Online · School of Divinity · Theological Studies

Pluralism and World Religions

APOL-525

CG Section 8WK 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 Modified 12/12/2022  Course Description

A contrast between the truth-claims of the major world religions and the uniqueness of Christian theistic apologetics, both in content and method. (Formerly APOL 560)

Requisites

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog (https://catalog.liberty.edu/)  Rationale

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6 [NKJV]). In a pluralistic and global environment in which many of the world’s religions and competing philosophies claim to be true, Christians need to know how to support and defend the biblical worldview. Throughout this course, a survey will be made of the claims of religious pluralism and the major world religions in comparison and contrast to the unique claims of Christ and the Christian worldview. As a result of this course, the student will gain a deeper understanding of the major world religions, be better equipped to engage in interreligious dialogue with people of other faiths, and learn how to minister effectively as a Christian while serving in a pluralistic setting.

 Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

A. Examine the central beliefs of the major world religions.

B. Contrast the beliefs of other religion with Christian doctrine.

C. Critique the truth-claims of non-Christian religions.

D. Discuss the philosophical and cultural aspects of religious pluralism. E. Develop a biblical approach to interact with non-Christian religions.

 Course Resources

Click on the following link to view the required resource(s) for the term in which you are registered: Liberty University Online Bookstore (https://bncvirtual.com/liberty)

Additional Materials for Learning

A. Computer with basic audio/video output equipment

B. Internet access (broadband recommended)

C. Canvas recommended browsers (https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Basics-Guide/What-are-the-browser-and-

computer-requirements-for-Canvas/ta-p/66)

D. Microsoft Word

E. Interactive Turabian-Based Writing Guide (https://rise.articulate.com/share/er1g36fWyDNZkE3q1GA6CLbk3rQSmUiQ)

    Course Assignments

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Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (6)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt. Each thread must be at least 400 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to at least 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words. (CLOs: A, B, C, D)

World Religion Engagement Paper Assignments (2)

The student will write 2 World Religion Engagement Papers in the course. One paper will be a World Religions Engagement Paper: Worship Service Observation Assignment, and the second paper will be a World Religions Engagement Paper: Interview Assignment. In each paper, the student must write a 1,800–2,700-word report in current Turabian format that focuses on the student’s interactions with a world religion other than Christianity. The student will select a major world religion, visit a worship service or conduct an interview with an adherent of the selected religion, and write a paper about the experience. The paper must also describe the worldview of the religion, contrasting it with Christianity and providing how one would share Christ with a follower of that religion. Each paper must include a title page, a table of contents, an introduction, footnotes in current Turabian format, a conclusion, and a bibliography section with at least 5 scholarly sources in current Turabian format. (CLOs: A, B, C, E)

Book Critique Assignment

The student will complete a 1,800–2,700-word critical evaluation of Harold A. Netland’s Christianity & Religious Diversity: Clarifying Christian Commitments in a Globalizing Age. The Book Critique must include a title page, introduction, and footnotes including at least 5 references or citations to the book in current Turabian format. (CLOs: B, C, D)

Christian Theology of Religions Assignment

The student will write a 4,500–6,000-word research-based paper in current Turabian format. The student will select a major world religion that is different than the previous assignments or a position such as pluralism, inclusivism, or universalism, and develop a Christian apologetic response to that religion or position. The paper must also address the uniqueness and exclusivity of Christ and the Gospel message. The paper must include a title page, table of contents, an introduction, footnotes in current Turabian format, a conclusion, and a bibliography section with at least 10 scholarly sources in current Turabian format. (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E)

Quizzes (2)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the assigned modules: weeks. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes and contain 30 multiple-choice and true/false questions as well as 1 essay question. The student will have a 1-hour and 30-minute time limit for each quiz. (CLOs: A, B, D)

 Course Grading

10

Discussions (6 at 50 pts ea) 300

250

Book Critique Assignment 130

Course Requirements Checklist

World Religion Engagement Paper Assignments (2 at 125 pts ea)

Christian Theology of Religions Assignment

200

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Quizzes (2 at 60 pts ea)

Total

 Course Policies

1010

Extra Credit

No additional “for credit” assignments will be permitted beyond those given in the course requirements stated above.

Course Changes

Course requirements are subject to change by the administration of the University at any time with appropriate notice.  Policies

Late Assignment Policy

Course Assignments, including discussions, exams, and other graded assignments, should be submitted on time.

If the student is unable to complete an assignment on time, then he or she must contact the instructor immediately by email. Assignments that are submitted after the due date without prior approval from the instructor will receive the following deductions:

1. Late assignments submitted within one week after the due date will receive up to a 10% deduction.

2. Assignments submitted more than one week and less than 2 weeks late will receive up to a 20% deduction.

3. Assignments submitted two weeks late or after the final date of the course will not be accepted outside of special

circumstances (e.g. death in the family, significant personal health issues), which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by

the instructor.

4. Group projects, including group discussion threads and/or replies, and assignments will not be accepted after the due date

outside of special circumstances (e.g. death in the family, significant personal health issues), which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the instructor.

Disability Assistance

Students with a disability and those with medical conditions associated with pregnancy may contact Liberty University’s Online Office of Disability Accommodation Support (ODAS) at LUOODAS@liberty.edu for accommodations. Such accommodations require appropriate documentation of your condition. For more information about ODAS and the accommodations process, including how to request an accommodation, please visit https://www.liberty.edu/online/online-disability-accommodation- support/ (https://www.liberty.edu/online/online-disability-accommodation-support/). Requests for accommodations not related to disabilities or pregnancy must be directed to the Registrar’s Office, which generally handles medical needs support.

