International events drive interest in Purdue's religious studies

"Given the political realities of the day — for instance, the current conflict in the Middle East as well as living in a smaller, globalized world — knowledge of other religions is imperative for success in business, politics and international relations," says Jacqueline Mariña, associate professor of philosophy and chair of the Religious Studies Program. "Religion plays an enormous role in shaping the way that people understand the world and its effect upon them, and many of our students are taking advantage of opportunities to learn more."

More Purdue college students are interested in learning about religions beyond their own faith, Mariña says. Students are especially interested in classes that compare religions and provide an introduction to the history and cultures associated with them.

Purdue's religious studies program offers courses in religions of the east, medieval philosophy, Bible as literature, faith and superstition, religion in America, Native American religion and Islamic civilization.

"Students want to understand the differences and issues among faiths so they can better relate to others," she says. "It's wonderful to see so many young people working to be more accepting and reaffirming toward others."

Examples of this effort are Purdue student groups, such as Dialogue International, which encourages others from different religions to meet and talk about religious differences, and the Society for Religious Studies, which promotes the academic study of religion at Purdue.

Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, (765) 494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu

Source: Jacqueline Mariña, (765) 494-3979, marinaj@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

To the News Service home page