M7340 Christian Perspectives on World Religion
This unit presents information on the major world religions and explores Christian perspectives on these religions. It addresses topics such as definitions and characteristics of religion; functions of religion in society; religion and multiculturalism in Australia or New Zealand; fundamentalisms, religion and terrorism; Christian Perspectives on other religions; the uniqueness of Christianity in a pluralistic world; primal religion: traditional aboriginal or Maori religion; the history, cultural contexts, beliefs and practices of a selection from Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucian philosophy, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Jainism, Shinto and an introduction to inter-religious dialogue.
| Study Level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Discipline | Christian Life and Ministry |
| Sub Discipline | Mission |
| Credit Points | 9 |
| Prerequisites | 18 credit points from Theology units or 9 credit points from Theology units plus 9 credit points from Missions units. |
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this unit students will be able to:
- explain the characteristics and functions of religion in society, and explore the relationship of major religions to the cultures and societies from which they emerged;
- outline the history, beliefs, and practices of several world religions, comparing and contrasting these with Christian beliefs and practices;
- construct a Christian theological approach to other religions that includes respect for alternative belief systems, and willingness, where appropriate, to learn from their insights;
- evaluate strategies for dialogue and for sharing the Christian Gospel with adherents of the religions studied;
- apply knowledge and strategies learned in this unit to interaction with and ministry among adherents of other faiths.