Religious Studies

The study of Religion is required of all students. The department encourages students to pursue an understanding of their faith, and to respect the religious beliefs of others. Through its curriculum the department seeks to inform students about the nature of religion and religious traditions in a diverse and changing society. In the spirit of ecumenism fostered by the Church at Vatican II, and a hallmark of our age, the curriculum remains faithful to the Roman Catholic and Benedictine heritage of Delbarton and fosters dialogue and understanding among students. Since the School realizes that parents are the primary religious educators of their children, the department requires parental approval for electives in the Upper School for grades 10th through 12th. The department requires that one course (2 credits) be taken in each of the core areas: History, Morality, and Scripture as indicated in the following course descriptions.

All freshmen, as part of their introduction and orientation to Delbarton take the same courses: RE108 (Gospels) and RE109 (Benedictines). It is advisable that students complete the remaining departmental requirement (Morality) as soon as possible to avoid scheduling problems later, and allow greater freedom of course selection. After course selection is completed, registration confirmation is mailed home for parental approval.

Click here for the Religious Studies course evaluation form.

Courses

  • RE002 The Bible 4cr {07} RQ

    A firm foundation in the characters, stories, and themes of both the Hebrew and Christian Testaments. The religious, social, historical and political developments of Jews and Christians are included in this biblical survey. This is done through a select reading of the Pentateuch, Judges, the Prophets, the Gospels, and the Acts of the Apostles.

  • RE051 Religious Heroes 4cr {08} RQ

    A presentation of contemporary heroes of faith as well as great religious minds from many and diverse traditions of faith throughout history. An examination of these heroic lives as models for others through reading literature by or about these great religious thinkers. This course is designed to demonstrate that through a diversity of faith traditions there is also a unity among believers in every age.

  • RE108 The Gospels 2cr {09} S

    An exploration of the writings of the four evangelists found in the Christian Testament, with special attention to the Gospel of Mark. Students become acquainted with the Semitic Middle East of two millennia ago: its culture, politics, history, and theological milieu. Gospels are examined as both sacred literature and guides for understanding (and acting upon) beliefs. The fruits of biblical criticism are employed in the analysis of a text, and comparative approaches are employed to demonstrate the unique portrait of Jesus found among the evangelists. (Scripture)

  • RE109 The Benedictines 2cr {09} H

    An overview of the rich and ancient heritage of the Benedictine Order within the monastic tradition, beginning with St. Benedict, father of western monasticism and co-patron of Europe. This course will include, among other things, an introduction to the Rule of Benedict, monastic spirituality and prayer—in common and lectio divina, a history of the Order, highlighting influential monks and nuns, art and music, and the Benedictines today. (History)

  • RE204 Religion & Literature 2cr {10} H

    How do ideas about a Supreme Being, the mystery of life, the search for meaning and purpose, faith, suffering, good and evil, and the after-life shape the stories we tell? How do these ideas shape our interpretation of these stories? This course explores these questions of faith and religion through an examination of selected works of fiction, drama, and poetry, taken from American, British and world literature, and deals with various questions related to God and religion. (History)

  • RE205 Genocide Studies 2cr {10} M or H

    An exploration of the roots of suffering and evil in the modern world. The Holocaust, the Cambodian massacre, the Turkish slaughter of Armenians, mass murder in Rwanda, ethnic cleansing in Bosnia, and other contemporary situations demand a moral response. Opportunities to discuss the dangers posed by ethnic, racial, political and religious persecution in contemporary societies, as well as the general moral issues surrounding prejudice. Primary texts help students understand the role of religious and state institutions in promoting or opposing genocide. (Morality or History)

  • RE208/RE308 Doors to the Sacred 2cr {10} H

    An imaginative exploration of "sacramentality" as the essence of life - how life’s meaning reveals and makes present the saving love of God. This intriguing survey of the origin and development of sacramental rites highlights the sacraments of initiation. An overview of the historical and cultural evolution of sacramental rituals and practices provides students with a mature understanding of the liturgies they experience. By understanding Jesus as the sacrament of the Father and the Spirit-led church as Jesus’ sacrament to the world, the student explores each of the sacraments as the activity of the Risen Christ in the world today. (History)

