The Abrahamic Religions: Faith and Reason in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
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TTh 9:30 – 10:45 The Maples 10 |
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| Cross listed as: | PHI 465-01 Advanced Topics in Philosophy
JST 383-01 Topics in Judaic Studies ANT 490-01 Topics in Anthropology HTY 398-10 Historical Issues |
This course explores the metaphysical and existential implications of monotheism in the religious thought and practice of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Special attention will be paid to the ways intense philosophical and spiritual reflection on the question of the nature of the God of Abraham has shaped each tradition. We will track the development of these Abrahamic faiths through their formative periods from antiquity to the 20th century CE as well as central issues in the philosophy of religion including the relationship between revealed scripture and human reason, and the nature and existence of God. Along the way, we will also notice how major figures in each tradition were informed by each other as they attempted to come to terms with the demands of their religions and the rigors of philosophy.
Readings will include selections from the Hebrew Bible, Christian New Testament, the Quran, Philo of Alexandria, Plotinus, the Talmud, Augustine of Hippo, Saadia Gaon, Anselm of Canterbury, Al-Ghazali, Ibn Rushd, Maimonides, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, Mulla Sudra, Baruch Spinoza, Blaise Pascal, Martin Buber, and Paul Tillich.
For additional information contact the instructor, Dr. Derek A. Michaud derek.a.michaud@maine.edu