Why major in religion? Consider how religion has shaped the world we live in today - language, art, culture, times of war and peace. Religious studies provides an academic setting to discuss the fundamental questions about human existence - where we came from, why we?re here, and where we?re going when we die.

The major was developed with a Liberal Arts approach in which you will examine religion in the context of history, sociology, philosophy, and especially through the rigorous study of ancient texts. Unlike other religious studies programs, the framework of the major at Bethany assumes the perspective of confessional Lutheranism rooted in the Reformation heritage of Scripture Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone--Christ Alone. Through your studies you will gain a deep understanding of Lutheran doctrine and tradition, the broader Christian tradition, and the comparison of that tradition with other major world religions.

While religious studies will not prepare you for any particular career, you will develop necessary critical thinking and research skills and possess an understanding of others? cultures and religious perspectives desired by many employers in the global economy we live in today. Religious studies provides a solid foundation for future studies in a variety of fields such as history, law, the social sciences, literature, and public administration and for further career training and jobs in business, government, education, journalism, and counseling.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Religion major in the Christian Liberal Arts curriculum of Bethany Lutheran College is to prepare students for participation in the ongoing, in-depth discussion of religion in church and society. The context of our study assumes the perspective of confessional Lutheranism rooted in the Reformation heritage of Scripture Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone, and Christ Alone. Its content includes the rigorous study of the Lutheran tradition, the broader Christian tradition, the comparison of that tradition with other major world religions, and an exploration of how the social sciences and the field of communication connect with the study of religion. Course selection within the major allows students to follow their interests either into a historical/dogmatic emphasis or a Biblical studies emphasis, or to pursue a combination of both.

Core Requirements

Required lower division courses:

• RELG110 Introduction to Christianity I and RELG111 II
• Two 200-level religion electives (2 cr. each)

Required upper division courses:

• RELG316 Comparative World Religions
• RELG335 Lutheran Confessions
• RELG420 Rhetoric of Religion
• SOCL345 Religion and Society

Major Electives

Choose four of the following courses:

• RELG300 History of Christian Thought I: Post-Apostolic Fathers to Chalcedon
• RELG301 History of Christian Thought II: Chalcedon to 15th Century
• RELG302 History of Christian Thought III: 17th Century Enlightenment to Modern & Post Modern
• RELG320 Luther: His Ongoing Significance
• RELG321 History of the Lutheran Church in the U.S
• RELG325 Psalms and Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament
• RELG330 Christian Social Thought
• RELG340 Apologetics
• RELG350 Islam
• RELG380 Pauline Literature
• RELG382 Johannine Literature
• RELG400 Church History Survey
• RELG425 Influence of Eastern Religion upon American Culture
• RELG435 Post-Exilic and Intertestamental History & Literature
• RELG480 Topics In Religious Studies
• RELG495 Senior Seminar In Religious Studies (cross listed LART495)
• RELGIND Independent Study (per Instructor's approval)

Area of Emphasis

Completion of a minor in another academic discipline is required for this major.

Capstone

• HIST490 Historical Research or SOCL320 Research Methods in Social Studies
• RELG495 Senior Seminar In Religious Studies