Central College

Department of Philosophy and Religion 

It is the education mission of the Philosophy and Religion department to serve (1) the Liberal Arts core of the general curriculum, (2) the Philosophy major and minor, and (3) the Religion major, minor, and Christian Ministries Concentration, The department takes seriously its obligation to introduce students to philosophy and religion as humanities disciplines. All courses at the 100 and 200 level are open to all students, yet the department also seeks to offer a balanced array of courses for majors and minors. 

The Philosophy Program

The Philosophy Faculty

Dr. A. Chadwick Ray 
Dr. Michael Patzia

For more information about the Philosophy Faculty, click here.


Course offerings in philosophy introduce students to logic, the history of western philosophy, a sample of important areas of philosophical investigation, and areas of applied philosophy. In every philosophy course, the careful analysis and construction of arguments is emphasized. Reading and discussion of primary sources is preferred to textbook summaries in most courses. 
The Philosophy Program at Central offers both a Major and a Minor in Philosophy. 
If you want more information about Philosophy at Central, click here to go to the Philosophy page
Ask a Professional Philosopher! If you would like to ask a philosopher at Central College about the Philosophy Program at Central, about other aspects of the College, or ABOUT ANY PHILOSOPHICAL QUESTION/ISSUE, please feel free to contact Professor Ray. Just click on his name below. 
Email Professor Ray

Email Professor Patzia

 

The Religion Program

The Religion Faculty

The Revd. Dr. Terence J. Kleven 
 
Dr. Thomas A. Kopecek 
 
Dr. David E. Timmer 
 
The Revd. Joel Brummel, Chaplain of the College 
 
The Revd. Dr. Norman Kolenbrander

The Revd. Dr. Steve Mathonnet-Vanderwell

The Revd. Robert DeYoung


Course offerings in religion cover biblical studies, the history of Christian thought, world religions, (Judaism, Islam, and South and East Asian religions), and religious ethics. Nearly all courses contain a strong emphasis on the historical development of religious ideas and practices. Students are taught to interpret texts rather than to amass pre-interpreted information. 
One course in religion is a core requirement for graduation from Central College. Since the core religion requirement is connected with the college's identity as a liberal arts college in the Christian tradition, the department offers a wide variety of courses which introduce students to the sources and development of Christianity, with other religious traditions presented on their own terms, not in relation to Christianity. 
The Religion Program offers not only a Religion Major and a Religion Minor but also a Christian Ministries Concentration within the Religion Major. 
For more information about Religion at Central and email links to contact the Religion faculty and staff, click here to go to the Religion page.