Department of Religion & Philosophy

Professor: Stewart, Department Chair
Professors: Kinlaw, LeMasters, Miller, Waters

Mission and Goals:

The Mission of the Department of religion and philosophy is to administer programs in the academic fields of Religion and Philosophy and to cooperate with other academic departments in furthering the pursuit of Christian liberal arts education on our campus. The Department maintains a Wesleyan commitment to unite intellectual achievement and vital piety in ways that foster both academic excellence and mature Christian discipleship. The Department intends for the program in religion to serve the mission of McMurry University by accomplishing the following goals:

Introduce all McMurry students to the academic study of religion through general education courses such as Introduction to the old Testament, Introduction to the new Testament, and Introduction to Christianity;
Offer advanced courses in Scripture, Christian theology and ethics, the history of Christianity, and other fields which prepare religion majors and minors for graduate school and/or seminary, and provide students majoring in other fields the opportunity to supplement their studies through advanced work in religion;
Offer a limited number of courses which introduce pre-ministerial students to the theory and practice of ministry in the United Methodist Church;
Provide religion students with opportunities for independent research through the religion departmental honors program;
Provide opportunities for McMurry students to participate in study abroad programs in religion.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Kappa Delta Sigma: Membership in Kappa Delta Sigma is open to all students majoring or minoring in religion and to all students with an interest in or commitment to service in Christian vocations, including ordained ministry. Activities will include programs of special interest and service projects.

Archaeology Experiences: McMurry University cooperates with a university consortium to provide opportunities for Middle East study and travel. The formal consortium (Drew, Gannon, and Lubbock Christian Universities) focuses on the Bronze Age archaeological project at Khirbet Iskander, Jordan, with both new discoveries and conservation work in former years. The summer program introduces McMurry students to hands on learning in a variety of areas, to include archaeology, art, Bible, history, religion and sociology. The project is done in cooperation with the Jordanian Department of Antiquities and the American Center for Oriental Research.

Course of Study: United Methodist local pastors who have completed the Course of Study may receive academic credit for coursework in religion. Interested students should submit transcripts from the Course of Study to the Office of the Registrar. Transcripts will be reviewed by members of the Religion faculty.

Departmental Awards: Each year one or more Cal C. Wright scholarships are presented to students showing outstanding potential for Christian ministry. Each year the George Steinman Award is presented to the McMurry junior religion major with the highest academic standing.

Departmental Honors. Please see the description of the McMurry University Honors Program under the Special Program section earlier in the catalog.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Minor

Courses

Greek

Philosophy

Religion