Truth in Society: Introduction to Religious Studies [Aquinas Programme]

Religious Studies 1006T                         TTH 1:00-2:20                           JD G6

Thom Parkhill                              office: EC 315                    office hours 9:30 MWF        e-mail: parkhill@stthomasu.ca

September 7, 2000

The Truth in Society section of the Aquinas Programme focuses on how people come to believe what they do. It consists of three linked courses: Introduction to Literature, Introduction to Sociology, and this course, Introduction to Religious Studies. University introductory courses often cover the material central to an academic discipline. University courses in the introduction to religious studies often cover a number of the world's religious traditions. Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Native American Religions, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are often the traditions chosen. It is easy to forget that these religions are made up of real people who live real lives. And that these people the world over have experiences they cherish as sacred. From these religious experiences come a bewildering array of storytelling, writing, building construction, dancing, marching, ceremonial processing, as well as music-making, drawing, painting, sculpting, singing of songs and chants, and sitting very still.

It is clear that knowing about all these products of religious experience is impossible. No university course can hope even to touch on all of them in one year.

Instead of trying to "cover" everything, we will explore the issue of truth in society in the context of seven major themes found in some of the world's religious traditions and worldviews. Unless you are very unusual, these themes have probably turned up in your life too. These themes are shared by all the sections of RS 1006. Here are this year's themes:

• the long search (for meaning in the world)
• evil and suffering
• religious prejudice
• death and after death
• sexuality
• visions of the end (of the world)
• the purpose of life

All the sections of RS 1006 also share the same book of readings. This year's book is called Albatross: Seems Like Themes. You will need to have access to a copy of this book in order to participate in the religious studies disciplinary seminars later this month. To obtain your own copy of this book, you will have to pay a fee of $34.00 at the Business Office and then present me with your receipt during my office hours over the next couple of weeks. I will then give you your book. A couple of copies are on short-term loan in the library. These copies can only be taken out for two hours at a time.A good time to pick up your book is during my office hours: 9:30 MWF in EC 315. The week of September 11 - 15 is a good week to do this, since you will need the book starting on September 19.