Gwynedd Mercy University
AY2020-2021 / Undergraduate Academic Catalog
Various religious themes are examined , such as covenant , messianism , eschatology , redemption and prayer . Students are encouraged to appreciate the various writing genres of Old Testament literature , such as its creation stories , prophetic literature , apocalyptic and wisdom motifs expressed in Hebrew poetry . Prerequisites :
RS-102 Introduction to the New Testament ( 3 ) Situating New Testament books within covenantal expectations is established as a foundation . The various genres of New Testament literature are explored , such as gospel writing , letters , and apocalyptic and theological history . Religious motifs from the various genres are selected for deeper analysis , such as justification in the Pauline letters . Prerequisites :
RS-105 Life and Meaning of Jesus ( 3 ) A portrait of the historical Jesus provides the foundation for the course . From this basis , various theological doctrines are studied , such as the nature of resurrection , explanations of redemption and salvation and the ecumenical implications of Christological statements . Prerequisites :
RS-111 History of Christianity ( 3 ) The course examines the development of Christianity from after the New Testament period until the present century . It will focus upon the major events , persons , and doctrines that have shaped this development and which also explain the current situation of separated churches within Christianity . Prerequisites :
RS-112 Sacraments and Spirituality ( 3 ) The relationship between the Christian spiritual life and the sacramental and liturgical life of the Church is examined . The differences between Protestant and Roman Catholic understandings of sacraments are explored for ecumenical implications . The course concludes with the implications of sacramental life for moral decision-making . Prerequisites :
RS-115 World Religions ( 3 ) The six major religions of the world , Hinduism , Buddhism , Judaism , Christianity , Islam and the Chinese religions are examined in a comparative manner . The course focuses on the historical developments of each religion and their respective treatments of common themes , such as sacred literature , moral behavior , salvation motifs and the role of prophetic figures . Prerequisites :
RS-120 Contemporary Moral Problems ( 3 ) The basic principles of Christian moral decision-making and their application to current issues are examined . Some contemporary moral issues discussed include sexual behavior , racism , sexism , just war theories , capital punishment , among others . Prerequisites :
RS-147 Christian Faith ( 3 )
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