Religion, Huston Smith said, is not a “dull habit” but an “acute fever”. Many consider that religion is a very “personal” matter and a “touchy subject”. And discussion on religion may lead to an endless argument. Therefore, they will insist on the need to avoid discussing religion in public. If we take that line of argument then it is not possible to study religion in the university.
Why study “religion” or “religions”? Richard E. Creel, in his Religion and Doubt: Toward a Faith of Your Own, (Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1977) provides three reasons for the study of religion:
1. He believes that religion “is one of the most ancient, universal, and enduring components of human existence”. Humans are “incurably religious”. You cannot understand the “human phenomenon” without understanding the human religion.
2. Understanding of religion is essential to understand and communicate with our contemporary humans. Prudence, and solidarity requires our understanding of the human religious factor. “The study of religion is an excellent way to enter the worlds of other people and thus to see your own world from a new perspective”. This would also include an effective way of carrying on your vocation as a medical doctor, small business, caterer, etc.
3. Religion is intensely concerned with the very human existence – meaning and meaninglessness; good and evil; right and wrong; love and hate; community and loneliness; war and peace; life and death; illusion and reality; etc.
You will find more reasons for studying religions in the following website: http://www.studyreligion.org/why/index.html
Harriet Crampton who wrote the “Foreword” for Creel’s book considers both “religion” and “doubt” as “dandelions”! Both will co-exist!
Religion, particularly the “organized religion” has a negative side. To explore “Negative aspects of organized religions” read Fisher, LR, 2008, p.27f.
1. Religions have split rather than unified the humanity.
3. Religions have terrified rather than inspired.
4. Religious power dominates and controls the followers.
5. Religious power, like secular power, is frequently corrupt.
6. Religions have been a rallying point for major wars
You may also benefit from reading Ring’s, chapters 1-3.
Question to Explore:
Discuss the different types of responses to religion, or religions, you are likely to encounter in the community you live. For this you may read Fisher, LR, p. 1-14.
