Dr. Thomas Ryba, Course Offerings, Spring 2013
Religions of the West (Philosophy 33100 / Religious Studies 23100) MWF: 8:309:20, COULT 239
Professor: Dr. Thomas Ryba
A. Purpose: The purpose of this course is to provide a systematic survey of those religions variously
described, in the West, as ‘Western Religions’ or ‘Religions of the West.’ Immediately, a problem arises
because the adjective, ‘Western,’ is questionable. The descriptions ‘Western’ or ‘of the West’ have been
understood as designating a problematic geo-cultural location—but also a homogeneous style of religious
thought because of their common origins as Abrahamic monotheisms. Contemporary scholars of
religion, and indigenous believers, often contest this imputed homogeneity and have pointed to the
incredible complexity and fluidity of these traditions, characteristics which resist simplistic classification.
Well aware of the challenges such descriptions present, we, in this course, will engage in a comparative
study of the systems of belief, thought, and practice traditionally termed ‘Western Religions’ by Western
scholars of religions. This will be accomplished through a series of readings on these systems’ histories,
philosophies and scriptures.
B. Approach: The approach adopted in this course is phenomenological and comparative. Adopting
the phenomenological method in the academic study of religion means that we shall try to study these
religions objectively and empathetically. Adopting the comparative method in the academic study of
religion means that we shall try to compare and contrast the features of these religions with the intent of
observing similarities, dissimilarities and regularities, where meaningful items of comparison occur. The
phenomenological method (properly applied) gives us access to a religion’s rationale; the comparative
method (properly applied) gives us access to the rationale of Religion.
C. Course Content: The systems of belief, thought and practice which will be studied and compared in
this course are: (1) the Judaic tradition (* > 1800 BCE [~1900]), (2) the Christian tradition (* ~ 4
BCE/>~30 CE), and (3) the Islamic tradition (* > 622 CE [AH 1]). This survey and comparison will take
place according to a fixed set of categories. Surveyed for each of these traditions will be: (a) its
worldview, (b) its scriptures, (c) its hierology, (d) its cosmology, (e) its anthropology, (f) its soteriology,
and (g) its most important schools of thought (or forms of scholasticism). To simplify this comparison, we
shall not be considering these structures across all periods of each tradition (and in their full
denominational complexity) but only within the span of time which was characteristically formative for
later development. This will be called the “classical” period of each.
Grades based on: Four objective examinations and extra credit assignments.
Christology (REL 45100) MWF: 10:30-11:20, Recitation 112
Professor: Dr. Thomas Ryba
Course Description
Who do Christians think Jesus Christ was? What do they think was his mission? What does it mean
when Christians affirm that he was both God and Man? Jesus Christ’s historical and ontological identity
is at the basis of any understanding of Christianity. Without an understanding of this identity, the
Christian tradition is largely inscrutable. Theologically, Jesus ’identity has necessary linkages to all the
divisions of Christian Theology but especially to the Christian notions of God, religious anthropology,
soteriology, sacramentology, and spirituality.
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Dr. Thomas Ryba, Course Offerings, Spring 2013
In this course, we will examine the historical development of Christology from the time of the New
Testament to the late 20th century. Particular emphasis will be placed on the New Testament data and on
conciliar formulations in their historical settings, especially as these have influenced the course of
Christological development. Ideas and issues addressed will include: the nature of the hypostatic union,
the consciousness of Jesus Christ, the necessity of the Incarnation, the works of Jesus Christ, the
significance of the suffering of Jesus Christ, the necessity of the atonement, etc, have been understood
by Christians. Also examined will be some notable contemporary interpretations of Christology such as
those of Bultmann, Schillebeeckx, Rahner, Lonergan, Pannenberg, Kasper, Marion, or others, especially
as these have expanded the understanding of Jesus Christ at the dawn of the 21 st century.
Grades based on: One seminar paper (15+ pp.), take-home essay midterm, participation in class
discussions.
Guided Readings (IDIS & PHIL 59000) [Time and place will be arranged.]
Dr. Thomas Ryba
Professor: Dr. Thomas Ryba
This course provides an opportunity for students to explore individually tailored research topics and
projects. The emphasis is upon independence, initiative and creativity within limits agreed upon by
instructor and student. Students must meet with Dr. Ryba before the end of the second week of class to
begin the development of a bibliography and to set regular meeting dates. If two or more students wish to
work on joint interests, seminar-style meetings can be arranged. Topics in the past have included:
readings in Protestant and Roman Catholic history, business ethics from a Christian perspective,
Christianity and non-Christian religions, changing forms of the ministry in the Church and Theology of the
Body. Possible topics for the future are open but subject to approval by the instructor. This is an
opportunity for students to design their own courses.
Grades based on: One final term paper (20 pp. +), a note journal, annotated bibliography
(midterm), participation in 1 hour- 1.5 hours meetings, every other week.
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