CHRISTIANITY AND OTHER FAITHS: COMPARISON, EMPATHY AND TOLERANCE

About Course

This comprehensive course explores the teachings of Christianity in relation to other world religions, including Islam, African Traditional religion, Buddhism, Atheism, Agnostic theism, and Hinduism, fostering a deeper understanding of the diversity of religious traditions. Through a comparative analysis of Christian beliefs and practices with those of other faiths, students will gain valuable insights into the importance of empathy and tolerance in interfaith dialogue. Rooted in Christian theology, this course provides students with a framework for engaging with people of other faiths in a respectful and informed manner. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to thoughtfully navigate interfaith dialogue, promoting greater understanding, respect, and cooperation in an increasingly diverse world.

Course Objectives:

Understand the diversity of world religions and their beliefs and practices.
Analyze the teachings of Christianity in relation to other world religions.
Develop empathy and tolerance in interfaith dialogue.
Apply Christian theology to real-world scenarios in interfaith dialogue.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to World Religions

Topic: Overview of World Religions
Objective: Understand the diversity of world religions.
Learning Outcomes: Explain the importance of understanding world religions, identify the major world religions, and analyze their significance.
Biblical Text: Acts 17:22-34. Paul addresses the Athenians, explaining that God is the creator of the world and desires a personal relationship with humanity. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. Paul emphasizes the importance of love in relating to others.
Book Reading: Smith, H. (1991). The world’s religions. HarperOne. (Chapters 1-2).
Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the importance of understanding world religions. Research and present on a world religion.

Module 2: Islam

Module 3: African Traditional Religion

Module 4: Buddhism

Module 5: Atheism and Agnostic Theism

Module 6: Hinduism

Module 7: Comparative Analysis

Module 8: Christian Response to Other Faiths

Module 9: Case Studies in Interfaith Dialogue

Module 10: Theology of Religions

Topic: Theology of Religions
Objective: Understand the theology of religions.
Learning Outcomes: Explain the different approaches to the theology of religions, identify the key principles, and analyze their significance.
Biblical Text: Acts 17:22-34. Paul addresses the Athenians, explaining that God is the creator of the world and desires a personal relationship with humanity. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. Paul emphasizes the importance of love in relating to others.
B.R: Netland, H. (2015). Christianity & religious diversity: Clarifying Christian commitments. Baker Academic. (Chaps 1-2). Veliath, J. (2018). Theology of religions: A biblical, historical, & systematic perspective. IVP Academic. (Chaps 3-4).
Assignment: Write a paper evaluating the different approaches to the theology of religions (exclusivism, inclusivism, pluralism) and their implications for Christian theology and practice. Engage in a discussion on the theology of religions.

Module 11: Missional Implications

Module 12: Personal Reflection and Application

Module 13: Group Presentations

Module 14: Research Paper

Module 15: Course Wrap-Up

Module 16: Final Exam

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About Course

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Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to World Religions

Topic: Overview of World Religions

Objective: Understand the diversity of world religions.

Learning Outcomes: Explain the importance of understanding world religions, identify the major world religions, and analyze their significance.

Biblical Text: Acts 17:22-34. Paul addresses the Athenians, explaining that God is the creator of the world and desires a personal relationship with humanity. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. Paul emphasizes the importance of love in relating to others.

Book Reading: Smith, H. (1991). The world’s religions. HarperOne. (Chapters 1-2).

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the importance of understanding world religions. Research and present on a world religion.

Module 2: Islam

Topic: Islamic Beliefs and Practices

Objective: Understand Islamic beliefs and practices.

Learning Outcomes: Explain Islamic beliefs and practices, identify the key principles, and analyze their significance.

Biblical Text: Matthew 22:37-40, Romans 2:12-16. In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus teaches the importance of loving God and neighbor. In Romans 2:12-16, Paul explains that all people are accountable to God.

Book Reading: Esposito, J. L. (2011). Islam: The straight path. Oxford University Press. (Chapters 3-4).

Assignment: Write a paper comparing and contrasting Islamic beliefs with Christian theology. Engage in a dialogue with a Muslim leader.

Module 3: African Traditional Religion

Topic: African Traditional Religious Beliefs and Practices

Objective: Understand African Traditional Religious beliefs and practices.

Learning Outcomes: Explain African Traditional Religious beliefs and practices, identify the key principles, and analyze their significance.

Biblical Text: Psalm 24:1, Romans 1:18-23. In Psalm 24:1, David acknowledges God’s sovereignty over the world. In Romans 1:18-23, Paul explains that God’s existence is evident through creation.

Book Reading: Mbiti, J. S. (1990). African religions and philosophy. Heinemann. (Chapters 5-6).

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the significance of African Traditional Religion in modern society. Research and present on an African Traditional Religious practice.

Module 4: Buddhism

Topic: Buddhist Beliefs and Practices

Objective: Understand Buddhist beliefs and practices.

Learning Outcomes: Explain Buddhist beliefs and practices, identify the key principles, and analyze their significance.

