Religion has always played an important role in the identities of individuals, in societies and in politics, but today, as different religions are coming into closer contact with one another, it is becoming increasingly important to try to understand religious faiths other than our own. This course is an introduction to the religions that have developed in the Western context – in particular, the three monotheistic faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In order to understand these three in their wider context, though, we will begin with ancient Mesopotamian religious texts and Zoroastrianism. We will analyze the beliefs and practices of these religious traditions, note the similarities and differences between them, and discuss the possibilities for interfaith dialogue. Our approach in studying these faiths will be from an objective standpoint, rather than from the perspective of an adherent of any particular faith.

This course is an introduction to the religion of Islam in its various manifestations, with additional emphasis on the history, politics and gender issues which have both influenced and been influenced by the Islamic tradition. Throughout the course there will be a focus on Islam as it is lived by people, so that students can gain an appreciation of what it is like to live as a Muslim, and we will look at many cultural expressions of Islam. Students should gain a basic understanding of the key features of Islamic faith and practice, the historical development of Islam as a world religion, and the variety of ways in which it is practiced by Muslims. This should provide students with the background to put into perspective reports on world events that pertain to Islam.

The Exodus from Egypt; the Golden Age of David and Solomon; the encroachment of the Assyrian Empire; the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians; the rebuilding of Jerusalem under the Persians; the ban of Judaism by Antiochus IV: Israel’s religious leaders saw God at work in such momentous events. They recorded their perceptions in the books that now make up the Hebrew Bible, known to Christians as the Old Testament. We will read their stories, laws, prophecies, psalms, wisdom literature, and apocalyptic visions, emphasizing how each author understands Israel’s religious traditions in light of contemporary circumstances. In the process, we will become more competent interpreters of these ancient texts.

Stories and commandments in the Bible have done much to shape traditional views about gender in our society – views that have changed dramatically over the past century. How do contemporary interpreters address these changes while adhering to biblical religions? We will explore this dilemma from various angles. As we focus on biblical texts about men and women, we will investigate interpretations from various constituencies – feminist and traditionalist, female and male, academic and religious professionals – adding our own insights as we go along. We will see how these competing interpretations affect religious belief and practice. Ultimately, we will critique these texts and their interpretations, keeping in mind that they are all generated by biased human beings, and that they all have far-reaching ethical implications.