RELIGION (B.A.) Religion (B.A.) 1

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1 Religion (B.A.) 1 RELIGION (B.A.) The mission of the Religion Department, in accord with the mission of the University and the College of Arts & Sciences, is to prepare leaders to transform church and society, inspired by the love of Christ and the vision of His Kingdom. The original and historic purpose of Concordia- Portland was the education of future pastors for ministry in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. While Concordia has greatly expanded its mission in the last century, the preparation of pastors, other church workers, and church leaders continues to stand at the core of Concordia s identity. The Religion Department offers a flexible major which provides a solid theological grounding for those who are called in a variety of directions: seminary studies and pastoral ministry; graduate studies and teaching in religion; professional ministry directly following the bachelor s degree; and those simply interested in studying the Christian religion. For those who already have a bachelor s degree, it also offers a Pastoral Studies Certificate to better prepare them for seminary-level education. Ministry Training Center (MTC) is a program under the Center for Applied Lutheran Leadership (CALL) at Concordia-Portland, in partnership with the Northwest District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, which trains and develops local leaders for Christian ministry. Phillip (Phil ) L. Brandt, Ph.D., Professor, pbrandt@cu-portland.edu Theodore (Ted ) Engelbrecht, D.Min., Associate Professor, tengelbrecht@cu-portland.edu Chad D. Lakies, Ph.D., Chair, Associate Professor, clakies@cu-portland.edu Michael Thomas, Ph.D., Interim Dean, Professor, mithomas@cu-portland.edu Religion (B.A.) Freshman (catalog.cuportland.edu/undergraduate/theologyarts-sciences/division-theology/theologyfreshman) Religion (B.A.) Transfer Student (catalog.cu-portland.edu/undergraduate/ theology-arts-sciences/division-theology/ theology-transfer) REL 189 PRACTICES IN SPIRITUALITY AND SOCIAL CHANGE Credit: 1 This seminar is paired with REL 190 and serves as a laboratory experience for that class. Through immersive experiences and research the student will engage a social problem and work toward an equitable solution. The seminar is repeatable with alternate subjects. Corequisite: REL 190. REL 190 LEADERSHIP IN SPIRITUALITY AND SOCIAL CHANGE Credits: 2 This course offers the student an opportunity to live out the mission of Concordia University. The student will explore the intersections of faith and life through open conversation on issues of science, society, law, and religion. Through hands-on projects, interaction with individuals who are catalysts for social change, and personal and theological reflection, the student will be better equipped to be a leader who serves societal transformation. Corequisite: REL 189. REL 211 HISTORY AND LITERATURE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT Credits: 3 This course surveys the origins and early history of the religion of ancient Israel and early Judaism. The main objectives are to comprehend the circumstances and causes of the emergence of this religion, to trace its major early developments, to describe the beliefs and practices of ancient Israelite and early Judaism, to understand the books of the Hebrew Bible within their historical and canonical context, and to appreciate how these writings function as Holy Scripture in religious communities, both in the ancient world and today. REL 211H HISTORY AND LITERATURE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT-HONORS Credits: 3 This course surveys the origins and early history of the religion of ancient Israel and early Judaism. The main objectives are to comprehend the circumstances and causes of the emergence of this religion, to trace its major early developments, to describe the beliefs and practices of ancient Israelite and early Judaism, to understand the books of the Hebrew Bible within their historical and canonical context, and to appreciate how these writings function as Holy Scripture in religious communities, both in the ancient world and today. REL 221 HISTORY AND LITERATURE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT Credits: 3 This course surveys the foundational texts of Christianity, their context, origins, genre, and content. The main objectives are to equip to the student to undertake the study of religion at the university level by understanding authoritative Christian literature within its historical and canonical context, and to appreciate how these writings function as Holy Scripture in Christian communities, both in the ancient world and today. REL 221H HISTORY AND LITERATURE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT-HONORS Credits: 3 This course surveys the foundational texts of Christianity, their context, origins, genre, and content. The main objectives are to equip to the student to undertake the study of religion at the university level by understanding authoritative Christian literature within its historical and canonical context, and to appreciate how these writings function as Holy Scripture in Christian communities, both in the ancient world and today. REL 275 OUTREACH, ASSIMILATION, VISITATION Credits: 3 Students will identify how they, as Christians, can participate in God s mission to seek and to save the lost. The diverse components of a congregation s outreach ministry will be discussed, while considering various methods and resources for that ministry. Primary emphasis will be on helping students understand the importance of the role every Christian plays in God s mission so they can motivate and educate Christians, developing and implementing an effective and intentional outreach ministry. REL 276 PERSONAL CARE MINISTRY Credits: 2 Introduces students to active listening, spiritual resources in crisis situations, helping people care, peer counseling, and hospital visitation. Some field work in a local hospital will be required. REL 288 DEPARTMENTAL A seminar on a current issue in religion, ministry, or a mutual relationship with another discipline. Topic will be announced in advance of each seminar offered.

