WHY STUDY RELIGION?
1. Understand
Religion courses take you to wisdom about interesting issues: life and death, love and sex, authority and freedom, duty, salvation. Christians, for instance, might turn to the Book of Proverbs or the teachings of Jesus.
2. Share
The vast majority of humankind participates in religion. Religion courses let you in on something universal.
3. Remember
Religion courses take you into history. Hinduism is so old that no one knows when it began. Christianity and Judaism are part of thousands of years of world history.
4. Belong, Relate
Many religions provide ideas on how to be part of a community. Hinduism, for instance, teaches a strong sense of duty to one's community. Christians debate what it means to "love your neighbor."
5. Explore
Many religions used to be "over there" in another country. Now they are right here among us in the U.S. Learning about religions opens possibilities to know about the beliefs and practices of folks in our workplaces and neighborhoods.
6. Cross Boundaries
Studying religion is interdisciplinary. Religion courses may improve your understanding of history, art, literature, science, and philosophy.
7. Get a Job
The study of religion can prepare you for service in the church, but it can also prepare you for work in law, international business, social service, education, government and diplomacy, and the media. Why? Because these careers require a refined sensitivity to human cultures, values, and aspirations.
8. Be formed?
For some students at Baker, studying religion will mean learning more about what it means to be a Christian. In their courses, they will asking questions about sin and salvation, prayer and service. They will think hard about their positions on ethical controversies like homosexuality, abortion, and nonviolence. Along with their participation in worship, they will be seeking to "grow in wisdom and grace" (The Book of Common Prayer).
CHIEF SOURCE: THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF RELIGION. USED WITH PERMISSION.