- This course closed on October 29, 2024.
Course Description
Explore the core principles and historical context of the Christian faith in this foundational course designed to deepen your understanding and application of biblical teachings. REL 120 – Foundations of Christian Faith delves into the essential doctrines, narratives, and practices that have shaped Christianity through the ages. This course offers a holistic perspective on Christian theology, incorporating spiritual, ethical, and social dimensions while emphasizing the integration of faith in modern, real-world contexts.
Students will engage in thoughtful reflections, and critical analyses of scriptural texts, discovering how Christian values can be lived out practically. By the end of the course, students will synthesize their learning into a real-world culminating project that aligns with their personal and professional aspirations, such as designing a community outreach initiative, creating a faith-based curriculum, or producing an inspirational multimedia resource.
What You Will Learn:
- Core Christian Doctrines and Beliefs:
- Understand key theological concepts such as the Trinity, salvation, and the nature of God.
- Analyze the Apostles’ Creed and other essential Christian statements of faith.
- Biblical Interpretation and Application:
- Develop skills for interpreting scriptural texts within their historical and cultural contexts.
- Apply biblical principles to contemporary challenges and personal growth.
- Faith and Reason:
- Explore the relationship between faith and reason, examining how they complement each other in the Christian worldview.
- Discuss the role of faith in ethical decision-making and public discourse.
- Historical and Contemporary Christian Practices:
- Examine the development of Christian worship, sacraments, and traditions over time.
- Consider how these practices can be adapted for diverse communities and settings.
- Real-World Culminating Project:
- Integrate course concepts into a meaningful, real-world project that demonstrates your understanding of Christian faith in action.
- Choose from various project options, such as creating a community service program, developing a faith-based educational resource, or producing a creative work inspired by Christian teachings.
By the end of this course, you will have not only gained foundational knowledge of the Christian faith but also created a tangible project that reflects your personal engagement with faith-based principles in a way that impacts your community or field of interest.
