Why Choose World Religions

Why Choose World Religions

Why Choose World Religions

 John Kerry

“I often say that if I headed back to college today, I would major in comparative religions .... That is because religious actors and institutions are playing an influential role in every region of the world and on nearly every issue central to U.S. foreign policy.”
John Kerry, former Massachusetts Senator and U.S. Secretary of State (American Magazine, 2015)

Perhaps you have an interest in other cultures, in history or in being involved in the society around you? You might want to consider a World Religions major to complement your future career. We live in a world that is struggling for peace and is often at odds over varying belief systems and values. A comparative study of religions helps you to understand how those major belief systems are represented in different religious traditions. In this program you could come to know some of the basic backgrounds on the major religions of the world such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Studying World Religions would be a great complement to the social work, human services, medical, legal, teaching, communications, business and political fields. You can easily dual major at just 30 credits or you could take it as a minor or even as a certificate (CUGS).

As a teacher you would be more prepared to help your students navigate the holidays that some of their classmates might be celebrating at home or the transitions and rituals they may go through at different stages of life. As a medical professional you would learn how to be prepared to talk with your patients about end of life decisions, treatment courses and medical options by being aware of the potential values your patients may hold due to their religious convictions. As someone working in the political field or media you would learn how to separate your preconceptions from core beliefs found in religions. Instead of making an assumption about what you think is true you would be able to critically evaluate sources and help others to do the same.

So much of what we see and hear around us needs to be examined and considered in light of not what we have been taught, not what others tell us but through observation, critical inquiry and educated paradigms of the various religions we encounter every day in our nation.

This type of study can lead to high scores on the GREs, LSATs or MCATs. Learning to evaluate and consider new ideas while examining long held beliefs is a skill you will develop. Comparative Religions is a field that does not ever focus on teaching "how to practice a religion" nor does it seek to denigrate or judge any religion by simply looking at religion as another piece of one's cultural and communal identity. As we understand who we are we are better able to accept and interact peacefully with our neighbors and be in professions that involve working with others. We are also better prepared to be in professions where we will need to accurately communicate information and opportunities that will impact and shape our society.

Read through some of the links here where you will find resources on Interreligious Dialogue, Faith Cooperation and the study of religions. Contact us if you want more information or want to attend any of the events listed on this page. We would be happy to spend some time with you via email or in person and we would love to see you at one of our speaker's series or events.

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