Religious Studies

Course summary

This course covers three broad areas which are Philosophy of Religion, Religion and Ethics and Developments in Christian Thought. Philosophy of Religion explores contemporary philosophical issues and questions about religion. Topics include arguments for the existence of God; the nature and influence of religious experience; problems with evil and suffering; philosophical language and the study of scholarly work; and developments in religious belief. Religion and Ethics explores concepts around Ethics. It looks at what ethics are and the issues and debates surrounding them including the study of three ethical theories; the application of ethical theory and consideration of the debate around issues such as the Environment, War and Sex; and a look at influential scholars within Ethics. Developments in Christian Thought provides an overview of Christian belief and understanding. It includes: Christian understanding of the nature of God; the Church and morality; the role of the Bible as a source of authority and the historical development of Christian thought (specifically Atonement theories); and assessing Christian understanding of the Church’s relationship with society.