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"The phenomenon of religion is a universal dimension of human life and culture."
Religious Studies
How has religion shaped human history and culture? The religious studies curriculum challenges you to inquire and understand through an exploration of the world's many religious traditions, past and present.
A powerful force: From ancient history to today's headlines, religion has operated as a powerful force in human society. Courses within the religious studies curriculum examine the world's major religious traditions while also exploring special topics such as women and religion, religions and the natural environment, and literature and religion. Internships and independent study options are available within the program, and all religious studies majors complete a capstone project.
Liberal arts perspective: A religious studies major or religious studies minor complements many other areas of study, broadening perspectives on everything from literature to science to art history to contemporary politics. Bailey Scholar and religious studies major Joe Varner '11 chose to pursue minors in music and ethics, intrigued by the opportunity to explore and understand the place of religion and faith in human culture. "That's the beauty," he says, "of a liberal arts education."
The A. Purnell Bailey Pre-Ministerial Program for Ordained Ministry: The Bailey Scholars program provides support—through financial assistance, mentoring and internships—for students interested in pursuing a calling to ordained ministry.
Beyond R-MC: R-MC has a long tradition of graduates entering ordained ministry, and you will find among alumni a number of former students following a calling to ministry. Recent graduates of R-MC's religious studies program also are pursuing graduate studies at schools including Duke, Princeton, Emory and American University, as well as careers in fields such as business, higher education, music and finance.
| "I cannot speak highly enough about R-MC."
With a master's degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, Anne West Kesner '09 brings "a passion for sharing the love that I know God has blessed us all with" to her new role as resident chaplain at Norfolk Sentara Hospital. A Bailey Scholar at R-MC, Anne pursued a double-major in religious studies and art history as well as a minor in classical studies while also finding time to take part in a J-term trip to Brazil and two different internships. "R-MC prepared me educationally, socially and psychologically beyond what I ever could have imagined," she says. "The faculty were truly passionate about teaching to us rather than at us, and they expected us to learn by ourselves—they truly wanted us to understand the material, wrestle with it, and grow from it." Thanks to her R-MC education, says Anne, "I am confident in my abilities to continually learn, ask questions, and seek knowledge. If you go into R-MC and really dive head first into its activities and education, you will not only gain a fantastic education but also develop lifelong skills and lifelong friends."
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