2 2 Religion (B.A.) REL 289 RELIGION MAJOR A required seminar of all Religion Majors every year of enrollment, this one hour/week seminar will provide the community of Religion Majors an opportunity to explore deeply a single, narrowly defined topic of religion under the direction of a faculty member. The topics vary from year to year, please consult department for current year's topic. REL 299E EXPERIMENTAL COURSE - RELIGION Credits: 3 Experimental course option varies by term. Please see academic department for course description. REL 315 OLD TESTAMENT WRITINGS Credits: 2 This course examines and analyzes individual texts (e.g. Genesis, Exodus, Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc.), collections of texts (e.g. Pentateuch, Prophets), historical periods (Deuteronomic History, Second Temple Judaism, etc.) and/or themes (wisdom, apocalyptic, pseudepigraphic texts) from the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible. Commensurate with course topic (which varies each semester), students will explore the varieties of religious, historical, literary, and socio-cultural context which underlies the primary texts. Inquiry into these themes will be aided by modern scholarly methods and tools. Students will also examine how these writings function as Holy Scripture both in Jewish and Christian communities, both in the ancient world and today. REL 325 NEW TESTAMENT WRITINGS Credits: 2 This course examines and analyzes individual texts (e.g. Matthew, Luke, Romans, Revelation, etc.), collections of texts (e.g. Synoptic Gospels, Pauline Epistles), and/or themes (Johannine Signs, Apocalyptic Thought, Miracles as Performed Parables, etc.). Commensurate with course topic (which varies each semester), students will explore the varieties of religious, historical, literary, and socio-cultural context which underlies the primary texts. Inquiry into these themes will be aided by modern scholarly methods and tools. Students will also examine how these writings function as Holy Scripture in Christian communities, both in the ancient world and today. REL 331 THE CHRISTIAN FAITH Credits: 3 An exploration of the various teachings of the Christian faith, including the doctrines of God and atheism, the relationship of Christianity to the world religions, creation, the person and work of Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit in Christian life, in Scriptures, the church, ministry, sacraments, and the return of Christ to usher in the kingdom of God. We will approach these teachings from the Lutheran perspective, using also the Lutheran confessions, but will compare other denominational views of doctrinal issues. REL 332 CAN RELIGION BE RATIONAL Credits: 3 Westboro Baptist Church. The Roman Catholic priest sex scandal. Islamic terrorism. Israeli aggression. Jim Jones. Religion has sometimes taken forms that are not only hard to comprehend rationally, but are downright dangerous. However, it has also taken forms that have benefited society such as the creation of hospitals, charities, development projects, and care for the weak. This course will investigate the disconnect between a rationality that can serve the world and a perceived irrational religion particularly the Abrahamic scriptural religions. Can such religions be beneficial, rational enterprises? Prerequisites: REL 221 or REL 221 with a D or REL 335 TRENDS IN MODERN THEOLOGY Credits: 2 Within modern theology, one can easily gather together the work of various scholars to demonstrate their concentrated focus on a particular concern or problem. Observing such trends is a helpful way for seeing a very large and diverse field through an interpretive framework that allows a variety of theologians, philosophers, and other thinkers whose work impinges upon theology to be understood in a coherent manner. Such trends might include: ethics, ecclesiology, Trinity, gender, ecology, anthropology, Christology, the Holy Spirit, the doctrine of God, worship, etc. Each term that this course is offered, a selection of these trends will become the fodder for investigation and discussion for the purpose of recognizing their impact on the modern church and world. REL 336 THE CHURCH AT WORK IN MISSION Credits: 2 An introduction to the mission of the Church as found in the Scriptures to the most recent strategies used at home and overseas. Students will discover their own roles in the mission of the Church, and will be able to pass on that passion to help create a healthy missionary congregation. REL 341 ART IN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH Credits: 2 A hands-on study of traditional and new church symbols from early Christianity to the present. Students explore various artistic ideas for worship today. The course applies to teachers, directors of education, pastors, and lay people. REL 349 RENAISSANCE AND REFORMATION Credits: 3 An introduction to the major