Introduction to World Religions
WR 150, Introduction to World Religions, Spring 2009, Pontifical College Josephinum
Dr. Paul D. Numrich
COURSE DESCRIPTION: An overview of selected non-Christian religions, drawing upon academic disciplines and primary sources from within the religions. The course also considers various Christian perspectives on world religions and the phenomenon of Christians converting to these religions.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Consider non-Christian religions from multiple perspectives, particularly the “outsider” academic approach, the views of “insider” adherents, and various Christian theologies.
2. Begin to understand both “religion” and Christianity in comparative perspective.
3. Develop one’s own perspective on non-Christian religions in preparation for faithful participation in interreligious relations and informed leadership among fellow Christians.
4. Enhance the scholarly enterprise of the Theological Consortium of Greater Columbus.
READINGS:
Rose-Marie Armstrong, “Turning to Islam: African-American Conversion Stories,” Christian Century 12 July 2003: 18-23
Michelle Boorstein, “Converts to Judaism Ponder Rebirth during High Holidays” (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/21/AR2006092101873.html)
Michael D. Coogan, gen. ed., The Illustrated Guide to World Religions (New York: Oxford UP, 2003)
John Malkin, “Buddhism is the Most Radical and Civilized Choice” (http://www.shambhalasun.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1528)
Melvin R. McCray, “The Two Lives of John Favors” (http://www.btswami.com/?id=236)
Russell T. McCutcheon, “What Is the Academic Study of Religion?” (http://www.as.ua.edu/rel/pdf/rel100introhandout.pdf)
Paul D. Numrich, “My Expectations about a Seminary Student’s Theology of World Religions” (handout)
Paul D. Numrich, “Perspectives on Religion” (handout)
“To the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions” (handout)
http://www.balaji.org/web/home.aspx (Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple of Greater Chicago)
http://www.buddhistvihara.com (Washington Buddhist Vihara)
http://69.89.31.79/~dfwhindu/index.php (Dallas/Ft. Worth Hindu Temple Society)
http://www.dharmavijaya.org (Dharma Vijaya Buddhist Vihara)
http://www.icgt.org (Islamic Center of Greater Toledo)
http://www.noorohio.org (Noor Islamic Cultural Center)
http://www.tiferethisrael.org (Congregation Tifereth Israel)
“We explain the fact that the Milky Way is there by the doctrine of creation, but how do we explain the fact that the Bhagavad Gita is there?” [1]
“Unless they [pastors] studiously avoid all topics that concern the wider world, they will have to say something—informed, one hopes—about the church’s place in a world of diversity.” [2]