Substantive definitions concentrate on the inner core, essence or nature of faith and define it by the phenomena of itself. Functional definitions emphasize the effects of faith in the actual life or praxis of human beings. Expression focused upon are the enslaved, prophets, women and various contemporary figures. These areas will be examined from the perspectives of both substantive and functional definitions of spirituality. Substantive definitions concentrate on the inner core, essence, or nature of spirituality and define it by the phenomena of itself.
Functional definitions emphasize the effects of spirituality in actual life.
The classic formulations of Christian theology including early beginnings, Augusine, Thomas Aquinas and John Calvin. Most societies are affected by their dominant religion and most religions are affected by the societies in which they find themselves. The course will examine Christianity s biblical roots and extend through history into today s world in an effort to examine the religion s role in society and vice versa. In so doing, the institution that represents Christianity in America is the Church and, therefore, much of the study will center around that institution. Emphasis will be placed upon the Jewish view of God and man with a focus upon the relationship between ritual and morality.