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Philosophy and Religion Program
Overview
The Philosophy and Religion Department seeks
to offer intellectual excitement, dialogue, and the adventure
of learning in all
of its courses. We confront questions that have mattered to thoughtful
people for thousands of years, and the discussion of contemporary
controversial
issues is central to our courses. Many students take coursework in the
Department just to enhance their personal self-understanding,
broaden
and deepen their faith, and develop their power to think. Courses like
introduction to religion contemporary ethical problems, introduction
to
logic, or one of the courses in non-western religions are particularly
popular for these purposes.
The ten three-hour semester courses required in the major allow for coursework
in a second major, such as business, psychology, criminal justice, English,
foreign languages, art, or music, thus giving majors greater vocational
flexibility and liberal arts depth. When the first major is oriented
to
the student's future vocation, a second major in religion, philosophy,
or religion and philosophy greatly enhances the perspective and thoughtfulness
of the student entering their profession.
Students who majored in our Department anticipating their vocation in
religion have continued their education at Yale Divinity School,
the Methodist Theological School of Ohio, Garrett Theological, and Christian Theological Seminary
in Indianapolis. Earlier, majors in philosophy and religion have attended
a wide range of graduate schools such as Oxford University in England,
Pennsylvania State University, Loyola University of Chicago, Garrett Evangelical
Theological Seminary, and the Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia.
Advantages of the Programs
- Small classes, generally 5-10 students in the advanced courses
- Lively and interesting offerings in religion and philosophy
- Ideas Sequence enhances and deepens the major or minor
- January term travel courses (the Holy Land in 1996 and London/Ireland
in 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003)
- Deaf ministry program
- Blair lectures
- Scholarship opportunities
- Religion and Youth Leadership offers practical career oriented
experience
Program of Study
The major in religion consists of ten courses,
including coursework in Introduction to Religion, Interpreting
Christian Traditions, Twentieth Century Theology, Ancient Philosophy,
Modern Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion, Women and Religion,
Bible, and Non-Western Religions, plus one other course in
religion. A minor in religion requires five courses, a course
in Bible, Interpreting Christian Traditions, Ethics, Non-Western
Religions, and Twentieth Century Theology.
The major in philosophy or philosophy and religion requires ten courses: Introduction
to Philosophy, Interpreting Christian Traditions, Ancient Philosophy, Modern
Philosophy, Introduction to Logic, Ethics, Non-Western Religions, and at least
three other courses in either philosophy or religions. A minor in philosophy
requires Ancient Philosophy, Modern Philosophy, Ethics, a course in non-western
religions systems, and Interpreting Christian Traditions.
The combination major in religion and philosophy requires ten courses, Philosophy
of Religion, Introduction to Religion or Interpreting Christian Traditions, one
course in Bible, twentieth century theology, one course in non-western religious
systems, plus Ethics, Ancient Philosophy, Modern Philosophy, and at least two
other courses in religion and one other course in philosophy. The combination
minor requires either ancient or modern philosophy, one course in Bible, one
in ethics, one in non-Western religious thought, and Interpreting Christian Traditions.
Internships / In Service Learning
Students preparing for
church careers have many opportunities to gain experience by serving
in local and nearby churches as a part-time pastor, youth director,
or in adult education. Students anticipating careers in social
service or government have opportunities for internships in a variety
of areas.
A number of students reduce their residential costs by living at the state school
for the blind, located four blocks from the campus, and working there a certain
number of hours per week. Similar opportunities are available at the state school
for the deaf, about two miles from campus.
Faculty
Our faculty brings a broad range of educational and professional
experience to the classroom.
R.J. Stewart
Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion
and Chair of the Department
Dr. Stewart came to the College in 1991. Her B.A.
degree is from Seattle Pacific University, and she holds M.Phil., M.T.S.,
and Ph.D. degrees from Drew University in New Jersey, and at MacMurray
she has received the coveted Dewey E. Wilkins Award for Excellence in
Teaching.
Her special graduate training emphasis is in American religious thought, but
she teaches a wide range of religion courses in the department and participates
actively in the Ideas Sequence courses. Among her courses are: Women and Religion,
Religion in America, New Religious Movements in America, and God, Persons, and
the World (twentieth century theology), as well as World Religions in America.
In the spring she teaches with Claire Jerry a course for the History Department
on the history of women in America.
Dr. Stewart hosts the J-Term England, Ireland and Wales study tour, an annual
trip which explores the rich spiritual and religious traditions of Great Britain
and Ireland.
An avid outdoors person, she enjoys fly fishing, and golf.
Phone: 217-479-7140
E-mail: rj.stewart@mac.edu
 Dr. Eric B. Berg
Assistant Professor of Philosophy
Co-Director of the Pre-Seminary Program
Dissertation: A Philosophical Introduction to Norman Maclean by way of Kierkegaard’s Distinction Between Fear and Anxiety.
Chair: James Woelfel
Hong Kierkegaard Research Fellowship, Hong Kierkegaard Library, St. Olaf College, summer 2003, Northfield, MN.
Templin Fellowship, The University of Kansas, summer 2004.
Publications:
“Hegel’s Appropriation of Luther and the Reformation in the Philosophy of History” in Southwest Philosophy Review, January 2004.
“Martin Heidegger’s Debt to Martin Luther” in Kinesis, Fall 2006.
17 Book reviews/notes.
Editor Auslegung, a Journal of Philosophy, 2000-2003.
Memberships:
The American Philosophical Association
The American Academy of Religion
The Society of Christian Philosophers
Søren Kierkegaard Society
Sons of Norway
Phone: 217-479-7141
E-mail: eric.berg@mac.edu
Retired Faculty
Richard E.
Palmer, PhD
Dr.
Palmer is a retired member
of the Department continues on campus as a research scholar
in residence.
http://www.mac.edu/faculty/richardpalmer/
See Catalog for specific requirements
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