Millenialism and the American Revolution. Native American vision quests. Autocremation in Chinese Buddhism. The origins of ancient Israel. The Virgin Mary in the writings of Ambrose of Milan and Anselm of Canterbury. This is just a cross section of the wide-ranging, thought-provoking research being done right now by our majors in the Religious Studies Department.

From broad surveys of regions and religions to close examinations of specific historical, social, and cultural phenomenon, our socio-cultural approach lets students explore religion in a critical, integrative way.

Religious Studies is a field of investigation distinct from religious practice. Our curriculum focuses on four areas: Jewish and Christian origins, the history of the religious traditions in Western civilization, the history of religious traditions of Asia, and religious traditions of Islam. We also address the role and impact of religion in historical and contemporary America, women and religion, modern religious movements, religion and the environment, and race and religion. This broad framework relies on an interdisciplinary approach; our courses and faculty draw from the departments of history, sociology and anthropology, art, and music.

Though our classes here in Portland are outstanding, many students seize the opportunity to take their studies beyond the campus—Religious Studies faculty frequently lead programs in India, Japan, the Middle East, and elsewhere, offering students firsthand experience with things they just can’t get from texts, lectures, and discussions. From mosques to Buddhist temples to Hindu ceremonies and rituals, our students encounter the depth and breadth of some of the world’s most ancient religions.