Why Major in Religious Studies?
Students in Belmont's Religious Studies program will benefit from a "choose your own adventure" framework, which allows you to select from a variety of courses in biblical studies, theological/historical studies, religion in society and practical studies, with the ultimate goal of pursuing your own unique interests in the study of religion.
What You'll Learn
- Receive a solid liberal arts education that serves as the foundation for any future theological career or graduate studies.
- Deepen your understanding of the history surrounding religion and its role in society.
- Gain valuable knowledge concerning Christian doctrine, institutions and biblical interpretations.
- Widen your perspectives on Christian responsibilities as they relate to current social issues.
- Engage in a comparative study of world religions, examining how these traditions perceive the purpose of human life and ultimate concerns in relation to the divine.
Career Possibilities
Further studies to achieve M.Div. M.TS. and/or Ph.D.
Biblical Scholar
Professor
Church Leadership
Missions
Non-profit Ministry
Program Details
Curriculum
The Religious Studies major leads to a bachelor of arts. It requires 128 hours of coursework.
- BELL Core requirements: 52 hours
- Major requirement including religion core and area of emphasis: 36 hours
- Minor requirements: 18 hours
- General electives: 16 hours
Courses You'll Take
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- REL 1250, Introduction to New Testament and Exegetical Methods
An advanced Biblical studies course for religion majors that focuses on the interpretation of the New Testament and introduces the methodology of biblical exegesis.
- REL 2350, Christian Doctrine
A study of the basic doctrines of the Christian faith.
- REL 1410, Vocation and the Christian Life
An introduction to the study of religion with emphasis on research skills, writing and personal development.
- REL 2410, Spiritual Formation
An emphasis upon using an entire lifetime to be formed by God. The course focuses upon personal discipline, spiritual reading, journal keeping and dream interpretation as means of being attentive to God.
- REL 2510, Christian Ethics
An introduction to Christian Ethics, with attention given to methodology, biblical foundations, types of ethical thought and Christian responsibility in relation to current social problems.
- REL 3310, Church History I or REL 3320, Church History II
REL 3310 Church History I: Ancient and Medieval Eras
A survey of the history of Christianity from the first to the fourteenth centuries that explores significant ideas, persons, movements and institutions.
REL 3320 Church History II: Reformation and Modern Eras
A survey of the history of Christianity from the fifteenth century to the present that explores significant ideas, persons, movements and institutions.
- REL 4015, Colloquium for Religion Majors
A colloquium designed as a capstone experience for majors which integrates biblical, theological, historical and practical studies. The course focuses on the student as a practicing theologian.
- World Religions (choose one course)
REL 3090 Spirituality in World Religions
A comparative exploration of spirituality in the major world religions and select indigenous peoples, examining how these traditions perceive the purpose of human life and ultimate concerns in relation to the divine.
REL 3095 Ethics in World Religions
This course is an exploration of ethics and choice in the major world religions, examining how these traditions perceive the purpose of human life and ultimate concerns in relations to the Divine. This course explores the frameworks of Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and Islam.
REL 4590 World Religions
A phenomenological study of the major world religions with emphasis on the attempts of each to deal with the problems which confront humans.
Any REL 3000 level Study Abroad course
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Contact Us
College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Danielle Walden
Admissions Coordinator
615.460.8340