Philosophy and Religion
See the Philosophy and Religion blog at http://macphilosophyandreligion.blogspot.com/ !
The Philosophy and Religion Department seeks to offer intellectual excitement, dialogue, and the adventure of learning in all of its courses. We confront questions that have mattered to thoughtful people for thousands of years, and the discussion of contemporary controversial issues is central to our courses. Many students take coursework in the Department just to enhance their personal self-understanding, broaden and deepen their faith, and develop their power to think. Courses like Introduction to Religion, Contemporary Ethical Problems, Introduction to Logic, or one of the courses in non-western religions are particularly popular for these purposes.
The ten three-hour semester courses required in the major allow for coursework in a second major, such as business, psychology, criminal justice, English, foreign languages, art, or music, thus giving majors greater vocational flexibility and liberal arts depth. When the first major is oriented to the student's future vocation, a second major in religion, philosophy, or religion and philosophy greatly enhances the perspective and thoughtfulness of the student entering their profession.
Students who majored in our Department anticipating their vocation in religion have continued their education at Yale Divinity School, the Methodist Theological School of Ohio, Garrett Theological, and Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. Earlier majors in philosophy and religion have attended a wide range of graduate schools such as Oxford University in England, Pennsylvania State University, Loyola University of Chicago, Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, and the Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia.
Internships/In Service Learning
Students preparing for church careers have many opportunities to gain experience by serving in local and nearby churches as a part-time pastor, youth director, or in adult education. Students anticipating careers in social service or government have opportunities for internships in a variety of areas.
A number of students reduce their residential costs by living at the state school for the blind, located four blocks from the campus, and working there a certain number of hours per week. Similar opportunities are available at the state school for the deaf, about two miles from campus.
Faculty
R.J. Stewart, Ph.D.
President Joseph R. Harker Professor of Philosophy and Religion
B.A., Seattle Pacific University
M.T.S., Drew Theological School
M.Phil., Drew University
Ph.D., Drew University
Phone: 217-479-7091
Email: rj.stewart@mac.edu
Eric B. Berg, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Philosophy
B.A., Moorhead State University
M.A., Luther Seminary
Ph.D., University of Kansas
Phone: 217-479-7090
Email: eric.berg@mac.edu