themes and issues of the Renaissance and Reformation, approximately The first half of the course explores the Italian origins of the Renaissance, humanism and the politics, literature and fine arts of the period. The second half focuses on Reformation Europe, the Protestant reform movements in Germany, Switzerland and England as well as the response by the Roman Catholic Church. REL 351 RELIGION IN AMERICAN LIFE Credits: 3 Explore the fascinating topic of the role of religion in shaping the life of Americans. As a nation that has been influenced predominantly by Christianity since its very beginning, we ll ask about what has changed in the last few centuries. What makes us the kind of religious people we are today? With a focus on the role of religion in our society, especially from a Christian perspective, we ll see that much has changed. Is this for good or for ill? What caused the changes? How does American Religion affect our everyday lives even if we don t consider ourselves religious? We will explore these and many more questions. REL 352 CHURCH HISTORY I: EARLY CHURCH TO REFORMATION Credits: 3 This course provides the student with a basic understanding of the history of the Christian Church in its early formative years until the Reformation period. The course covers the intellectual, artistic, liturgical, organizational, devotional, and mission activities of the church, utilizing primary source materials. Emphasis is given to inspiring figures of the era and the challenge they bring also to our contemporary church work.

3 Religion (B.A.) 3 REL 353 CHURCH HISTORY II: REFORMATION TO TODAY Credits: 3 This course explores the history of the Christian Church from era of the Reformation through the present, with special attention paid to broad movements which continue to impact the religious scene in much of the world, but especially in North America. Extensive readings in original documents will facilitate an ability to grasp the thought and importance of various figures as well as build critical thinking skills associated with the study of History. REL 354 MINISTRY IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST Credits: 2 The course will discuss the issues of ministry peculiar to the Northwest, studying the particular geography and history of the region. Students will study the social issues of particular concern to the peoples of the region and the effective models of ministry that have been developed, as well as developing their own. REL 361 INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS Credits: 3 This course will explore the theory and practice of ethics from the Christian perspective, including an overview of personal ethics and critical examination and discussion of major social ethical issues such as sexuality, abortion, the death penalty, cloning, and assisted suicide. REL 371 WORLD RELIGIONS Credits: 2 This course introduces the student to the other major religious traditions of the world: Animism, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Analysis of these religions includes their historical development, basic teachings and beliefs, practices, institutions and cultural expressions. Similarities and differences between various religious traditions as expressions of human spirituality are explored through lectures, discussions, guest speakers and field experiences. REL 371H WORLD RELIGIONS - HONORS Credits: 2 An introduction to the major living religions of the world: Animism, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Classic teachings as well as contemporary religious developments are presented through lectures, speakers, in-depth discussions on primary texts, and experiences. REL 372 BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION Credits: 3 This course engages students in learning and practicing the steps of careful, thoughtful, and responsible biblical interpretation, or hermeneutics. Students enrolled in the course will become familiar with various tools for biblical interpretation, and learn how to apply various approaches and methodologies to Scripture. REL 377 DEPARTMENTAL TOUR Credit: 1 A tour offered by the Religion Department. Details vary by year. Prerequisites: Instructor approval. REL 380 CHRISTIAN ENCOUNTER WITH OTHER RELIGIONS Credits: 2 This course enables students to increase their understanding of the relationships between Christianity and several other religions. The course will look at the basics of traditional Biblical Christianity and explore ways in which other religions parallel and diverge in thought, in belief and in practice. As a result the student will be able to see and appreciate the depth and breadth of Christianity as it relates to other religions as well as understand more clearly what makes Christianity unique. REL 381 FIELD EXPERIENCE IN CROSS- CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING Credits: 3 The student will prepare for