Department: Philosophy, Religion & Classics
J. Lawrence Brasher
Denson N. Franklin Professor of Religion
Office:
Berte Humanities Building 316
Contact Information:
Box 549050
Birmingham-Southern College
900 Arkadelphia Rd
Birmingham, AL 35254
Office Phone: (205) 226-4868
Office Fax: n(205) 226-3089
E-mail: lbrasher@bsc.edu
Brief Career Background:
N/A
Educational Background:
A.B., Duke University
M.Div., Yale University
Ph.D., Duke University
Areas of Academic Interest:
- Religion in America
- Popular and Folk Religion
- Religion/Spirituality and the Environment
- Theology
- Ethics
- Southern Studies
- Ecology, Botany
Courses Taught:
RE 100 Ecospirituality and Environmental Sustainability (1)
An introduction to contemporary ecospirituality and environmental activism with a focus on environmental sustainability in Alabama. This course highlights the growing alliance between spiritual awareness and the environmental movement. Students will read works of ecocentric theologians and scientific literature on the ecology of Alabama, study organized environmental initiatives, and gain perspective from field trips and service-learning. Spring.RE 201 Introduction to Christianity (1)
An historical-theological introduction to Christianity with special attention to the development of Protestantism. Fall, Spring.RE 231 Religion and Society (1)
An examination of popular and folk religions–beliefs and practices that exist among the people, apart from and alongside the theological and liturgical forms of mainline religion.RE 311 Christian Ethics (1)
An examination of the implications of Christian faith for contemporary ethical problems. Prerequisite: RE 201, 220, or consent.RE 315 Contemporary Christian Theology (1)
A survey of the thought of certain leading theologians in the twentieth century. Particular attention is given to Barth, Tillich, and Bonhoeffer. Prerequisite: RE 201, 220, or consent.RE 320 Religion and the Natural World (1)
An exploration of religious understandings of the natural environment, including such world views as ancient myths, animism, Taoism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Native American traditions, contemporary popular nature worship, and the Judeo-Christian faith. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.RE 330 Religion in America (1)
An analysis of the impact of religious thought upon the development of American society. This course is taught by members of the faculties of religion and of history (an IC designated course). (Also listed as HI 330.)