World Religions & Area Studies

MW708 INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS (3)

Muck
An introduction to the origin, history, and basic tenets of each of the major religious traditions of the world--Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism Shinto, Sikhism, and Zoroastrianism. Students learn basic religious study skills and engage in research projects in one or more of these religions. Meets with MS674 on the Kentucky Campus.

MW715 RELIGIONS OF THE MIDDLE EAST (3)

Muck
Study in the history, beliefs, and practices of Judaism, Islam, and Zoroastrianism.
Each of these religious expressions will be studied in their indigenous form as well as their modern manifestations in the Middle East and the world.

MW720 MISSION TO MUSLIM PEOPLES (3)

Staff
The backgrounds, history, and living reality of Islam in the contemporary world. The course focuses on Christian-Muslim interaction in the Church's fulfilling of the apostolic call for witness, including the question of contextualization of the Gospel message for Muslim peoples.

MW723 RELIGIONS OF INDIA (3)

Muck
Study in the history beliefs, and practices of Vedism, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. Each of these religious expressions will be studied in their indigenous form as well as their modern manifestations in India and the world.

MW725 PRIMAL AND FOLK RELIGIONS (3)

Irwin
A study of the interaction of Christianity with primal religious institutions and worldviews, with emphasis on how people within a tradition of folk religion understand and practice Christian faith. Core course for Th.M., D.Miss., and Ph.D.

MW726 RELIGIONS OF CHINA (3)

Muck
Study in the history, beliefs, and practices of Taoism, Confucianism, Mahayana Buddhism, and indigenous Chinese religions. Each of these religious expressions will be studied in their indigenous form as well as their modern manifestations in China and the world.

MW728 UNDERSTANDING RELIGION (3)

Irwin
A study of the distinctive characteristics of religion through systematic investigation of its basic structures. Provides tools to understand religion as it occurs across all faiths, and introduces the Christian faith as representing a unique religious structure.

MW730 THE CHURCH IN OCEANIA (3)

Rynkiewich
Studies in the peoples and cultures, including the growth of the Church, present opportunities and the indigenous communication of the gospel to these peoples. Tutorial.

MW735 THE CHURCH IN ASIA (3)

Staff
A focus upon the history, contemporary state and future opportunities of the Christian Church in selected nations and cultures of South and East Asia. Tutorial.

MW740 TUTORIAL IN WORLD RELIGIONS AND AREA STUDIES (1-3)

Staff
For students with specialized interests/needs in selected areas of study. Consult syllabus for prerequisites and course requirements. See academic policies. May be repeated.

MW745 THE CHURCH IN EUROPE (3)

Staff
A study of the churches of Europe in their historical, socio-cultural and demographic contexts, with attention to the Church's growth patterns, special challenges and strategic possibilities.

MW750 THE CHURCH IN AFRICA (3)

Staff
A selective study of the evangelization, growth and history of the Christian movement in Africa; the problems, triumphs and failures it has experienced; and the opportunities and challenges facing the Church at the present time. Tutorial.

MW755 THE CHURCH IN LATIN AMERICA (3)

Staff
A study of the churches of Latin America in their historical, socio-cultural and demographic contexts, with attention to the Church's growth patterns, special challenges and strategic possibilities. Tutorial.

MW765 THE CHURCH IN NORTH AMERICA (3)

Staff
A study of the churches of North America in their historical, socio-cultural and demographic contexts, with attention to the Church's growth patterns, special challenges and strategic possibilities. Tutorial.

MW768 ISSUES IN THIRD-WORLD CHRISTIANITY (3)

Irwin
A study of particular issues raised by people practicing the Christian faith in the context of Third World countries, including their aspiration for a holistic experience of Christianity, adequate response to political and social structures, and significance within the world Christian community.

MW770 CONTEMPORARY CULTS AND NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS (3)

Muck
A study of cults and new religious movements in contemporary America and the Two-Thirds World, tracing their emergence from historical and religious perspectives, with interpretation of their theological significance. Meets with MS673 on the Wilmore Campus.

MW775 CHRISTIAN WITNESS AND OTHER RELIGIONS (3)

Muck
A survey of key issues in the encounter between Christianity and other religions. Looks at some historical precedents as well as contemporary trends including pluralism. Students develop a theology and theory of religious encounter.

MW780 COMPARATIVE MISSIOLOGY (3)

Muck
This course examines how the religions of the world self advocate, that is, attempt to promote themselves to their children and to those in other religious traditions and to those with no religion. Nine different religions or religious categories will be examined: Hinduism, Buddhism, Chinese religions, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Indigenous, New Religious Movements, and Atheism/Secularism. After a study of these religions and how they "do mission/evangelism," we will consider the Christian missiological implications of the way other religions are promoting themselves in the world today.

MW790 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH IN WORLD RELIGIONS AND AREA STUDIES (1-3)

Staff
Guided independent research for advanced students. See academic policy and procedures. By contract. Credit only. May be repeated.

MW795/MS685 THE CHURCH ABROAD (3)

Staff
A visit to a developing country to observe the church in a specific cultural setting. Aspects of culture, mission/church relations, and ministry issues will be studied. Travel costs in addition to tuition. Usually offered during J-Term. Staff and requirements approved each time the course is offered; see the syllabus particular to the term being offered. May be repeated up to a total of six units. Prerequisite: IS501.

Asbury Theological Seminary

Academic Catalog