If you have a complaint related to disability discrimination or an accommodation that was not provided, you may contact ODAS or the Office of Equity and Compliance by phone at (434) 592-4999 or by email at equityandcompliance@liberty.edu. Click to see a full copy of Liberty’s Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy (https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Liberty+University+Discrimination,+Harassment,+and+Sexual+Misconduct+Policy) or

the Student Disability Grievance Policy and Procedures (https://www.liberty.edu/disability-support/wp- content/uploads/sites/106/2022/01/Disability-Grievance-Procedures.pdf).

Course Attendance

In an effort to comply with U.S. Department of Education policies, attendance is measured by physical class attendance or any submission of a required assignment within the enrollment dates of the course (such as examinations, written papers or projects, any discussion posts, etc.) or initiating any communication with one’s professor regarding an academic subject. More information regarding the attendance policy (https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Online+Attendance+and+Non-Attendance) can be found in the Academic Course Catalogs (https://www.liberty.edu/academics/course-catalogs/). Regular attendance in online courses is

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expected throughout the length of the term. Students who do not attend within the first week of a sub-term by submitting a required academic assignment (such as the Course Requirements Checklist, an examination, written paper or project, discussion post, or other academic activity) will be dropped from the course. Students who wish to re-engage in the course are encouraged to contact Academic Advising to discuss their enrollment options. Students who begin an online course, but at some point in the semester cease attending, and do not provide official notification to withdraw, will be assigned a grade of “FN” (Failure for Non- Attendance (https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Unofficial+Withdrawals)). Students wishing to withdraw from courses after the official start date should familiarize themselves with the withdrawal policy.

Grading Scale

        A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D-

940- 1010

920- 939

900- 919

860- 899

840- 859

820- 839

780- 819

760- 779

740- 759

700- 739

680- 699

F

679 and below

For courses with a Pass/NP final grade, please refer to the Course Grading section of this syllabus for the assignment requirements and/or point value required to earn a Passing final grade.

Add/Drop Policy

The full policy statement and procedures are published in the Policy Directory

(https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Dropping+and+Adding+Online+Classes). Honor Code

Liberty University comprises a network of students, Alumni, faculty, staff and supporters that together form a Christian community based upon the truth of the Bible. This truth defines our foundational principles, from our Doctrinal Statement to the Code of Honor. These principles irrevocably align Liberty University’s operational procedures with the long tradition of university culture, which remains distinctively Christian, designed to preserve and advance truth. Our desire is to create a safe, comfortable environment within our community of learning, and we extend our academic and spiritual resources to all of our students with the goal of fostering academic maturity, spiritual growth and character development.

Communities are predicated on shared values and goals. The Code of Honor, an expression of the values from which our Doctrinal Statement was born, defines the fundamental principles by which our community exists. At the core of this code lie two essential concepts: a belief in the significance of all individuals, and a reliance on the existence of objective truth.

While we acknowledge that some may disagree with various elements of the Code of Honor, we maintain the expectation that our students will commit to respect and uphold the Code while enrolled at Liberty University.

Adherence to the principles and concepts established within facilitates the success of our students and strengthens the Liberty community.

The Code of Honor can be viewed in its entirety at https://www.liberty.edu/students/honor-code/ (https://www.liberty.edu/students/honor-code/).

 Additional Items

 Program Learning Outcomes for APOL 525

APOL 525 supports the following academic programs in the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity:

Master of Divinity in Professional Chaplaincy Master of Arts in Sports Chaplaincy

The program learning outcomes for these programs are listed with the program in the Rawlings School of Divinity Graduate Catalog. This course is related to at least one of the program learning outcomes listed for each of these programs and contributes to your success in acquiring the knowledge and skills that are described. Here is the link to the catalog page where this information can be found:

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John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Graduate Catalog ( https://catalog.liberty.edu/graduate/colleges-schools/rawlings-divinity/ (https://catalog.liberty.edu/graduate/colleges-schools/rawlings-divinity/))

 Schedule

  When Topic

Technology Integration Set-Up

Apply

Apply

Notes

[Any required tech integration assignment set-up. Ex., “Quiz: Connect Registration”]

Discussion: Pluralism, Inclusivism, and Exclusivism

Discussion: Zoroastrianism and Judaism

   Course Overview Student Acknowledgements Course Requirements Checklist

        Module 1: Week 1

Learn

Read: 3 items Watch: 1 item

       Module 2: Week 2

Learn

Read: 3 items Watch: 2 items

         Module 3: Week 3

Learn

Read: 2 items Watch: 2 items

   Apply

World Religions Engagement Paper: Worship Service Observation Assignment Discussion: Baha’ism, Islam, and Radical Islam

  Module 4: Week 4

Learn

Apply

Quiz: Western and Middle Eastern Religions, and Hinduism

Read: 2 items Watch: 2 items

         Module 5: Week 5

Learn

Read: 2 items Watch: 4 items

   Apply

World Religions Engagement Paper: Interview Assignment Discussion: Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism

    Module 6: Week 6

Learn

Read: 4 items Watch: 2 items

   Apply

Book Critique Assignment

Discussion: Chinese Traditional Religion, Daosism, and Shintoism

    Module 7: Week 7

Learn

Read: 3 items Watch: 3 items

   Apply

Christian Theology of Religions Assignment

Discussion: African Traditional Religion and Native American Religions

  Module 8: Week 8

Learn

Read: 2 items Watch: 1 item

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   When Topic Notes

Apply Quiz: Asian, African, and Native American Religions

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