Theology at Episcopal High School is an academic discipline that exposes students to the Judeo-Christian heritage that undergirds Western civilization. It also teaches the analytical skills that allow students to wrestle with the human quest for meaning as a lifetime venture. Although various religious and philosophic traditions are studied and analyzed, the courses and faculty approach the material from a Western Christian perspective.
Courses
Faculty
- The Rev. Thomas C. Hummel, Ph.D., M.Div., and M.A., Chair
- W. Perry Epes III '65, M.F.A. and M.A.
- The Rev. Gideon L. K. Pollach, BA, MDiv
- The Rev. Heather VanDeventer, BA, MDiv
- Helen E. Westerfield, B.M.Ed.
Biblical Theology
This course surveys the Christian Bible: Old and New Testaments. It examines the biblical history of Israel and its religious development, and studies the life and teachings of Jesus and the early church's view of his importance through an in-depth study of one of the gospels. Further study includes the Acts of the Apostles and selected readings from the Pauline epistles. (one-half credit)
Ethics
This course provides an introduction to the major ethical thinkers of the Western tradition from Sophism to Sartre, and Plato to Marx. It also uses case studies and issue analyses to engage students with contemporary ethical situations. Students will become acquainted with the various ethical options available and arguments expounded by both sides of a particular course of action. Specific novels and films are used to discuss the way values are communicated through stories. (one-half credit)
Comparative Religions
The course begins with an examination of the reality and features of the "higher plane of existence" in human life and goes on to allow students to view the world religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and new religions and cults) from the "inside." The class utilizes core texts, novels, films, and tours to create a comprehensive vision of each religion. Classes consist of an equal balance of lectures and class discussions with a weekly journal reflection. (one-half credit)
Christian Biographies: C. S. Lewis
This senior theology course focuses on the biography of an influential Christian figure. Known primarily for his Narnia books, C. S. Lewis wrote in a number of other genres as well, including theological essays such as Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, and The Abolition of Man. Sample Text: The Essential C. S. Lewis. (one-half credit)
Science and Religion
This is a philosophy seminar course in which students are introduced to and explore the dominant ideas and personalities of the Western intellectual tradition. The course topics vary by term. The present subject is the interplay of faith and reason, science and religion, from the pre-Socratics to post-modernism. (one-half credit)
Spirituality in Music
This course explores the intersection of religious texts and beliefs with musical forms and themes, from Gregorian chant through rock opera. Students will attend appropriate live performances and discuss how historical masterworks connect to our present experience of faith and musical aesthetics. Works to be studied include Bach's St. Matthew Passion, Mozart's Requiem, Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar, Dun's Symphony 1997: Heaven, Earth, Mankind. Meets either art or theology requirement. (one-half credit)
Ethics and Aesthetics
This course centers on evaluating the relationship of literary beauty to philosophic truth. Is the truth, even the so-called ugly truth, beautiful when it is seen in its proper perspective? The course does not provide formulaic answers to this type of question but wrestles with them, using Aristotle's Poetics and Ethics and drawing on a host of philosophers and literary works in the place and function of case studies in ethics. Meets English or theology requirement. (one-half credit)
Greek 1
This elective course provides an introduction to ancient Greek and the history, culture, and literature of ancient Greece. No previous knowledge of Greek or Latin is assumed, though students interested should have some experience in the study of another language. This course does not fulfill the foreign language requirement at EHS. Meets Senior Theology Requirement. (one credit)
Southern Literature and Ethics
This course will explore how modern Southern literature achieved a new realism and ethical importance by turning away from sentimental escapism and glorification of the past to meditate truthfully on the South's social history. Modern Southern writers also played a crucial role in framing 20th-century critical standards in ethical and aesthetic terms. Meets English or Theology Requirements. (one-half credit)