See two important handouts that follow the syllabus…

 

 Introduction to World Religions & Cults [BAP 210]

FALL SEMESTER, 2008

Instructor: Reuben Sairs

 

This Course will introduce and emphasize the major world religions other than Christianity: Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism.  The class will also study smaller world religions, the idea of religion and the study of religion, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons and Neo-Paganism—Wicca.   We will look briefly at cults.

 

The instructor’s goals are to portray these religions in a fair light, considering both positive and negative information, and to equip Christian students for the tasks of discernment and witness. 

 

Text: Neighboring Faiths by Winfried Corduan. 

 

There may be several field trips.   In the past there have been at least 3: a mosque, a synagogue, a Buddhist meditation center and/or a Hindu temple.  The dates  of the field trips will not be finalized until after the term has started.  The instructor will give as much advance warning as possible.  These trips will most likely take place in the evening.  The trips are an important part of the class, and attendance is mandatory.

 

Evaluation:

 

  • Mid term exam:                               20%
  • Final exam (inclusive):                 25%
  • Study Group Paper*:                     25%
  • Quizzes on reading (3)                   15%
  • Knowledgeable class  &

        study group participation           15%

 

Study Groups:

 

Each student will participate in a study group focused on one  religion: Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism,  Baha’i,  Sikhism,  Traditional Religions, Mormonism, Wiccan neo-paganism or bizarre cults.     Other topics may be approved by the instructor, but there must be at least 3 participants in each group. 

 

The groups will meet weekly outside of class.  At the study group meeting,  each member shall discuss  his or her research and share knowledge and insight.   The goal is for the students in the study group to acquire much deeper knowledge of a single religion than will be possible in class. The meeting would also be an opportunity to pray about issues that have come up as part of the research, including contact with members of other religions.

 

Research Papers:

 

Your research paper must look in depth at some dimension of the religion.  Topics may include:  a major belief (God, human life,  eternity,  morality,  worship), Scriptures (Koran, Book of Mormon, etc.), history, current events, Christians missions to or contact with the other religion, Christian apologetic responses to the other religion’s claims, a sect and subgroup within the religion,  detailed interviews with believers from the other religion*, or a topic of interest to the student (after approval from the instructor).

 

*See the instructor before you do this.  You will need to write interview questions ahead of time and submit them to both the instructor and the  person to be interviewed.

 

Please read the  following information carefully.

 

o        Papers that do not cite sources and follow RBC guidelines will be returned to the student.

 

o        Your paper must take an in-depth look at one aspect of the religion.  Papers that deal with general history and beliefs and merely give an introduction to the religion (with the exception of sects or sub-groups) are unacceptable.

 

Weekly Schedule (tentative):

 

Sept. 18 – Oct. 5               Introduction to the class

                                What is religion?

                                The study of religion

                                Judaism

                                Islam

 

                                Reading:  Introduction – 112.

 

October 8-19                     Islam cont.

                                                Zoroastrianism

                                                Traditional Religions/African.

 Native American Religion

 

                                                Quiz 1*

                                                Reading: 113-188

 

Oct. 22 – Nov. 9                               Hinduism

Quiz 2 (probably Nov. 2-5)

Buddhism

                                                                                               

                                                Mid-term (probably Nov. 9).

Reading: 189-250.

                                               

Nov.  12-30                        Jainism, Sikhism, Bahai

                                                Chinese Popular Religion

Shinto

 

                                                Reading: 251-336.

 

Dec. 3- 12.                          Neo paganism/Wicca

                                                Santeria, Macumba, Voodoo (a closer look).

                                                Cults

                                                 Mormonism

                                                Jehovah’s Witness

                                                Quiz 3

                                               

                                                Reading : handouts.

 

                                                Research Papers due Monday ,  December  10,  5PM.  Late                                                          paper docked 10% daily.

                                                               

Dec. 13 or 14.                    Final Examination

 

 

 

Field Trip Etiquette & Pastoral Assistance Handouts :

 

Field Trip Etiquette

 

     I hope the day comes when each of you is a bold witness for Christ.  As far as this class is concerned, today is not that day.  Now is the time to learn, to listen, to get wisdom and UNDERSTANDING. See Proverbs 4.7.

 

The study of other religions needs to precede thoughtful witness.  The study may well open the door to an opportunity to share your faith later.

 

 When Paul was in Athens (Acts 17) he studied first, and talked later.

 

22 Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, "Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; 23for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription:
        TO THE UNKNOWN GOD

 

          In this class, we will be doing the same thing that Paul did—passing through and considering.

 

     The best witness for Christ now is to be a gracious visitor.  Ask only polite, open-ended questions, if given the opportunity.  Pay careful attention. Respect all customs that don’t violate your conscience, and try to be a worthy guest.  If our hosts find you rude, coarse or immature, you will certainly discredit the name of Christ.  They may well be watching you closer than you are watching them.

 

     It is likely you will hear claims you can’t accept, perhaps see  practices you find odd or even comical, see idols, and maybe even hear a word or two that directly challenges belief in Jesus Christ.  Treasure these things up in your heart.  Someday you may in a better situation to respond.  For now listen and learn.

Pastoral Availability Handout:

 

          It is possible that from our field trips or in your readings, that you find yourself drawn to some aspect of another religion. There is much that is admirable and attractive in other religions and their followers.  In some cases, they may seem more devout, more consistent, simply superior to Christians.  I would like to make two points.

 

1. Our faith is in Jesus Christ.  We point to him not ourselves.  Acts 4:12

 

12Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

 

I believe this and can give you reasons to believe this.

 

2. Don’t fear.  Jesus will not let you go!

 

John 10:27-30

 

27My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. 30I and My Father are one."

 

If you find that you are troubled by an issue such as mentioned above, please come and talk to me. I have been a pastor for many years, and I have a fair amount of experience dealing with other religions and their adherents. It would not be unusual for a thoughtful or sensitive person to deal with some conflicting emotions over their exposure to other religions.  Many generations of Christians have faced this before us and found that after a little time, it makes their faith in Jesus stronger not weaker.