from an applied perspective, students will learn about many factors that can drive positive change, from political organizing and policy-making, to grassroots organizing and community...

Situates climate change responses as both a political and a complex moral challenge. The course will critically examine multiple climate policy proposals from various ethical perspectives. What forms of justice are at stake in climate change? What would climate justice...

This course introduces key debates in the field of environmental ethics by exploring how competing ideas about sustainability developed historically within movements to conserve, preserve, protect, and restore threatened environments. Students engage a series of cases centered around specific ecological...

(Cross-listed from Rel 316) Liberation Theologies focuses on three contemporary theologies of liberation (Latin American Liberation Theology, North American Black Theology and North American Feminist Theology) as they are developing in the Americas. The course examines similarities and differences among...