Degree Requirements and Course Descriptions
Knowledge is not the highest
of the intellectual goods. Of higher value is
understanding and, beyond that, wisdom. These
are goods that, to whatever extent they can be
achieved, become ours through philosophical thought,
not scientific knowledge. Philosophy makes its
contribution not only as a body of knowledge,
but also because it is through philosophical thought
that we are able to know everything else that
we know. |
-Mortimer Adler |
The first step to wisdom
is to learn what is false. |
-Lactantius |
The fear of the LORD is
the beginning of wisdom. |
Proverbs 9:10 |
Everyone interprets his/her experience of the world,
but not everyone interprets it carefully, consistently
or correctly. In the department of Philosophy and Religion
we give attention to basic questions of our existence.
These questions relate to thoughts about God, reality,
the nature of humanity, ideas of truth, meaning and
value. We address these questions through philosophical
methods of inquiry, careful exegesis of biblical texts,
and thoughtful application of biblical teaching.
Our students will study great philosophical traditions
and thinkers who have influenced western civilization.
They are encouraged critically to assess the claims
and assumptions of a wide range of philosophical positions.
A strong emphasis is placed on the learning and application
of the principles of sound reasoning, so that our students
are well-equipped to interact with contemporary culture.
In our religion courses students learn the importance of the historical and literary dimensions of the Bible along with the interpretive methodologies necessary for informed interpretation. They may also choose to learn one or both of the primary biblical languages (Greek and Hebrew). All of these skills provide a foundation for the development of a sound biblical theology. Other religion courses focus on the application of biblical teaching to areas of Christian practice such as mission, spirituality and worship.
Major and Minors in Philosophy
and Religion
Our department offers programs for those interested
in either a major or one of two minors in Philosophy
and Religion. The major program requires 37 hours of
coursework. Students may also choose to minor in Philosophy
and Religion (21 hours) or in Christian Ministry (21
hours). The specific requirements for the major and
minors can be found in the college catalog.
While there is a significant amount of flexibility
in the courses one can take to fulfill the requirements
of our major, students are strongly encouraged to take
the following courses in their freshman or sophomore
years:
| REL 103 |
Biblical Survey |
| PHI 203 |
Introduction to Philosophical Thought |
| PHI 213 |
Logic and Language |
| REL 253 |
New Testament (spring semester) |
| REL 273 |
Old Testament (fall semester) |
contact info
Dr. Eric Bolger
Professor of Philosophy and Religion
Chairman of the Humanities Division
P.O. Box 17, Point Lookout, MO 65726
(417) 334-6411 ext. 4253
bolger@cofo.edu
Dr. Justin Carswell
Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion
P.O Box 17, Point Lookout, MO 65726
(417) 334-6411 ext. 4296
carswell@cofo.edu
Dr. Courtney Furman
Professor of Philosophy and Religion
Box 606, Point Lookout, MO 65726
(417) 334-6411 ext. 4272
furman@cofo.edu
Dr. Mark Rapinchuk
Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religion
P.O. Box 17, Point Lookout, MO 65726
(417) 334-6411 ext. 4468
rapinchuk@cofo.edu
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