ANT2100 Anthropology of Religion

Course Overview

Educational Level: Lower undergraduate, Associate
Credit Hours: 3 Credits
Instructor: Dr. Samuel Dira

Course Description:

Introduction to religious beliefs and practices across cultures. It surveys major religions of the world and examines forms of religious beliefs; a variety of gods and supernatural forces; use of myths, rituals, religious ceremonies; shamans, priests, and religious specialists.

How This Course Benefits Students:

Religion is one of the social institutions, and studies show that about 85 % of the world population practice some sort of religious belief (Haviland et al. 2011). This course enhances missional leaders knowledge about diverse religious belief systems and thoughts. Learners will also gain techniques and tools that will help them take part in local and international ministry, Christian counseling, and other career opportunities.

Why This Course Is Important:

Knowledge of the basic nature of diverse belief systems helps missionaries and evangelists to scrutinize belief systems, differentiate them from Christianity, better prepare to deliver the Gospel messages, and provide evidence-based answers to the question people have about the Gospel. Information literacy in world religions also gives learners the opportunity to approach people of different religious backgrounds and contexts, and opens doors for missions.