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Religion Program Requirements

The Religion Major provides disciplined and systematic instruction in religion, with the aim of an overall comprehension of the doctrines of the New Church, in a sphere of rational discussion and creative thinking. Topics include the meaning of the New Church in relation to faith, the Word of the Lord, marriage and the home, creation, the Lord’s providence, world religions, and sacred languages. Students have the opportunity to integrate their religious faith in ways that contribute to their own regeneration, their religious community, and the world.

Bachelor of Arts in Religion

The religion degree requires 42 credits to be taken in religion and major-related subjects.

The 42 credits required for a degree in religion cannot overlap with the courses taken to satisfy the religion residency requirements in freshman and sophomore years.

Requirements:

• Religion: 9 courses (27 credits) at the 200-level or above
• Religion or major-related subjects: 5 courses (15 credits)

Major-Related Subjects:

History:

• History 240: Ancient Israel
• History 250/350: Swedenborg's Life and Times
• History 310: Religion in Ancient Greece and Rome

Philosophy:

• Philosophy 310: Topics in Contemporary Philosophy I
• Philosophy 311: Topics in Contemporary Philosophy II
• Philosophy 320 & 321: Swedenborg's Life and Times

Sacred Languages:

• Hebrew 110: Beginning Hebrew I
• Hebrew 111: Beginning Hebrew II
• Hebrew 250: Intermediate Hebrew
• Greek 110: Beginning New Testament Greek I
• Greek 111: Beginning New Testament Greek II
• Greek 250: Readings in New Testament I
• Greek 251: Readings in New Testament I
• Latin 250: Swedenborg's Theological Latin I
• Latin 251: Swedenborg's Theological Latin II
• Latin 360: Swedenborg's Philosophical Latin I
• Latin 361: Swedenborg's Philosophical Latin II

Sociology:

• Sociology 340: Seminar in the Sociology of Religion

For entrance into the religion major, students apply to the program director, Rev. Stephen Cole. The division requires an overall GPA of 2.00, with 2.50 in religion courses and in those courses within the intended major-related fields of study.

In planning a degree program, pre-theological students should note that our Theological School requires MDiv candidates to have taken certain courses in religion, philosophy, education, and Latin. Other courses are recommended. Those wishing entrance into Bryn Athyn College Theological School should interview with the dean of that program as early as possible.