Master of arts in religion and the sciences

Richard Rice, 1998. Program Coordinator

Professor of Religion
MDiv Andrews University 1969
MA University of Chicago Divinity School 1972
PhD University of Chicago Divinity School 1974
Theology and Philosophy of Religion

As the academic study of religion has developed over the past fifty years, the exploration of religion and science has emerged as a discipline of its own. Scholars in the natural sciences, the human sciences, and numerous applied sciences recognize the importance of examining religion from their particular perspectives. And religion scholars appreciate the importance of the questions that the methods and conclusions of the sciences raise for religious belief and practice.

As a Seventh-day Adventist health-sciences university, Loma Linda University rests on the conviction that there is a positive relation between religion and the sciences. Its commitment to a variety of health professional programs reflects the belief that the natural world is God's good creation and that human beings are inherently part of the physical order of things. Its commitment to higher education, including various avenues of graduate study, expresses the belief that all truth is God's truth, and that the acquisition of truth calls for the diligent application of all our powers. These convictions support the attempt to bring scientific knowledge within the overarching perspective of Christian faith.

This degree is designed for several types of students: those who want a degree in religion and science before pursuing further graduate work in one or the other of these areas; graduate students in the natural and social sciences who would like to combine their other academic interests with a serious study of religion; students in professional programs who also have an interest in the area of religion and science; and individuals who wish to explore the interface of religion and the sciences within the context of serious academic work.

The religion and the sciences program is administered by the School of Religion. It draws on resources from various sectors of the campus, including the School of Science and Technology faculty and the members of other faculties in the University, as well as other scholars and professors with expertise in the area.

The program is designed to encourage and assist students to:

• Understand the various ways people view the relation between science and religion.
  
• Appreciate the distinctive features of scientific and religious study.
  
• Appreciate religion and science as contrasting yet complementary approaches to truth.
  
• Participate in the ongoing conversation surrounding the relation of religion and the sciences.
  

Richard Rice, PhD University of Chicago Divinity School 1974 Professor of Religion Program Coordinator rrice@llu.edu (909) 558-1000, extension 83452

Master of arts

Admission

In addition to meeting admission requirements for the Graduate School, the applicant to the religion and the sciences program must:

1. Propose clear personal and professional goals and ways in which the religion and the sciences program may facilitate their realization.
   
2. Persuade the admissions committee, by previous accomplishments, that s/he is able and willing to reach these goals and to make a significant contribution to the field.

Course requirements

In order to receive the master of arts degree in religion and the sciences from Loma Linda University, the student will complete a minimum of 48 units of coursework covering an appropriate range of courses and seminars as herein specified, with an overall grade point average of B or better, with no grade lower than a C, and with no grade in a required course lower than a B-.

Transfer credits

Students are permitted to transfer up to 8 units of approved graduate-level courses from other accredited institutions into the religion and the sciences program. In addition, prior or current students in other Loma Linda University postbaccalaureate degree programs are permitted to petition to receive credit for a maximum of 12 units for courses completed in their professional studies that are directly related to religion and the sciences.

Comprehensive examinations

A series of comprehensive examinations cover essential aspects of religion and science.

Research

The student prepares an acceptable thesis or material suitable for publication in relevant scholarly journals.

Courses

RELG 504 Research Methods (2-4)
Study of presuppositions and procedures for scholarship in religion and ethics, with an introduction to research in the natural and behavioral sciences. Practical themes include writing, library and Internet resources, and forms of scholarly papers and articles.
Two units of credit may be given for research methods class taken in another discipline.
Additional project required for fourth unit.

RELT 526 Creation and Cosmology (3-4)
Exploration of the similarities and contrasts between biblical and scientific views of the world, with special attention to biblical Creation accounts in their historical context.
Additional project required for fourth unit.

RELT 539 Christian Understanding of God and Humanity (3-4)
Study of the nature and attributes of God, with special emphasis on God's relation to the world; and the essential dynamics of human existence in light of the central biblical motifs of creature, image of God, and sin.
Additional project required for fourth unit.

RELT 615 Seminar in Philosophy of Religion (3-4)
Examination of the concept of God, arguments for the existence of God, the relationship of faith and reason, and the nature of religious language.
Additional project required for fourth unit.

RELT 617 Seminar in Religion and the Sciences (3-4)
Exploration of the interface between religion and the sciences; with attention to the religious origins of modern science, the similarities and contrasts between scientific and religious inquiry, and the particular challenges that the sciences pose for religious belief.
Additional project required for fourth unit.

PHIL 616 Seminar in the Philosophy of Science (3-4)
Exploration of the meaning(s) of scientific facts, laws, and theories; with special attention to the development of scientific thought, the nature of scientific discovery, contrasting interpretations of scientific inquiry, and the ethical ramifications of scientific discovery.
Additional project required for fourth unit.

Contact

For more information contact the master of arts in religion and the sciences:

E-mail: mswenson@llu.edu
Phone: (866) 558-6270

Please send more information

Please take a moment to tell us a little about yourself. We will send a package out immediately that contains application materials, brochures, and the latest bulletin. Thank you for your interest in our program.

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