A Core Necessity of Religion - Essay Example

I believe that, as Mahatma Gandhi said, “My religion is a matter between my God and me.” As a Business student, and as a person to whom religion is a very personal subject, the necessity of including religious courses in the Core Curriculum initially did not make sense to me. But, as I ponder over the lectures and student presentations I have attended in this course, I begin to view this issue from a different perspective. It is my opinion that it is necessary to include religious courses in the Core Curriculum as religion permeates every aspect of life, religious studies make a liberal education complete, and an understanding of different religions will remove many sources of conflict in the world.
By nature, man is a religious being. His belief systems, and his concept of his Maker, make up a very core part of his personality. Religious activities, such as going to church, are the norm in every society. Non-believers constitute a minuscule minority in the world. Culture, social activities and even politics, are all based on religion. In this context, religious studies serve as an essential tool to the understanding of ourselves and of the society in which we live. It is no longer possible to live in a ‘religious vacuum,’ solely consisting of the knowledge of one’s own religion. The magic of technology has shrunk the world, and borders are increasingly becoming mere geographical features. The free movement of people has brought all religions together in close proximity. For example, practices such as transcendental meditation and yoga, which were previously considered to be a part of religion, are now a part of the culture of healthy living. When I consider my choice of a liberal education, I realize that the main attraction is the opportunity to gain a holistic education, which will help me develop a well-rounded personality. Education is not merely about gaining book knowledge or mastering technological skills. Its goal is to equip students with the skills necessary for success in a complex society. As societies become more and more religiously plural, the ability to understand and evaluate different religious views will prove to be a valuable aid in communication and interpersonal relationships. Religious studies develop sensitivity to the beliefs and practices of others and are a great tool for personal development.

As we have seen in THRS 230, religion has often been a source of conflict over the ages. From the Crusades to the present-day Chinese-Tibetan conflict, religion is often the root of strife. It is clear that ignorance of other religions is an important cause of xenophobia. In this context, it is evident that religious study is one of the solutions which will contribute to world peace. It can be conceded that understanding always leads to greater tolerance. When one is well-versed in the tenets of the different world religions, there is less probability of being misled by fanatics, or troublemakers, who twist the interpretations of religious writing to suit their own sinister purposes. Read More