Dr. Curtis K. McClain, Jr.

Religion
Humanities Division
Fall 2000

RPHI 483: Philosophy of Religion

This course introduces the salient issues in philosophy of religion: reason & faith, atheism & theism, evil & suffering, religious language, biblical authority, and conflicting religious claims. The student is expected to shape personal beliefs/approaches in these areas. Prerequisites: BIB 113, BIB 123 and RPHI 213. Three hours.

Text: Van Til, Cornelius. Defense of the Faith.

Objectives

1. To establish the truths that provide a Biblical, Christian Worldview.

2. To survey and answer the modern cultural climate, philosophically and religiously.

Assignment

1. Videotapes—There are twenty-one segments of video presentations by R. C. Sproul. After viewing each, the student will write a half-page review. Each can receive 10 points.

2. Worldview—Write your own worldview. This should be done in class November 14 and should only take about 3-5 pages. It can receive 90 points.

3. Van Til—Write a thorough book review of the text (at least 5 pages). It can receive 100 points.

4. Group Presentations—Each student will participate with one of three groups and work on a class presentation about either reason & faith, atheism & theism, or evil & suffering. It can receive 200 points

Sequential Outline

Oct 24 Introduction, Thinking Christianly
Oct 31 Missouri Baptist Convention,
Nov 7 Truth & the Christian Worldview
Nov 14 Truth & the Christian Worldview
Nov 21 Worldview wrap-up, Van Til due
Nov 28 Work on reason & faith, atheism & theism, evil & suffering
Dec 5 Discuss reason & faith, atheism & theism, evil & suffering
Dec 12 Group Presentations on reason & faith, atheism & theism,
evil & suffering

Attendance:

Each class day the student can earn twelve and one-half points for timely class participation. Points will be deducted either for late arrival or early departure. A maximum of one hundred points can be earned this way. If this grade fails to exceed sixty points, that student will fail regardless of other grades. In case of excusable absence, the student may perform a written make-up assignment averaging one point per one hundred words.

Grading

700-658 = A = 100%-94%
657-588 = B = 93%-84%
587-497 = C = 83%-71%
496-427 = D = 70%-61%
426-000 = F = 60%-00%

My office number is (314) 434-1115, ext. 2345 & my home number is (314) 936-0858 should you need to call me. You can e-mail me at the office mcclain@mobap.edu or at home mcclain@primary.net.

Any work late shall be reduced a letter grade per week. After the eighth week no work shall be received.