Religion department
In contribution to the mission of Bluffton University to provide a superior liberal arts program shaped by the historic peace tradition of Mennonite churches, the religion department of Bluffton University has four objectives:
- to teach the skill and value of critical thinking toward Scripture and toward historical-denominational traditions with an aim toward deeper commitments to God as known in Jesus Christ and greater critical appreciation for the students' own heritage;
- to expose all students at Bluffton University to Judeo-Christian history, literature and values in particular conversation with Anabaptist and Mennonite perspectives and traditions;
- to offer a program of in-depth study for those whose interests take them beyond the minimum exposure to religion in general education courses and that provides further skill in biblical interpretation, in assessing theological proposals and in passing on theological traditions; and
- to be a defining center of contemporary free church theology for both the academic community and the Anabaptist and Mennonite churches.
To accomplish this four-fold mission, the religion department offers a major in Bible and theology and two minors (Bible and theology and youth ministry), each of which reflects and is shaped by the peace church heritage and the Anabaptist-Mennonite
tradition while remaining in conversation with other Christian traditions.
More info...
Bible and theology major
(38 hours)
The major in Bible and theology serves the needs of a variety of students. As a Bible
and theology major, you will learn to think critically and appreciate how to understand
and mediate among diverse perspectives. These skills are wonderful preparation for
many vocations. The major also provides an excellent foundation for those interested
in vocations such as youth ministry, parachurch ministries, non-profit organizations
or further graduate studies in religion. Bible and theology is also an excellent complement
to another major. The major is designed in such a way to allow students the ability
to construct their own version of the major that best meets their vocational goals
and interests. Majors are encouraged to minor in another discipline or consider a
double major in areas such as psychology, communication, English or sport management.
Choose 24 hours from the following courses:
REL 250 Introduction to Old Testament (3)
or REL 252 Introduction to New Testament (3) both satisfy Religious Understanding competency
REL 273 Christian Theology (3)
or REL 274 Christian Ethics (3)
REL 115 World Religions(3)
REL 230 Christian Worship (3)
REL 242 Spiritual Disciplines in the Life of the Church (3)
REL 248 Principles of Youth Ministry (3)
REL 275 History of Christianity (3)
REL 276 War, Peace and Nonviolence (3)
REL 334 Foundations of Christian Ministry(3)
REL 359 Mennonite History and Thought (3)
The following courses (and the corresponding prerequisites above):
REL 245 Spiritual Formation (3)
REL 312 Exegetical Studies (3)
REL 320 Historical and Theological Studies (3)
REL 322 Methods of Biblical Interpretation (3)
REL 385 Religion Practicum (1)
REL 395 Religion Seminar (1)
Minors
Minors enable students to explore a selected area in religion while devoting the majority of their academic program to another discipline.
Bible and Theology Minor
(18 hours)
Choose 12 hours from the following courses:
REL 115 World Religions(3)
REL 250 Introduction to Old Testament (3)
REL 252 Introduction to New Testament (3)
REL 273 Christian Theology (3)
REL 274 Christian Ethics (3)
REL 275 History of Christianity (3)
REL 276 War, Peace and Nonviolence (3)
REL 359 Mennonite History and Thought(3)
Choose 6 hours from the following courses:
REL 312 Exegetical Studies (3)
REL 320 Historical and Theological Studies (3)
REL 322 Methods in Biblical Interpretation (3)
Youth Ministry minor
(20 hours)
REL 230 Christian Worship (3)
REL 242 Spiritual Disciplines in the Life of the Church (3)
REL 245 Spiritual Formation (3)
REL 248 Principles of Youth Ministry (3)
REL 250 Introduction to Old Testament (3)
or REL 252 Introduction to New Testament (3)
REL 334 Foundations of Christian Ministry (3)
REL 385 Religion Practicum (1)
REL 395 Religion Seminar (1)
July 2024