Social capital research shows a strong connection between voting and participation in civic events such as religious activity. Research through the Center could examine such connections as well as how religion plays a role in shaping public opinion in the political sphere. [Read more…]
Philosophy: About the discipline
Philosophy and religion have a long history of inspiring, influencing and challenging each other. In the process, they have impacted how humans view their roles, drives and ideals in the world in which we live. [Read more…]
Natural Resources: About the discipline
Many religious traditions speak of sensing the presence of the divine in nature. Even some who don’t affiliate with an organized religion consider the great outdoors to be their private worship space. [Read more…]
Music: About the discipline
Our increasingly diverse and global society means exposure to a variety of musical traditions, which can be a gateway to learning more about other cultures. Study of music and religion can help us better understand our traditions and those of others. It can also explore the impact of religious traditions on development of music, as well as music as a force in impacting perspectives about religion. [Read more…]
Military and public safety: About the discipline
The study of military campaigns throughout history often can be linked to factors involving religion. Some conflicts are directly related to religious belief; other conflicts are influenced by religion in how alliances are made and countries are mobilized for periods of war over the notion of belief. Many conflicts have roots in religious and cultural disagreement, sometimes going back centuries. [Read more…]
Mathematics: About the discipline
In their own ways, mathematics and religion are both used to solve real-world problems. While they may come at problem-solving from different points of view, they share a study of abstract concepts and are both based on the idea that objects are unchanging and that truths are certain and universal. Some religious beliefs have adopted mathematical ideas for religious or metaphysical purposes. Others have considered specific numbers and shapes to have mystical powers and divine meaning. Some people would argue that math itself is a religion, because of mathematicians’ belief that nature is simple, comprehensible and to be understood. [Read more…]
Library and information science: About the discipline
Some would argue that religion created the information revolution. The desire to have and to understand the record of religious thought and theology helped create what is now a mass market for information. [Read more…]
Law: About the discipline
Many of the hottest legal issues today involve religion in the public square. Current First Amendment issues include church-state separation, God in the Pledge of Allegiance, and prayer in schools and public spheres. Ethical issues sometimes related to religious beliefs are also debated, such as potential bans on abortion or types of abortion, the death penalty, and how to rule or legislate in ways that offer freedom to practice religion but not against any particular practices or atheist beliefs. [Read more…]
Journalism and media: About the discipline
Religion coverage tends to be downplayed in mainstream media, both in terms of front page or top-of-newscast appeal as well the percentage of content. Still, current events have revealed that religion plays a key role in many stories considered non-religious, such as the war on terror and politics. Journalists are learning that religion can be covered in a more “wholistic” way by identifying religion as a key factor in a news story, and that it does not have to be restricted to the topic of religion. [Read more…]
Human development: About the discipline
When studying human families, it is important to look at whether and to what degree religion plays a role in human development and family relationships. Religion and religious practice can be factors that bind a family together, or enforce negative practices of child-rearing that result in isolation as children or adults. When learning about human development and families, practitioners can in many cases factor in religion as an influence for relationships, self-definition and behavior. [Read more…]