Comparative Religion

Religion 310

Dr. Ray Penn

Fall, 2001

Office: Phone:

Home Phone: (423) 562-4559 E-mail: pennseven@aol.com

Office Hours: 9 a.m. M.T.W.Th.F.

10 a.m. M.T.W.Th.F.

2:15-3 p.m. T.W.Th.

Other times are available by appointment.

Campus Address: Box 1002

Home Address: 138 Lilac Drive, LaFollette, TN, 37766

Course Description: This is a historical and theological survey of major religions of the world: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, Judaism and Christianity.

Textbooks:

Huston Smith, The World Religions.

Philip Novak, The World’s Wisdom.

Course Objectives: At the end of this semester a student should be able to: (1) summarize the major theological beliefs of the various religions, (2) explore some of the sacred texts of the various religions and (3) understand the rituals and ethical practises of these religions.

Requirements:

4 Exams: (20% each) 80%

1 Paper: (15%)

Attendance and Participation: 5%

Paper: Approximately 10 pages in length. Choose one of the following topics: (a) compare the religions we have studied in relation to the major beliefs of your religious perspective, (b) select a key issue, for example how religions deal with the issue of human suffering, and compare how each religion deals with that issue, (c) examine various religious practices and compare how they focus the human spirit on holiness, (d) write an indepth biography of a major figure in one of the religions.

Tentative Schedule:

August 21: Introduction to the Class

23: Why Religion is Important to Study

28: Hinduism (Smith 12-81)

30: Hinduism

September 4: Hinduism (Novak 2-48)

6: Hinduism

11: Buddhism (Smith 82-153)

13: Buddhism

18: Buddhism (Novak 49-109)

20: Buddhism

25: Exam #1

27: Confucianism (Smith 154-195)

October 2: Confucianism

4: Fall Break

9: Confucianism

11: Confucianism

16: Taoism(Smith 196-220)

18: Taoism

23: Taoism (Novak 146-174)

25: Taoism

30: Exam #2

November 1: Islam (Smith 221-270)

6: Islam

8: Islam (Novak 282-332)

10: Islam

13: Judaism (Smith 271-316)

15: Judaism

20: Judaism (Novak 175-226)

22: Thanksgiving Vacation

27: Exam #3

29: Christianity (Smith 317-364)

December 4: Christianity

6: Christianity (Novak 227-279)

13: Exam #4 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.