As an introduction to religion, the course is a survey of basic ideas and practices which can be identified as religious, from the point of view that religion is an expression of the essence of human reality. Among topics examined are the human search for meaning, symbolism, myth, ritual, individual and society, God and the Sacred, faith. An introduction to religious experience as an expression of human personhood utilizing the scriptures as primary reference. Included is a survey of the concepts and practices which comprise religion and religious expression. A study of the writings of the New Testament as representing the early church perceptions of the meaning of life and the message of Jesus.
Emphasis is placed on the origin, background and major themes of the various books.
A consideration of the pertinence of Western mystical writings to contemporary concerns. An examination of ongoing theological problems and issues, with reference to scriptural materials and the documents of Vatican II, as an introduction to systematic theological thinking about the basics of Christianity. An analysis in seminar format of believing as an aspect of human behavior, with attention to its relation to the life story of the individual and the search for coherent and effective images of reality. Readings are taken from theology, philosophy, psychology and literature. The meaning of Christ as seen from different points of view from the beginning of the Christian era to the present.