Theology and Religious Studies
Throughout human history, religion has played an enormous role in shaping human actions and perceptions, as well as social institutions and values. The academic study of religion involves a sympathetic yet critical examination of the human attempt to answer the questions, “Who are we and why are we here?” It also allows us to understand better the complex world in which we live. The study of religion uses the methods of several disciplines, including theology, philosophy, history, psychology, sociology, anthropology, and literary criticism. The goals of the program are that students engage in critical dialogue with their own religious traditions and other traditions; understand these traditions in their complexity; and articulate coherent, religiously informed answers to basic questions of human meaning.
The Theology and Religious Studies major allows the student to explore numerous topics within the broad domain of religion, such as theology, Bible, ethics, world religions, myth, ritual, and issues of sexuality and gender in world religions. This major can easily combine with a second major and with any minor or concentration. A version of the major with a concentration in theology is offered. The minor is offered in two versions: one focused on Religious Studies and the other on Theology.
Faculty
ANTHONY CIORRA, Ph.D.
Professor
ONORIODE EKEH, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
JUNE-ANN GREELEY, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
RICHARD M. GRIGG, Ph.D.
Professor
MICHAEL W. HIGGINS, Ph.D.
Professor
CHRISTOPHER KELLY, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department Chair
CHRISTEL J. MANNING, Ph.D.
Professor
BRIAN STILTNER, Ph.D.
Professor