Mount Allison University :: Religious Studies

The study of Religion deals with the deepest and most basic questions of human existence: the meaning and purpose of life, relations with a divine presence and power, interpersonal relations and ultimate human destiny. A programme of religious studies at the university level will seek to examine the various religious traditions, taking a historical and critical approach and utilizing the insights and advances of modern scholarship. It will be concerned with the Judaeo-Christian tradition, but also with all the major world faiths; with the origins and history of religious traditions, but also with the live issues and contemporary concerns of religion today. The study of religion is not confined to those preparing for theological studies: it has a valid and vital place in a liberal arts programme.

Such a programme does not exist to advocate one faith rather than another, and least of all to proselytize on behalf of one denomination. It is designed to encourage students to study a most important aspect of human existence, and it may help them to focus and clarify their own thinking on these matters.

The Humanities 1600 series of half courses offered by the participating disciplines of Classics, History, Philosophy and Religious Studies are designed to acquaint beginning students with the varieties of non-fictional literature treated by this group of departments, to introduce the methodologies typical of these taken as well as the sorts of themes pursued and questions raised in treating this literature. The 1600-series half courses are designed to be similar in format and requirements; two half courses drawn from this series may be used to satisfy the introductory requirements of the co-operating Departments, as noted in their respective Calendar entries.

Further information is available on request from the Department Office, Room 112, Hart Hall (364-2556)