Religion (BA)

Dominican’s program in Religion focuses on the Biblical roots and theological development of the Judaeo-Christian tradition and on the cross-cultural study of humanity’s religions including Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Native American traditions. We study these traditions in their mythological, philosophical, psychological, and sociological dimensions. We examine not only the historical origins and ideals of these religions but also the many ways they influence individuals and societies in the modern, global world. Each member of the Religion faculty considers the student-teacher relationship crucial to the educational venture.

The central objectives of the Religion program are: to contribute to a new depth and richness in students’ questions about and concepts of God; to address perennial human questions so as to find in an understanding of the past a source of wisdom for the present; to struggle with the questions of truth within an informed awareness of religious pluralism and cultural diversity; to develop skills of reading serious literature for comprehension and insight, writing with clarity and style, speaking well, and thinking analytically and critically so as to be able to make well-informed judgments; and to encourage the ‘prophetic voice’ that is willing to analyze and criticize contemporary culture.