Have you ever wondered why 85% of the global population identifies with some form of a religious tradition? Religion continues to play a significant role in shaping cultures, influencing governments, families, and daily habits worldwide.

This course ventures into understanding and comparing religious patterns found around the world. It involves an appreciative introduction to religion as a phenomenon which has varying spiritual intentions and meanings.

The term “religion” derives its meaning from a Latin word that translates “to tie again” or “to tie back”. An empathetic approach reveals that all religions share the goal of tying people back to something behind the surface of life. Almost all religions of the world hold a belief in a greater reality which lies beyond the world that we can perceive with our human senses. Religion tries to connect people with this greater reality.

Knowledge of religion helps us understand our nationhood and our place in global citizenship. Both contexts are notoriously religious. Religion plays a significant role in both national and international politics as well as culture. We will learn together why “religion” continues to inspire many while repelling others.

The overall goal of this course is to help you see the human person as a spiritual being who seeks ultimate meaning in life and to see religion as providing that meaning.