Religious Studies



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Letter From the Chair of the CSUB Philosophy And
Religious Studies Department
  

        Welcome to the religious studies web site at CSUB. Our department is home to courses of study in religion as well as philosophy.  The Religious Studies program provides an objective and non-sectarian course of study that focuses on understanding the role religion plays in human life.  It provides students with the opportunity to explore many of the different religions of the world as well as pursue research in the history, philosophy, and social scientific study of religion. 

        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

 


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