Undergraduate Catalog 2022-2023 | Page 303

Course Name
Long Title
Min Credits
Description
Requisites
RS-200
Paul and His Theology
3
The life and missionary activities of Paul the Apostle are reconstructed from both biblical and non- biblical sources . While Pauline theology is examined mainly from the authentic Pauline letters , Pauline thought from the entire corpus of letters traditionally attributed to Paul is studied .
RS-2000
Encountering Sacred Writings
3
This course introduces students to the issues involved in reading and understanding sacred tests , whether one reads texts as a believer or not . Given the nature of Gwynedd Mercy University , the biblical texts of the Old and New Testament form the core of the course . To provide comparisons and contrasts with the Judeo-Christian biblical tradition , some selective writings from other major religions will be examined in a limited manner .
RS-201
Writings of John
3
RS-203
The Synoptic Gospels
3
RS-218
Meaning and Practice of Prayer
3
RS-220
The Prophets
3
RS-226
Social Spirituality
3
The literature of Johannine Christianity , which includes a gospel , three letters and an apocalyptic work , is the primary subject matter of this course . Comparisons and contracts with the Synoptic tradition are also examined . The gospels of Mathew and Mark and the two-part work consisting of the gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles , provide the primary subject matter of the course . The Synoptic Problem of interdependence and the primary emphases of the Synoptic tradition are examined . The three monotheistic religions , Judaism , Christianity and Islam , offer rich and varied approaches to prayer . The basic beliefs of these three major religions are examined in light of their unique approaches to prayer practices . Because the prophetic literature of the Old Testament is so vast , this more specialized course treats biblical prophecy in detail . A survey of the books of the major and Minor Prophets forms the foundation of the course . Biblical prophecy and its relationship to messianic expectations are explored , as is the recurring issues of false vs . true prophets . This course provides students with a scriptural , theological and spiritual base from which to examine contemporary social issues . Particular emphasis is given to the place of compassion in one ' s everyday life , such as organ donation . Contemporary topics of euthanasia and genetic engineering are also examined .