It was after enrolling in a course titled “Magic and Religion” my freshman year that I decided to pursue a major in religious studies.
Though I didn’t quite understand the scope of the field at the time, I was quickly hooked. As I’ve now taken classes spanning a broad array of subjects, I’ve come to realize the importance of the study in our world today. It may seem to be a niche academic pursuit, yet anyone could glean something meaningful from taking a class in the field as it holds applications in nearly any career or personal pursuit.
As a speech and debate competitor, volunteer and avid reader in high school, I knew I wanted a degree in the humanities but couldn’t decide on which one. After taking my first religious studies class and speaking with faculty in the department, I learned that religious studies is a multi-disciplinary field with roots across in every humanities and social sciences discipline.
In a world totally saturated by religiosity, all aspects of the human experience must be considered. From Japanese tea tradition to gender politics to UFO abductions, class discussions have plenty to offer to those who wish to broaden their horizons. Students who wish to learn more about other ways of life—be it in other cultures or even within their own classmates’ experiences—will find no better scholastic field to pursue.
As a born and raised Bible Belt evangelical, I’ve found merit, beauty and inspiration to ideas I wouldn’t have likely encountered or engaged with otherwise. Religiosity reflects the heart and mind of a person; its study teaches one to examine others with an air of humility and a heart to understand. This emotive emphasis is a marked contrast to the more objective approaches found elsewhere in academia.
An incredible degree program doesn’t come without passionate professors, and the religious studies faculty is home to some of my favorite faculty. Each is expert in their field and genuinely interested in your success and well-being as a student. Whether online or in person, time is poured into every lesson plan and lecture to make it as engaging and meaningful as possible. They offer a wealth of information and make themselves available via email or office hours to thoroughly answer any questions you may have.
If for no other reason but taking a class with a wonderful instructor, I recommend religious studies highly.
The study of religiosity must be thorough, as it deals in the socio-historic, psychological, physical and beyond. If you’d like to learn more about the world, but don’t want the debt or time commitment of adding a major or studying abroad, taking religious studies elective might be for you.
No matter what class you take, or what you may have planned for your life, a religious studies class will equip you with perspective useful for the rest of your life.