St. Francis Preparatory School
Religious Education
Many Faiths (Religion #
2009/2010
)
Introduction and Objectives:
Religion is important for the majority of people living on this earth. Understanding of and
appreciation for different belief systems can only enrich or own faith lives. In the words of the
Second Vatican Council:
“The problems that weigh heavily on human hearts are the same
today as in ages past. What is the human person? What is the
meaning and purpose of life? What is upright behavior, and what
is sinful? Where does suffering originate, and what end does it
serve? How can genuine happiness be found? What happens
at death? What is judgment? What reward follows death? And
finally, what is the ultimate mystery, beyond human explanation,
which embraces our entire existence, from which we take our
origin and towards which we tend?”
Nostra Aetate, Declaration on the Relation of
the Church to Non-Christian Religions
We live in a society of religious diversity. If we can learn to build bridges to
people of other faiths, we can move closer to St. Francis’ teaching to become
“instruments of peace”.
Topics:
 Religious survey
 What is the “Religious Impulse”?
 Making sense of reality
 The sacred and the profane-Mircea Eliade
 Creation Stories and cosmology
 Hero Myths
 Ritual and Celebration
 Spiritual teachers, gurus and prophets
 Visiting other Religious traditions
Materials needed:
- A notebook, brought to class every meeting and kept up to date
- Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams (available in the SFP bookstore (Due:
)
Methodology:
Meaningful student participation is a vital component of a successful class. This course is
planned with a balance of information and discussion in mind – your openness and input are
needed and will enrich the process! Naturally, it is expected that respect is demonstrated for all
class members at all times, as well as all school rules and especially the SFP Honor Code. It is
my hope that we will have an enjoyable class and learn a lot. We all have something to offer! !
Evaluation and Grading:
1st quarter: 2 projects (50%) + 2 tests (50%)
2nd quarter: 2 projects (50%) and 2 tests (50%)
A cumulative final exam will count for 20% of the overall semester grade.
All written work must be submitted on time for full credit. Late work will be penalized and
missing work will result in a zero for that assignment. Likewise, any reading assignments must
be prepared on time for discussion and/or testing.
This class will meet 4 out of 7 days. If you are absent on the day that an assignment is due, it is
expected you had in the assignment the day you return to school. All tests will be announced at
least two class periods in advance. If you are absent the day of a test, you ill be expected to
arrange for a make-up test on the day they return to class.