Why Pre-Religion Studies?
The Department of World Religions desires to see every graduate become equipped to join God’s mission to transform people and places from all tribes, tongues and religions through Jesus Christ, as well as to mobilize others to also engage in God’s mission.
We live in an increasingly multicultural world of different ethnicities, political views, and cultural practices. Along with those differences comes the realization that not everyone believes the same things on the big questions of life. In fact, not only are there significant differences but there are different communities that embody those beliefs. The number of these communities is increasing. Students will gain religious and intercultural literacy of the people who account for much of the world’s population. Students will also develop a framework, approaches and techniques that help them analyze religions and belief systems. This knowledge will open doors for missional career opportunities.
Course Descriptions
Core Requirements
REL 1000 Intro to Study of Religion
Introduction to the social scientific and historical comparative study of religions. Through reading, reflection, writing and discussion, students will explore the social and personal dimensions of religion through history, how religion shapes people and their experience of the world, and how it is shaped by people. Students will develop their own unique “Great Commission” and missional-relational perspective.
ANT1000 Anthropology for Everyday Life
This course introduces students to basic cultural anthropological principles and gives them a series of opportunities to develop skills in cross-cultural research. It is designed to be a stretching, edifying, and equipping experience.
MIS1100 Exploring Worldviews in Christian Witness
Exploration of an approach to worldview study and a dialogical method to sharing your faith at a personal level, beginning with a clear understanding of Christian mission. Considers how understanding another person’s worldview through asking excellent questions will lead to a variety of approaches to evangelism in the context of diverse 21st century cultures.
GEO2000 Cultural Geography
Examines issues of human cultural impact on the landscape through exploring numerous developmental ideologies and practices that have evolved throughout the last century. Participants will explore the intersections of context and culture to help students evaluate current ideologies of missional strategy and practice.
Missional Foundations
ELD1000 Exploring the Mission of God
A survey of Missio Dei, the mission of God, explores salvation history through the redemptive vision of God. The student will learn how God is reconciling all of creation unto himself in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Students will also observe God at work through His people in mission.
THM1000 Intro to Missional Spirituality
This course explores the spiritual dimension of missional engagement in the post-Christendom world. Students will discover practical and creative ways of deepening their personal spirituality allowing more engagement with not-yet Christians and the development of authentic missional community. Resources will include readings, video interviews with practitioners, creative spiritual practices, real life experimentation and weekly Q & A reports.
General Studies
Your choice of General Studies such as English, Biology,Chemistry, etc.
Future Educational Plan
Associates Program
Transfer Directly into the Associate Degree Program in World Religion.
Bachelor Program
Transfer Directly into the Bachelors Degree Completion Program in World Religion, Buddhist Studies, Hindu Studies, Islamic Studies, Judaic Studies, or New Religious Movements.
Master’s Program
Masters Degree in World Religion, Buddhist Studies, Hindu Studies, Islamic Studies, Judaic Studies, or New Religious Movements.
Sample Employment Positions
Missionary, Religious Leader, Grant Writer, Community Worker, International Worker, Humanitarian Worker, Church Relations Associate, Team Leader, Global Director, Faith and Development Manager, Marketplace Ministry Worker, Historian, Researcher, Research Assistant, Non-profit organization Director
Major Popular US Locations
Austin, TX; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; Minneapolis, MN; Phoenix, AZ ; Seattle, WA; New York, New York; Washington, D.C.; Dallas, TX; Atlanta, GA
Major Popular International Locations
Amsterdam, Netherlands; Athens, Greece; Berlin, Germany; London, United Kingdom; Stockholm, Sweden; Vienna, Austria