  • RE212/RE102 Family Life 2cr {10} M

    Adolescence is both an exciting and stressful experience, accompanied by an array of feelings and anxieties, doubts and questions. This course in reverence for life and family endeavors to portray youthful changes as challenges, not problems. Physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, and moral dimensions of human sexuality are discussed. This course places genital activity within a framework of commitment, faithfulness and a genuine openness to life. As he considers the possibility of his future role as husband and father, the student is encouraged to focus on the present quality of relationships with family, friends and God. (Morality)

  • RE301 Prophetic Traditions 2cr {11} S or H

    An examination of prophetic literature in the Hebrew Scriptures as an invaluable source for understanding God and people in their relation to God. The golden age of prophecy follows, beginning with Isaiah and other eighth century prophets and concluding with the last of the books of the Hebrew Scriptures, the Prophecy of Malachi. In approaching the text as sacred literature, the student is encouraged to see God's historical word through various literary genres as well as the implications of justice in the modern world. (Scripture)

  • RE303 Social Justice 2 cr {11} M

    A review of a number of problems facing society today. Perspectives from Scripture, history, and Church teaching are included to bring this message to bear on specific issues, including poverty and hunger, global and environmental concerns, sexism and racial prejudice, and the aged and infirm. Finally, faith and justice will be linked to peace by helping students better understand that if they want peace, they must work for justice. The implications of peaceful responses to conflict are included, as well as the challenge to look at war with a new attitude in this post-cold war age. (Morality)

  • RE309 The Gospel of John 2cr {11} H

    A thorough introduction to the fourth Gospel according to St. John. This course will include, among other things, a closer look at the signs, teachings, sacrifice and commission of Jesus, the Word who has taken flesh, and dwells among us to give us a glimpse of his glory through the resurrection; students will be challenged to read this gospel text, through exegesis, as distinct from the synoptic tradition and a complement to it. (Scripture)

  • RE313/RE103 World Religions 2cr {11} H

    A fresh look at great religions and cultures around the world. Informed and informative treatment of world religions is examined to provide a better grasp of the worship, beliefs, and practices of diverse religious traditions. The similarities and interdependence of these religions, as well as their differences, are considered. This comparative approach to religion includes an examination of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. (History)

  • RE402 Christian Lifestyles 2cr {12} M

    A clear understanding of the four basic lifestyle paths - single, married, religious and ordained. Through an examination of life themes common to all four paths, students develop methods of coping with developmental tasks of young adulthood. These lifestyles are examined in light of the gospel message. The major focus of the course is the consideration of marriage as a sacrament, formed by Scripture and tradition. Concomitantly, attention is called to the development of a committed relationship as well as the ramifications this has for people in today's society. Consideration is given to finding a lifelong partner, the preparation for marriage, growth and fidelity of covenant love, for the expression of this love through the raising of children. (Morality)

  • RE403 Quest for God 2 cr {12} H

    Reflections on the classical, medieval, modern, and contemporary philosophical approaches to the phenomenon of religion and the existence of God. Theistic and atheistic positions are discussed, focusing on the modern philosophical criticism of traditional religion. What rationales can be provided for accepting or rejecting God in this generation and the next? Questions such as the problems of evil, sin, and suffering are also explored, and the psychological search for meaning and purpose which draw people to religion is examined. (History)

  • RE404 Ethics Seminar 2 cr {12} M

    Exploring current and compelling moral issues which face society today. Students look with a critical eye at ethical implications to modern dilemmas. After an examination of various methodological approaches of ethical theories along with principles and responsibilities involved in making moral decisions, students will consider the history and current state of research on a contemporary moral issue. Issues in bioethics such as abortion, procreative technologies, informed consent, euthanasia, are among some of the possible topics examined. Other topics, such as access of information, privacy, business and political ethics, may also be explored. (Morality).

  • RE411/RE106 Pentateuch Studies 2cr {12} S

    An appreciation of the first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures as the foundation of a faith that believes God has spoken and has elected a people. May include a further study of sixteen books that trace the development of the history of that people, including an understanding of the Exodus, the conquest or settlement of the Promised Land, the monarchy and subsequent exile. The discoveries of biblical archeology bolster an appreciation of the political, historical, cultural, and literary context that sheds light on the text. Careful examination of major themes such as creation, covenant, and community helps the student apply this sacred literature to daily living. (Scripture)