Why Study Religion in College?

Basic questions of human existence are addressed by religion: the meaning and purpose of life; the presence of death, sorrow and anxiety; the existence of God; questions of morality and justice; the possibilities of transcendence, salvation, peace, and liberation for individuals and communities. The academic study of religion explores how religion shapes culture and thought, forms values, and compels human action. Students majoring in Religious Studies, whatever their ultimate vocation might turn out to be, find themselves equipped to navigate skillfully in our culturally pluralistic, diverse world.

Of all the liberal arts, Religious Studies is the most comprehensive in its approach to culture and society. Scholars in other disciplines deal with religion fragmentarily, from single perspectives, if they deal with it at all. Religious Studies takes religion as the multi-faceted human reality it is—a sometimes controversial but often poorly understood phenomenon that leaves its mark all aspects of history, the arts, literature, culture, and society.

Religious Studies at JMU has a global focus. Students concentrating in Religion gain a broad knowledge of the major religions of the world from geographical, historical, literary, cultural, ethical, and political perspectives. Many choose to focus their advanced courses in one or two religious traditions, while others pursue interests in related areas such as ancient Mediterranean religions, biblical studies, theology, and ethics. Religion is approached academically, as a discipline in the humanities. Students of many different religious backgrounds, or of no religion at all, take Religion courses.