a practical field experience in cross-cultural mission through anthropological and sociological studies of culture and poverty. The student will gain some skill in the language of ministry and research points of contact for effective witnessing. Prerequisites: REL 371 with a D or REL 382 ISSUES BETWEEN CHRISTIANITY AND ANOTHER RELIGION Credits: 3 This course will present the theological and historical issues of conflict and commonality between Christianity and the other religion. The student will read the sacred texts of the religion, visit worship events, have guest speakers, and pursue research in order to grasp the inner life of another religion. The student will understand the current relations between the religions and grow in comfort relating to another religion. REL 388 CLASSICAL GREECE AND ROME TOUR Credits: 0 Visit ancient Greek, Roman, and early Christian locales in Greece, Turkey and/or Italy. Details vary by year. Tour is offered every other year. Enrollment in REL 389 or HST 389 is optional. REL 389 CLASSICAL GREECE AND ROME Credits: 3 This course offers an examination of the two cultures which laid the foundation for Western Civilization and Europe. The course will investigate the peoples of these cultures (from emperors to slaves), the diverse governments and social structures of Greek city-state (e.g. Athens and Sparta), hoplite and naval warfare, arts, literature, and philosophy, the Hellenistic expansion of Greek culture under Alexander the Great, the rise of the Roman Republic, the growth of Imperial Power under the Caesars, and the transformative impact of Christianity on the Greco-Roman culture. REL 399E EXPERIMENTAL COURSE - RELIGION Credits: 3 Experimental course option varies by term. Please see academic department for course description. REL 401 FAITH FOR LIFE Credits: 3 Engagement Project. The student will explore the nature of servant leadership, intercultural engagement, the fruitfulness of retrieving religious ideas to understand ourselves and our world, and implications for a meaningful life as a global citizen. Prerequisites: REL 211 or REL 221 with a D or higher and REL 371 with a D or higher and Junior or Senior status.

4 4 Religion (B.A.) REL 401H FAITH FOR LIFE - HONORS Credits: 3 Engagement Project. The course will be conducted in a seminar format with students expected to take leadership roles in leading the discussions, demonstrating preparedness, and engaging in significant reflection on the course content. The student will explore the nature of servant leadership, intercultural engagement, the fruitfulness of retrieving religious ideas to understand ourselves and our world, and the implications for a meaningful life as a global citizen. Prerequisites: REL 211 or REL 221 or REL 211H or REL 221H with a D or higher and REL 371 or REL 371H with a D or higher or concurrent enrollment and Junior status. REL 401N FAITH FOR LIFE Credits: 3 Engagement Project. The student will explore the nature of servant leadership, intercultural engagement, the fruitfulness of retrieving religious ideas to understand ourselves and our world, and implications for a meaningful life as a global citizen. Prerequisites: REL 211 or REL 221 with a D or higher and REL 371 with a D or higher and Junior or Senior status; For Nursing majors only. REL 403 THEOLOGY OF ECOLOGY Credits: 2 Explores contemporary Christian theology and its response to environmental and ecological issues. The course will investigate the nature of our current ecological crisis and the emerging theological insights by Christians deeply concerned about our global environment. Special emphasis will be given to the God-world relationship, biblical and ethical considerations, as well as ecological issues germane to the Northwest. REL 411 EARLY CHRISTIAN THOUGHT Credits: 3 This course surveys a particular body of literature produced by the Fathers of the Early Christian Church. These texts are representative samples of the primary documentation regarding the dynamic life and history as well as the struggle and conflict of the church during the Patristic Age ( CE). They introduce a range of topics from Christian worship and ethics, persecution and martyrdom, Trinitarian and Christological theology, anthropology and soteriology, and Biblical interpretation. In this course, we will be introduced to the central figures of this age, the historical context of the issues and debates, and the key tenets of Christianity that emerge during this period to form the heart of Christian theology throughout the history of the church. Finally, we will consider the continuing life of this literature, how it has been read, how it left its mark on diverse Christian communities and cultures in the medieval and modern worlds. REL 422 CHRISTIAN MUSIC, WORSHIP, AND SPIRITUALITY Credits: 2 The student will study the theology and history of Christian worship, spirituality, and the