RELN 314

I. Course Title: Social Problems and the Bible

II. Course Number: RELN 314

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Prerequisites: None

V. Course Description: 

This course explores how the Bible has been used in contemporary debates related to social problems. Topics of examination may include, but are not limited to, gender, sexuality, environmentalism, family, race, politics, and war.

Note(s): Humanistic or Artistic Expression designated course.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

From the U.S. Civil War to the Affordable Care Act, the Bible has been employed in some of the most fractious debates in American society. This course seeks to understand the Bible’s use and influence on important social, political, and economic issues. This examination will function at two levels. First, students will examine each issue as represented in the Bible in its ancient historical context. The second level of analysis will then focus on how the Bible is used, and by whom, in contemporary expressions of these social issues. By way of example, the instructor may guide students through an examination of what the Bible says about family and what family meant in ancient biblical cultures. Then, attention will turn to modern expressions of family based upon the Bible, how that compares to what the ancient authors meant, and the impact of interpretation in shaping social opinions about these issues. Another example could look at biblical passages about slavery, how slavery was understood and employed in the ancient biblical cultures, followed by an examination of how the Bible was used to support slavery in early America.

Topical Structure (may include but is not limited to)

1. Slavery
2. Distribution of Wealth
3. Family
4. War
5. Sexuality
6. Gender
7. Law

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

This course will include careful examination of primary and secondary sources related to Bible interpretation and social issues. Among the learning activities students can expect, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Lecture and discussion led by the instructor
2. Small group discussion
3. Individual and group oral presentations
4. Informal and formal writing assignments
5. Individual and collaborative research activities involving library and Internet searches
6. Written and oral analysis of cases and/or texts
7. Written summaries/evaluations of out-of-class events
8. Field trips, ethnography, volunteer work

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

1. Students will identify Bible passages used in social debates and examine those passages in their ancient historical contexts.
2. Students will analyze how a particular interpretation of social issues based on the Bible becomes influential.
3. Students will describe how Bible interpretation is influenced by historical, social, political, and economic circumstances.
4. Students will illustrate how the Bible is often used in professional contexts.

VIII. Assessment Measures:

A variety of assessment tools will be used.  These may include quizzes/exams, writing assignments, presentations, and research papers, among others.  

Review and Approval

August 2020

March 01, 2021