IDSC 480 01

RELIGIOUS PLURALISM

SPRING 2008

INSTRUCTORS: DR. BERNARD V. BRADY & DR. STEPHEN J. LAUMAKIS

OFFICES: 116 & 207 MAGNUS/ROACH

PHONE: 962-5303 & 962-5363

OFFICE HOURS: 2:45-3:30 MF; 1:00-3:15 T/TH & BY APPOINTMENT (BB) AND

10:45-12:00 MWF & 9:15-9:45 & BY APPOINTMENT (SL)

SEMINAR DESCRIPTION/GOALS :

From the beginning of time, human beings have been searching for that which transcends and encapsulates the world.   In the course of that search, the religions of the world have provided millions of people with a purpose to their lives, with orientation, and with a spiritual home.   Although these religions (i.e., Indigenous religions, Hinduism, Chinese religions, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) share many common elements, they nevertheless have major differences.   What is one to make of this religious diversity/pluralism?

This seminar will explore attempts by philosophers and theologians to understand the phenomenon of religious diversity/pluralism.   The course will be organized topically, focusing on both the philosophical challenges of religious diversity and the theological possibilities about the past, present and future of Christianity in a multi-faith world.   The views to be considered include:   Vatican II's Declaration on the Relationship of the Church to Non-Christian Religions, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith's Doctrine on the Unicity and Salvific Universality of Jesus Christ and the Church--Dominus Jesus, John Hick's pluralism, religious skepticism, religious exclusivism, and religious inclusivism.   Readings will include primary and secondary sources from each discipline.

Students will be evaluated based on general class discussion and participation, reaction papers, and in-class presentations and discussion leading.

SEMINAR STRUCTURE :

The seminar will be divided into roughly four parts.   The first part will be concerned with briefly outlining the basic philosophical and theological accounts of the various religions to be considered.   The second part will be concerned with the most prominent theological responses to religious pluralism.   The third part will focus on specific philosophical challenges of religious diversity.   The fourth part will be concerned with a comparative analysis of the perspectives considered in the seminar.

 Students will be assigned weekly readings, and be asked to participate in an on-line discussion of the readings as well as prepare a one-page reaction paper for class each week.   Class time will be devoted to discussion and to student presentations based on the readings.

TEXTS :

Coward, Harold. Pluralism in the World Religions .

Griffiths, Paul. Problems of Religious Diversity .

Selected handouts from other primary sources in both philosophy and theology, i.e., Documents of Vatican II, texts in Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism etc.

ASSIGNMENTS :

Reading of assigned materials is a MUST in order to introduce you to the subject matter, facilitate class discussion and participation, pose distressing questions, and just plain make you think.   The seminar will begin with a lecture format (two weeks) as we present an overview of the Theological and Philosophical issues involved in the question of religious pluralism.   It will then proceed in seminar style with SIGNIFICANT emphasis on student participation.   Students will be responsible for three areas of activity:

1) Participation, 2) Reaction Papers, and 3) Discussion Leading.

1) PARTICIPATION includes class discussion of the assigned readings and/or Web postings at the Threaded Discussion Area arranged for the seminar.

2) REACTION PAPERS are 1-2 TYPED PAGES in length and are based on pre-assigned readings.   These ten (10) papers involve a critical analysis/reflection on the texts.   The papers will be evaluated on a "+/0/-" scale.   "-" is missing or deficient (D-F). "0" is an adequate summary with little or no analysis (B-C). "+" is a thoughtful analysis (A).

3) DISCUSSION LEADING consists of forming a group of 2-3 students (by WEEK #2), selecting a topic (by WEEK #2), and leading class discussion during the week you present the issues involved in your topic.   Students will be responsible for leading discussion twice.

ATTENDANCE POLICY :

Attendance is expected.   Excessive absence may result in grade reduction.   Turn off your cell phones!

GRADE DISTRIBUTION :

Participation/Web = 30%

Reaction Papers = 30%

Discussion Leading (First time) = 15%

Discussion Leading (Second time) = 15%

Additional 10%