Religion in its various forms is an integral part of all societies and cultures, past and present. It continues to shape contemporary politics, global economics, and ethnic identity. Many of the current moral debates in the U.S. (abortion, euthanasia, stem cell research, same-sex marriage, war/peace) are essentially debates over fundamental ways of viewing the world and competing/conflicting systems of value.

The Religious Studies department does not endorse a particular creed or religious position, but does create the context for discussion and study that allows students to explore academic and personal questions about religion and society within the framework of their growing knowledge.