Biblical Text: Matthew 5:38-42, 1 Corinthians 3:18-23. In Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus teaches the importance of loving one’s enemies. In 1 Corinthians 3:18-23, Paul explains that true wisdom comes from God.

Book Reading: Rahula, W. (1959). What the Buddha taught. Grove Press. (Chapters 7-8).

Assignment: Write a paper analyzing the similarities and differences between Buddhist and Christian teachings on suffering and redemption.

Module 5: Atheism and Agnostic Theism

Topic: Atheist and Agnostic Theist Beliefs and Practices

Objective: Understand atheist and agnostic theist beliefs and practices.

Learning Outcomes: Explain atheist and agnostic theist beliefs and practices, identify the key principles, and analyze their significance.

Biblical Text: Psalm 14:1, Romans 1:18-23. In Psalm 14:1, David describes the fool who says there is no God. In Romans 1:18-23, Paul explains that God’s existence is evident through creation.

Book Reading: Dawkins, R. (2006). The God delusion. Houghton Mifflin. (Chapters 9-10).

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the implications of atheist and agnostic theist beliefs for Christian apologetics. Engage in a dialogue with an atheist or agnostic theist.

Module 6: Hinduism

Topic: Hindu Beliefs and Practices

Objective: Understand Hindu beliefs and practices.

Learning Outcomes: Explain Hindu beliefs and practices, identify the key principles, and analyze their significance.

Biblical Text: Romans 1:18-23, 1 Corinthians 8:4-6. In Romans 1:18-23, Paul explains that God’s existence is evident through creation. In 1 Corinthians 8:4-6, Paul discusses the relationship between food and idols.

Book Reading: Flood, G. (1996). An introduction to Hinduism. Cambridge University Press. (Chapters 11-12).

Assignment: Write a paper comparing and contrasting Hindu teachings on karma and reincarnation with Christian teachings on sin and salvation. Research and present on a Hindu practice.

Module 7: Comparative Analysis

Topic: Comparative Analysis of World Religions

Objective: Analyze the similarities and differences between world religions.

Learning Outcomes: Explain the similarities and differences between world religions, identify the key principles, and analyze their significance.

Biblical Text: Acts 17:22-34. Paul addresses the Athenians, explaining that God is the creator of the world and desires a personal relationship with humanity. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. Paul emphasizes the importance of love in relating to others.

Book Reading: Various articles and readings on comparative religion.

Assignment: Write a paper analyzing the similarities and differences between the various world religions studied in the course. Create a comparative chart of world religions.

Module 8: Christian Response to Other Faiths

Topic: Christian Response to Other Faiths

Objective: Understand the Christian response to other faiths.

Learning Outcomes: Explain the Christian response to other faiths, identify the key principles, and analyze their significance.

Biblical Text: Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commands the disciples to make disciples of all nations. In Acts 1:8, Jesus instructs the disciples to be witnesses to the ends of the earth.

Book Reading: Various articles and readings on Christian apologetics and interfaith dialogue.

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the Christian response to other faiths and the importance of empathy and tolerance. Engage in a dialogue with a person from another faith.

Module 9: Case Studies in Interfaith Dialogue

Topic: Case Studies in Interfaith Dialogue

Objective: Analyze case studies in interfaith dialogue.

Learning Outcomes: Explain the principles of interfaith dialogue, identify the key challenges, and analyze their significance.

Biblical Text: Matthew 22:37-40, Romans 2:12-16. In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus teaches the importance of loving God and neighbor. In Romans 2:12-16, Paul explains that all people are accountable to God.

Book Reading: Various case studies on interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

Assignment: Write a paper analyzing a case study in interfaith dialogue and its implications for Christian stewardship. Research and present on a case study in interfaith dialogue.

Module 10: Theology of Religions

Topic: Theology of Religions

Objective: Understand the theology of religions.

Learning Outcomes: Explain the different approaches to the theology of religions, identify the key principles, and analyze their significance.

Biblical Text: Acts 17:22-34. Paul addresses the Athenians, explaining that God is the creator of the world and desires a personal relationship with humanity. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. Paul emphasizes the importance of love in relating to others.

B.R: Netland, H. (2015). Christianity & religious diversity: Clarifying Christian commitments. Baker Academic. (Chaps 1-2). Veliath, J. (2018). Theology of religions: A biblical, historical, & systematic perspective. IVP Academic. (Chaps 3-4).

Assignment: Write a paper evaluating the different approaches to the theology of religions (exclusivism, inclusivism, pluralism) and their implications for Christian theology and practice. Engage in a discussion on the theology of religions.

Module 11: Missional Implications

Topic: Missional Implications of Interfaith Dialogue

Objective: Understand the missional implications of interfaith dialogue.

Learning Outcomes: Explain the missional implications of interfaith dialogue, identify the key principles, and analyze their significance.

Biblical Text: Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commands the disciples to make disciples of all nations. In Acts 1:8, Jesus instructs the disciples to be witnesses to the ends of the earth.

Book Reading: Various articles and readings on missional implications of interfaith dialogue.

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the missional implications of interfaith dialogue and the importance of empathy and tolerance. Research and present on a case study of missional implications of interfaith dialogue.