Religion

Department Chair - Stamper

Professors - Schroeder

Associate Professor - Murray, Stamper, Whelan-Jackson

Assistant Professor - Bryant

Adjunct Instructors - Tousley, Walton

Mission Statement

The Religion and Philosophy Department participates in the mission of Capital University by fostering the disciplined, critical study of the ways in which human individuals and cultures make meaning. Specifically, the Religion and Philosophy Department aims to develop in students the ability to engage in critical thinking, the ability to articulate and defend their ideas effectively, and the capacity for critical reflection on the goods of human existence, life, and work, in a manner that honors individual abilities and communal needs. Specifically, the religion program aims to develop (1) students’ understanding of the nature of religion, including sacred literature, belief, and practice, as those features are manifested in major world religions, and (2) students’ ability to carry on disciplined, critical dialogue concerning varied understandings of specific religions and the relationship of religious practice to everyday experience.

Learning Outcomes

Students critique ideas central to Western and non-western religions, including specific persons, concepts, traditions, and events.
Students express and articulate arguments and rebuttals using clear, effective, and creativewritten and oral communication.
Students evaluate beliefs and practices for generating personal, communal, and cultural meaning in relationship to the transcendent.
Students apply knowledge of religions across a range of issues relevant to critical social and civic problems, including under-represented groups and traditions.
Students use the ideas, concepts, and principles developed in their program to identify and craft connections to future personal and professional possibilities.

Worship Ministry and Youth Ministry and Christian Education

In addition to the learning outcomes for the Religion major, the ministry programs prepare students to become leaders within the life of religious congregations. These studies link critical and academic studies with studies in the practice of ministry. Theological and ministry studies will be supplemented with required guided cognate studies outside the Religion Department.