Religion

Upper School Religion Department Philosophy

Lessons of faith, ethics, and personal responsibility are incorporated into the Religion courses.  Tolerance and mutual respect are important core values of our Episcopal tradition.  While faith in Christ is celebrated, so too, do we seek to live lives of integrity, service to others, and "to respect the dignity of every human being". ( The Episcopal Book of Common Prayer)

Course List

Comparative Religion

Comparative Religion is designed as an introduction to religious traditions of the world.  The course will unfold in two parts:  the Non-Christian traditions and the Christian tradition. First, the content will be a survey of the enduring religions of the world, helping the learner to appreciate and understand major world religions, beliefs, and spirituality.  Second, the content will be the Christian tradition itself, comparing and contrasting the various expressions of that tradition.  Second, it will enable the learner to appreciate the unique quality of the Christian experience.  Third, it will show the learner the beauty and value of the various Christian expressions of faith.
One semester, 0.5 credit

Selected Topics in Spirituality Grade 9 (Required)

Selected Topics I is designed as a general introduction to the enduring spiritual heritage of the world.  In general, the course will examine themes in the Christian, Muslin, Jewish, and mystical traditions.  The course will seek to examine such themes as: the reality and nature of God, the problem of evil and human suffering, spirituality (prayer, meditation), ethical living, among others.   The course will expose the student to the rich heritage of Christian spiritual expression and develop in them an appreciation of the spiritual journey.  In addition, the course will focus on the student’s personal growth by discovering and applying pragmatic (life laws:  Students will learn to discover their gifts, talents and a methodology to excel in achieving goals and dreams.
One semester, 0.5 credit

Personal Growth Grade 9 (Required)

This course is designed to develop the students’ personal growth in several areas.  Course components will consist of developing leadership skills, public speaking skills, organizational skills, personal finance and test taking strategies.
One Semester, 0.5 credit

Christian Ethics

The course is designed as a general introduction to Western ethical thought and the ethics in the Christian tradition.  The course will unfold in two parts:  philosophical ethics and applied ethics.  In the first part, the course will survey of the great thinkers and systems that have formed the Western tradition of ethics.  In the second part, the course will be the analysis of contemporary dilemmas and situations, both personal and global.  First, it will help the learner recognize that not all modern ethical systems share the values of the Judeo-Christian tradition.  Second, it will help the learner see that their life decisions are ethical ones and that they ultimately affect the whole of their community.  Third, it will help the learner see that injustice, oppression, and suffering in the world is real and that, as disciples, believers are called “to show mercy, do justice, and walk humbly with their God.
One semester, 0.5 credit