St. Margaret's Religious Studies program feeds the intellect, and we hope, the spirit, as students contemplate life's larger questions. They'll consider not only the Judeo-Christian tradition, which is a fundamental part of Western civilization, but the world's major religious and ethical systems, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. Biblical themes, which play such a significant role in history, literature, and the arts, are examined. Students are encouraged to reflect on and use these universal guiding principles in all aspects of their lives.
Introduction to the Old Testament
Beginning with the Hebrew Scriptures, students will explore the Judeo-Christian tradition at its source. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to connect the issues they wrestle with in their daily lives to those raised in scripture.
Students will:
- trace the oral tradition, prophecy, and history of the Jewish people and understand the significance of their covenant with God
- compare current moral dilemmas to those raised in scripture and draw inferences about human nature and its problems
- see the Old Testament as the story of humanity's desire to know God
Introduction to the New Testament and Christianity
This trimester course focuses on the teachings of Jesus and the origins of the early church.
Students will:
- study Jesus' life as presented by two of the gospels
- study the major figures of Christian history
- compare situations from their own life to those in the gospel stories
- compare and contrast the central message of Christianity as it has been lived out in history and as it became the religion of political power in the West
Comparative Religion
This course explores the concept of religion as it relates to individuals, groups, and cultures.
Students will:
- become familiar with the generic aspects of group expressions of belief
- explore customs of Native Americans to identify aspects of faith and ritual expression
- study beliefs and ethical systems and the history of Judaism and Islam
- be introduced to Hindu and Buddhist concepts of belief