arts, especially music. The student will learn to develop effective corporate worship experiences and to develop a personal practice of spiritual discipline. REL 431 LUTHERAN CONFESSIONAL THEOLOGY Credits: 3 An introduction to the historic Lutheran Confessions, the Lutheran confessionaltheological tradition, and the various contemporary approaches to understanding the Confessions as a distinctive witness to the gospel and as a creative and normative resource for contemporary evangelical theology. REL 460 RELIGION IN THE MODERN WORLD Credits: 3 The course will orient students to the pervasive nature of religion in all aspects of the modern world with special attention to how social interaction with religious people occurs in contemporary society and influences politics and conflict. Prerequisites: REL 371 with a D or REL 471 RELIGIOUS WORLDS: INTRODUCTION TO METHODS AND THEORIES IN THE STUDY OF RELIGION Credits: 3 This course introduces and examines some of the principal theories and methodologies employed in the academic study of religion. Utilizing various psychological, anthropological, sociological, phenomenological, theological, and feminist approaches to the subject, students will examine and explore the central categories of religious thought and ritual to uncovering the specific language, structures, myths, and practices common to all religious traditions. Students will also reflect critically on precisely what religion is and how it can be most appropriately conceptualized and studied. Prerequisites: REL 371 with a D or REL 480 RELIGION AND LITERATURE Credits: 2 The goal of this course is to engage the student in a comparative study of selected texts in a particular genre of classic literature, in order to probe their insights into the major issues of human existence. In a given semester the genre may explore fantasy literature such as C.S. Lewis' Narnia, tragic literature such as Elie Wiesel's Night, or comedic literature such as Shakespeare's As You Like It. Prerequisites: REL 211 or 221 with a D or REL 482 INTERNSHIP PREPARATION Credit: 1 Prepares students to undertake an internship related to the student s major so that they may better evaluate and comprehend the specific career choice they are considering and to gain valuable experiences that ensure they are career-ready. REL 483 INTERNSHIP I Credits: 2 Provides students with real-world experiences in fields related to their chosen or contemplated professions and provides valuable experiences that ensure that students are career-ready. Prerequisites: REL 482 with a C or REL 484 INTERNSHIP II Credits: 2 Provides students with real-world experiences in fields related to their chosen or contemplated professions and provides valuable experiences that ensure that students are career-ready. Prerequisites: REL 482 with a C or REL 488 DEPARTMENTAL A seminar on a current issue in religion, ministry, or a mutual relationship with another discipline. Topic will be announced in advance of each seminar offered.

5 Religion (B.A.) 5 REL 489 RELIGION MAJOR A required seminar of all Religion Majors every year of enrollment, this one hour/week seminar will provide the community of Religion Majors an opportunity to explore deeply a single, narrowly defined topic of religion under the direction of a faculty member. The topics vary from year to year, please consult department for current year's topic. REL 492 SENIOR THESIS PREPARATION Credit: 1 This course is required for students planning to complete a senior thesis. The product of this course will be a thesis proposal. Prerequisites: Upper division standing as a Religion major and Division Chair approval. REL 493 RELIGION THESIS I: LITERATURE REVIEW AND PROJECT DESIGN Credits: 2 The first of two courses required to complete the thesis option of the Senior Project for graduation from any major in the College of Arts & Sciences. Thesis students are guided through the initial components of the thesis, including literature review and experimental or project design, obtain approval from Concordia's Institutional Review Board (IRB) to proceed with the proposed research or project, and begin to implement the research or project. Prerequisites: REL 492 with a B or higher, upper division standing, and agreement of a faculty member to serve as Faculty Supervisor for thesis project. REL 494 RELIGION THESIS II: RESEARCH, WRITING, AND DEFENSE Credits: 2 The second of two courses required to complete the thesis option of the Senior Project for graduation from any major in the College of Arts & Sciences. Thesis students are guided through the final components of the thesis, including the research or project itself, data gathering and analysis, and writing and defense of the thesis. The defense of the thesis will be a public event open to faculty, staff, students, and community members. Prerequisites: REL 493 with a C or REL 498 INDEPENDENT STUDY Credits: 1-3