Description of the Religion Program
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| Religion majors and
minors at Central are designed to lead to a number of practical vocations.
According to Thomas Kopecek, Ph.D., Professor of Religion, "Many employers,
both those who are associated with churches and those who are not, are
looking for college graduates who not only can read, write, speak and think
well, but also are intimately acquainted with the fundamental values taught
by religion." He added, "Acquiring these skills and studying these values
are at the heart of a religion major and minor at Central; so too is developing
self-confidence and leadership skills. Understanding the religious dimension
of human behavior is key to success in any number of vocations: if you
are going into the business world, education, or any career that deals
with people, and you don't know much about religion in America and throughout
the world, you are likely to make serious errors in judgment." |
| A background in the
academic study of religion is useful no matter what direction one's career
takes. Consequently, the religion faculty at Central encourages liberal
arts students to minor in religion, or to package religion courses around
a major in another field. |
| Students who choose
to major in religion at Central generally fall into two categories: (1)
those who wish to enter vocations in Christian service and (2) those who
seek to study religion within the broad context of the liberal arts. |
| Central grants students
in the latter group a great deal of flexibility in forging their academic
path. They are asked only to balance their religion courses among four
areas of study: biblical studies (Old Testament and New Testament); the
history of Christianity; comparative religious traditions (Judaism, Islam,
and South and East Asian religions); and religion, ethics and culture.
This approach to the religion major may also fit students who plan to go
on to seminary or divinity school in advance of a career in Christian ministry.
Often these students value a solid grounding in the liberal arts before
they become more specialized. |
| To assist students
who want to prepare for full-time Christian vocations, the Religion department
offers a Christian Ministries Concentration. This is intended for persons
interested in attending seminary or divinity school, or for those who want
to enter a Christian vocation immediately after graduation. It provides
the opportunity to step outside the classroom for educational experiences:
first, through ministerial internships, and second, through the Christian
ministries' 'spiritual formation' option. Course offerings in Christian
Ministries adds a fifth area to the four required for the regular religion
major: this area includes the study of Christian worship, a pre-ministerial
seminar, and an optional course titled Doctrines and Ministry to biblical
studies (Old Testament and New Testament); the history of Christianity;
comparative religious traditions (Judaism, Islam, and South and East Asian
religions); and religion, ethics, and culture. |
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