Philosophy & World Religions

Why should I study Religion?

Studying religion gives you the opportunity to explore some of the deepest and most significant ideas and values that have emerged in human history.  See http://www.studyreligion.org.

Religion has been one of the most persistent forces in the history of humanity.  With the rise of science, some think that religion is outdated, but it continues to exert its influence in profound ways throughout the world today.   Think, for example, of the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, the debates over evolution, questions about abortion and the death penalty; how people think about these controversial issues reflects their religious convictions. 

Religion asks the deepest, most important questions about human existence.  Where do we come from? Why are we here?  What happens to us after we die?  Why do people suffer?  How should we act? How can we live good lives? How can we understand people with beliefs that conflict with our own?  What is the ultimate meaning of life? Different religions provide a variety of answers to these questions. The study of religion gives you the opportunity to explore the range of answers to these profound questions, and allows you to consider your own beliefs and values. 

People act out of their religious beliefs everyday.  Exploring the range of religious world views at work in the past and present is crucial for understanding what people do and why they do it. 

Religion affects all aspects of human existence.  It is difficult to study history, anthropology, sociology, political science, literature, music, art, theater, psychology, education, or economics without understanding how religious views and ideals function in culture.   If you are interested in any of these areas, you might also want to consider a religion major or minor. 

THE STUDY OF RELIGION MAJOR AT UNI

Studying religion at UNI will give you the opportunity to:

• explore the history, culture and texts of the major world religions

• analyze a variety of different belief systems

• critically examine social and ethical dimensions of religious world views

The faculty who teach religion at UNI are especially interested in:

• the psychology of religion

• ethical analysis of religion

• history of religion

• popular religion

• Old and New Testament Studies

• American religion

• gender, sexuality and religion

• race, ethnicity and religion

Our major in the Study of Religion will give you a foundation for future employment by educating you to:

• think critically about our world

• write, speak and think creatively and with confidence

• work well with others

• read, think and write about challenging subjects

• approach problems from a variety of perspectives and find imaginative solutions

• be flexible in your approach to your own future

• interact meaningfully with people from different countries and cultures