The academic understanding of religion has always been important, but in today's world may well be more important than at any other time in history.  We face in the twenty-first century two different forces.  One set of forces compels people to seek out their roots and emphasize their particularities both in terms of ethnic and religious identities.  Another set of forces throws people into a global encounter with different cultures and different religions.  Paradoxically we are becoming many and one simultaneously.  The difficult challenge religions face is to provide a way for people to express their unique individuality and at the same time to discover their common humanity.  Learning how they are trying to meet this challenge is both exciting and demanding.

        The first sentence of the Mission Statement for the Philosophy program at CSUB reads, "The program in Philosophy enables students to explore critically various systems of beliefs and values, to grapple with the foundations of their own beliefs and values, and to develop habits of critical thinking, writing, and reading."  The same can be said of the Religious Studies program.

        The combination of these two programs in one department adds depth to both philosophical and religious studies.  It  provides an opportunity for majors and minors in both programs to exchange ideas in and outside of the classroom.   Lively debates often ensue adding to the intellectual vitality  of our courses.

        Again welcome and I hope you find the information we have provided on this web site useful.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact any of the faculty and staff.  We are glad to be of assistance.

Best wishes and Namarië,

Gary E. Kessler, Chair