The Future of Religion (RS-658)

Course Details:

Undeniable changes are taking place in the religious landscape of the United States as well as globally. Yet the human desire for religious and spiritual grounding continues, but what forms and practices will address this need into the future? This course explores recent past trends and the present dynamics that are reshaping religion in America, including individuals, organizations, and the religious enterprise itself. Using this research-informed perspective, we will speculate on what the near and distant future(s) could look like. This course, however, will not just be an academic thought experiment, but rather asks students to re-envision ministry and craft possible alternative religious communities of practice that might address these possible future realities with spiritual integrity.    

Course fulfills the following curricular requirements:
MAIRS - Interreligious Studies: Elective
MAIRS - Islamic Studies: Elective
MAIRS - Ministerial Studies: Arts of Ministry
MAC - Chaplaincy elective

Instructor(s):

• Scott Thumma