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Interfaith encounter, understanding, and cooperation are integral to the Lutheran tradition. Against a backdrop of the presence of religious diversity in the world, stereotypes, misunderstanding, negative assumptions, and outright fear of religious “others” can lead to conflict. Understanding each other and having a willingness to work amongst each other — regardless of what one does or doesn’t believe — is a skill that can have immense power.

Carthage’s new interfaith studies minor was launched to develop this skill. Interfaith is awareness of how religious beliefs, values, and practices sustain life in all communities and contribute to a better world. Interfaith cooperation is a call to action, entreating believers and non-believers to engage with others of differing faith traditions in a constructive way.

Requirements for Interfaith Studies Minor:

Fulfillment of the minor will require completion of six courses (24 credit hours) consisting of the following:

Category I: Foundational course (4 credits)

REL 1000 Understandings of Religion

Category II: Courses with a major interfaith focus (8 credits)

  • REL 3500 Shared Sages in Sacred Scriptures: An Interreligious Exploration
  • REL 2220 Jesus Beyond Christianity
  • REL 3510 Christians and Muslims: Conflict vs Dialogue

Category III: Courses with a focus on a single faith tradition (8 credits)

  • REL 3100 Judaism
  • REL 3110 Hinduism
  • REL 3130 Buddhism
  • REL 3120 Islam
  • REL 2000 History of Christian Thought
  • REL 3150 The Sikhs

Category IV: Internship or Capstone project (4 credits)

  • REL 3080 Practicum in Religion
  • REL 4000 Senior Seminar in Religion

For additional information about the Interfaith Studies Program at Carthage, please contact Professor Fatih Harpci, Religion Department chair.

SPONSORING DEPARTMENT, OFFICE, OR ORGANIZATION:

Religion Department

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Fatih Harpci, fharpci@carthage.edu