REL360: Christianities

What does it mean to be a Christian? Why are there so many different Christian groups (including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Protestant and dozens more)? Is every group that calls itself Christian really Christian? This course will explore various definitions of what it means to be a Christian, from the early church's efforts to eliminate heresies to contemporary disagreements about groups such as the Mormons. A second focus of the course will be to look at the different ways Christian groups define themselves in relation to the wider culture. As a final project, each student will have the opportunity to choose one group for an in-depth report on how that group understands its Christian identity and how the group relates to the culture around it. In addition to reading and discussion, the course will include site visits, meetings with religious leaders and films.