Religion has shaped much in the way of world history on every continent, from the beginning of recorded time. It has led and suppressed the search for information; been the impetus for and result of conquest; provided guidance for civic laws and engagement; and defined national identities. Perhaps the greatest benefit the Center on Religion & the Professions can provide is lending historical background to current problems concerning religion and public life. [Read more…]
Health Professions/Health Care/Medicine: About the discipline
While the intention of religion and health is to nurture the individual, religion and health can sometimes become a confrontation of values. The medical profession’s set of values and operational procedures can conflict with corresponding values found in people of faith. This disconnect can go both ways and apply to both the patient and practitioner, which can impact quality of care. [Read more…]
German and Russian languages: About the discipline
The histories of Germany and Russia have long been intertwined with religion. [Read more…]
Geography and geology: About the discipline
Geography and geology are interesting when looked at through the lens of religion because of the ways these two fields have been used over time both to disprove religion and to make religion manifest. They highlight the role of physical and environmental circumstances in developing religious beliefs and views of the order of the world. [Read more…]
Film and theater: About the discipline
Some could argue that the power of drama is similar to that of a religious experience. Good drama transfixes, transports and indelibly changes the individual. Certainly, religious experience itself is rich in drama. [Read more…]
English and literature: About the discipline
The experience of religion requires a certain level of creativity, to travel to places that are not seen. It is natural that people over time have used literature to express their profound religious experiences, to communicate with others and fully integrate them in their own minds. [Read more…]
Education: About the discipline
Religion has played a key role in the formation of educational institutions in the United States. [Read more…]
Economics and finance: About the discipline
Religious beliefs influence how people choose to spend their money and how they believe money should be spent. They also inform their beliefs about the role of their nation’s economy in the world and the responsibilities of the state and individual. Religious organizations can also be powerful players in the secular realms of government and politics, affecting economic policy decisions. [Read more…]
Computers: About the discipline
Advances in technology have long been tied to religious uses, from the printing press disseminating copies of the Bible, to the Internet, where information and discussions about religion pervade. [Read more…]
Community development: About the discipline
Religious groups play both upfront and behind-the-scenes roles in community and leadership development. [Read more…]