Introduction to the Study of Religion

This is not a course which systematically examines the teachings, history and practice of the world’s religions. As an introduction to the study of religion, this course explores the subject of religion more generally, taking a thematic approach. A number of topics will be briefly touched on with the expectation that those that particularly spark your interest can be pursued in more depth in your future studies. My primary intent in teaching this class is to spark your interest and excitement in the subject matter. What you will learn in this class is an appropriate attitude and perspective necessary for the academic study of religion.

As you begin this class you probably have a rather narrow view and understanding of religion - a view limited by the context of your personal life experience within the framework of one particular religion or outside the context of any religion but influenced by the context of a particular culture (America) of which one particular religion (Christianity) is of primary influence. You may or may not be religious yourself but, either way, over the course of this semester you will find your horizons broadened and assumptions challenged and will hopefully gain a deeper, broader and more balanced appreciation for religion in any and all forms.

Understand that much of what you will read and hear about religion, even in the academic context of this class, is more perspective, opinion and interpretation than unquestionable fact. This course presents a lot of generalities and theories regarding religion and particular religions. There are always exceptions or alternative ways of understanding the issues. You are encouraged to question and challenge what is presented to you and to think for yourself about the issues under consideration.

A Word about attitude:

The goal of an academic course in religion is not to undermine religious faith but to provide a larger historical, social, philosophical, psychological, political, literary context by which to gain richer insight into your own spiritual life as well as the pervasiveness and variety of religion in general throughout human civilization.

In the academic study of religion it is important to step back from your personal beliefs and assumptions in order to judge the issues in as unbiased, open minded and objective a way as possible. Try to put aside all negative as well as positive preconceptions. This does not mean you are to abandon your personal beliefs but you should understand that the classroom is not the place for belief which is not critically examined and which does not take other points of view into consideration.

An open and inquisitive mind is your greatest asset as you pursue your work in this class. The most important thing you can learn in this class is tolerance, respect and appreciation for beliefs and opinions that might differ from your own. Please do not assume that religions other than your own are wrong. I expect you to at least make an effort to be open minded and willing to consider the value and possible validity of new and different ideas - that’s what education is all about!

The academic study of religion challenges you to develop the qualities of openness, honesty, critical intelligence, careful reading and listening, and critical tolerance:

• Openness means that, as a student of religion, you should welcome evidence that you might be wrong.

• Honesty means that you recognize and understand your biases and are constantly mindful of them.

• Critical intelligence means analyzing and synthesizing information. It means that arguments supporting a particular conclusion are carefully examined for logical consistency and evidence is examined for reliability. The ability and willingness to question is crucial in the search for truth.

• Careful reading and listening means to read and listen for hidden meaning. But it also means to not read more into a statement than is implied.

• Critical tolerance seeks to balance sympathetic understanding with critical intelligence. This is not an easy balancing act. As Anne Landers once wrote: "Don’t be so open minded that your brains fall out."

source: Ways of Being Religious by Gary E. Kessler, pp. 4-6 (Mayfield Publishing):

        Don’t question religion                                           Don’t blindly accept religion
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

without acceptance                      /\                              with question
  /  \

 

A mature, academic approach to religion is a balanced view which recognizes, accepts and appreciates that which is of value in religion(s) even while questioning biased preconceptions and looking past some of the questionable and negative aspects of religion. Don’t be overly critical but don’t take it for granted (by blind faith) either.

These are the points by which your work will be judged. Keep them in mind and apply them in your work and you should do well in this class.

This course will involve some lecture, terms and facts to learn. However, there is also a lot of reading, thinking, writing, activities and discussion. In general, I look for students to give some depth of thought to what they are learning. I value originality and critical questioning of both yourself as well as authorities (including text author, instructor, religious teachings, writers of whatever other sources you use). Do not be afraid to question. Take nothing for granted or at face value. Much of what is said regarding religion is opinion and point-of-view. Demonstrate that you think for yourself, in new ways; reevaluate your own assumptions and grow intellectually and personally regarding your attitude toward and understanding of religion, and you will be more likely to receive A’s on your assignments. I consider typical performance on assignments to be "B" work. Do better than expected (impress me) and you can get "A"s. A lack of effort or quality is likely to receive a grade of "C" or even "D". The surest way to jeopardize your final grade is not to do some of the assignments. I will give at least half credit simply for making the effort, but work not done gets a zero.

The following general criteria are used in determining "A" level work:

Positive, appreciative attitude toward religion in general and toward religions other than your own in particular. "If you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all." At the least, balance your negative, critical observations with positive ones. I take this very seriously. A failure to appreciate faiths other than your own, to be overly critical of them, is a serious offense and will seriously affect your grade. (Remember "the most important thing you can learn in this class" [see "A word about Attitude" above]) Negativity will earn you no more than a "C"

Depth, creativity and originality of thought on the issues in question. Think for yourself. Try to avoid using rhetoric or standard doctrine. While I ask you to avoid being overly critical when it comes to faiths other than your own, I encourage you to take a critical eye toward your own faith (particularly if you have never done so before). Simply "parroting" back what you read and hear will earn you no more than a "C". "A"s are reserved for truly original thinking.

You will find that this course provides for a variety of learning styles, using lecture, discussion, group work, videos, reading, writing, reflection, creative processes, "hands on" field research, and other methods of teaching and learning.

Before you go on, check out these learning resources

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