Doing Religious Studies

It is easy to confuse Religious Studies and Religious Education. The second is an effort to strengthen one's connection with a particular tradition. The first -- what we do here -- is the attempt to strengthen the connections between and among the people of many different religious traditions.

We are not interested in conversions or the status of a student's faith. We fervently believe, however, that our future as a human experience lies in our ability to engage the vast world that is not the same as we are. To learn to see through other people's eyes creates respect for them, new possibilities for ourselves, and relationships that can delight in rather than simply tolerate our differences.

Is it marketable? Yes, unbelievably so. Corporations need representatives who can understand the new cultures who now do business with us. Politicans need advocates, advisors and diplomats who know how to see past the easy blinders. Grade schools and high schools need teachers who can help 30 children from so many cultures appreciate and learn from one another.

We think you will enjoy the journey.