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Department of Religious Studies has five major
goals: (1) introducing students to the diversity of
religious traditions and viewpoints; (2) encouraging
personal reflection about religious beliefs and values;
(3) integrating religious perspectives with various
academic disciplines; (4) familiarizing students with
major scholarship in religious studies, with a concentration
in the Christian and Jewish traditions; and (5) preparing
students for religious vocations. The first three goals
serve the mission of
a liberal arts college and the general student body;
many students take religion courses to learn more about
their own religious traditions, to learn about the religions
of others, and to clarify their own thinking in the
process. Those who choose to major or minor in religious
studies are frequently preparing for a religious vocation
(e.g., ordained ministry, Christian education, counseling,
teaching, youth work, missionary service, administration).
Others add religious studies to another major to enhance
that vocation; for example, awareness of religion could
help a psychology major interested in counseling, or
a history major who wanted to teach. The fourth and
fifth goals are particularly important to the major
or minor. Department courses introduce students to major
fields of scholarship including Biblical studies (Jewish
and Christian), ethics, theology, world religions and
religious history.
Morningside College
is historically related to the United Methodist Church,
and many faculty and students represent that denomination,
but our classrooms include faculty and students from
many faith traditions. We do not interpret church relationship
to mean that the Department of Religious Studies serves
a catechetical function, inculcating certain denominational
views and combating others. Rather, we view education
as exposure to a variety of viewpoints and options.
The range of viewpoints represented in class lectures
and discussions promotes mutual understanding and an
awareness of the importance of religion in cultures
and in individual lives.
Major:
Religious Studies (B.A.)
Religious Studies Departmental Brochure
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