JUDAISM, CHRISTIANITY, ISLAM Religious Studies 2160

(IAI H5 901)

We recite Gods revelations to you in all truth. But in what scripture will they believe if they deny God Himself and all His signs? (The Quran 45:6) Judaism, Christianity and Islam share a deep heritage as religions of Abraham, yet they also display significant differences and a history of conflict. Hopefully, we can come to understand their similarities and differences by studying in some detail their stories, their teachers, their movements and variations, examining the historical development of each faith. In each case, scriptures must be consulted Judaisms Torah (along with the Talmud), the Christian New Testament, and Islams Quran (along with the Hadith traditions) as we try to understand the historical development of the texts, their theological assumption and their implications. Ultimately, we must also see that each of these religions a living and thriving way of seeing the world today, each with central truths and a variety of interpretations. In all this study, we hopefully come to understand and to respect these faiths, even while we critically analyze historical claims and theological belief systems. Thus we gain an insight into the realities of the world we inhabit now, along with an understanding of what these faiths mean for the billions of people that believe. Perhaps this study can even contribute to our own spiritual self-reflection and make us ponder the meaning and significance of our own lives. RELIGIOUS STUDIES 2160 Judaism, Christianity, Islam (IAI H5 901) 3 credit hours, Spring Semester This course presents an overview of the historical development of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as roles of scripture, ritual, theology, and ethics. These religions' social relevance and their current inter-relations will also be considered. Prerequisite: Course requires Reading Placement Test Score-Category One. (3 lecture hours) Recommended for students who are interested in religion, specifically in the monotheistic Religions of Abraham, their history and teachings from the past and up to today.