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THEO7443-01

Comparitive Religions: History and Methods

The comparative study of religions has evolved through different stages of methodological reflection since its establishment as an autonomous discipline over a century ago. Questions concerning the nature and goal of comparison and the possibilities and limits of understanding individuals belonging to other religions remain at the heart of any engagement with religious pluralism. We will explore these questions through a study of the theories of early phenomenologists of religion such as Gerardus Van der Leeuw, through the work of Mircea Eliade and his critics, and up to the contemporary approaches of figures such as Jonathan Z. Smith.

THEO5474-20

Jews an Christians: Understanding the Other

This course is an exercise in interreligious learning sponsored by the Boston College's Center for Jewish-Christian Learning. Interreligious dialogue requires interreligious understanding. This course will build a foundation for genuine dialogue between Jews and Christians by posting fundamental theological questions in a comparative context. Students will gain an understanding of the other tradition while also deepening their understanding of their own, discussing such matters as the human experience of God, the purpose of human existence, the nature of religious community, and the ways that the communities respond to challenges, both contemporary and ancient.

TMPS7090

Ministry in a Diverse Church

Catholicism in the United States is presently shaped by rich cultural traditions that demand creative approaches to ministry in the midst of diversity. Nearly 45% of all Catholics in the country are Hispanic, 40% Euro-American, 4% Asian-American, 3.7% African-American, among others. Students in this course explore key questions and discuss ministerial strategies that will help them develop cultural competencies for effective ministry today. The course builds on the U.S. Latino/a Catholic experience as a case study while addressing core issues in ministry that affect everyone in the Church. Ecumenical and international perspectives are welcomed into this conversation.

TMST7088

Theology of Culture

This course explores the relationship between theology and culture through the following questions: How do particular cultures shape Christian faith? How has the Church, for better or worse, changed (or failed to change) the various cultures into which it has been received? How are rapid advances in technology shaping culture and how should the Church respond? How do theologians navigate between their local context and global economic realities that influence all locales? How does the study of culture, which integrates the various branches of inquiry into human meaning, challenge and invigorate theological reflection?

GRS RN638

Philosophy and Mysticism: Jewish and Islamic Perspectives

Thematic introduction to mysticism and philosophy, with a focus on dynamics of religious experience. Readings from medieval Jewish and Islamic philosophy; Sufi mysticism and philosophy; Kabbalah, Biblical interpretation, Sufi poetry, Hebrew poetry from the Golden Age of Muslim Spain.

STH TS875

Comparative Religious Ethics

The course will first acquaint students with the basic moral teachings of Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, as well as East Asian, African, and Native American religions. We will then pursue moral wisdom across religious traditions around the following topics: ultimate end, exemplary virtue, social hierarchy, sexuality and marriage, war and peace, as well as political liberation. Finally, we will explore how bodily practices such as yogic movements, breathing exercises, Benedictine liturgical prayers, meditation of the cosmos, and contemplation of divine love might have far-reaching ethical consequences.

STH TA815

World Religions in Boston (A-Term)

[This course is full. Please contact sthregfa@bu.edu to be added to the waitlist.] In an increasingly pluralistic society it is essential to have some understanding of the beliefs and worship patterns of other religions and to be able to engage in dialogue with them. This course utilizes the Pluralism Project at Harvard to explore new forms of interfaith engagement. Seven weekly lectures introduce the issues surrounding interfaith work and a basic understanding of the tenets and practices of five major religions. Site visits (to Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist and Jewish worship services) offer first- hand experiences and the opportunity for discussion and interaction with religious leaders and lay people.�

CL654

Leadership in Urban Ministry

Emphasis is given to equipping, leading, and supporting urban Christians in and for their various callings in home, community, church, and workplace through the educational ministry of the local congregation. Helps students to identify their own leadership opportunities, to consider their own leadership assets, and to develop others.

CL/WM615

Cross-Cultural Leadership

The purpose of this course is the study of leadership specifically within cross-cultural contexts.

CL503

Foundations of Leadership

This course is designed to equip individuals to serve effectively as leaders, as agents of change, as facilitators of mission, as administrators in the parish or in other related vocational settings. Systems theory is utilized as the major theoretical/theological approach to the foundation of leadership.

HI-619

Muslim-Christian Conflict or Cooperation: The Politics of Interpreting Our Shared Past

The interpretation of Islam and Christian-Muslim encounters has become highly politicized, ideological, and controversial. Islam and Christianity have been described as either sibling children of Abraham sharing much in common or part of a monolithic clash of incompatible civilizations. This course will survey the history of Christian-Muslim relations, giving attention to how contemporary events shape our memories of past events and identities. Students will examine the origins of the encounter, the diversity of historical contexts, and interpretive frameworks to provide tools to develop their own critical perspectives on Christian-Muslim relations for contemporary public engagement.