100-01 – Religion and Atrocity - HOOGERWERF
In this course we will examine the relationship between religion and atrocity. At times, religion has been a causative factor in the perpetration of violence – or has failed to marshal resistance against it. The perceived connection between religion and atrocity or religion’s apparent impotence to do anything about it has led some to denounce religion. Whether we renounce it or not, it is important to ask: “Why does religion sometimes function to fuel and justify atrocity?” How do the resources of religion – especially Judaism and Christianity – enable people to cope with the suffering that is caused by personal atrocities or tragedies they suffer?

100 –02/03 -  From Rabbi to God – MUNOA
This is an introductory course about the origin and spread of Christianity.  It begins with Jesus of Nazareth and continues through the fourth century CE when Christianity became the only legal religion of the Roman Empire.  We will learn by means of a careful examination of primary texts (Jewish, Christian, and Greco-Roman writings) and a secondary text.

100-04 – The Many Faces of Christianity – EVERTS
This course will examine the ways different denominations and cultural traditions interpret Christianity in their worship and teaching.  Students will attend and report on worship services at a variety of Holland area churches.

100-05 – Earth and Ethics – BOUMA-PREDIGER
Global warming, holes in the ozone layer, toxic wastes, oil spills, acid rain, drinking water contamination, overflowing landfills, topsoil erosion, species extinction, smog.  The earth and its many inhabitants are in trouble, claim numerous professional earth-watchers.  In this course we will ask these and other crucial questions.  And we will learn how religious folk answer such questions.  This course, in short, is an inquiry concerning earth and ethics.