The Concordian

Imagine the possibilities.  Students coming to Concord University could have the opportunity to discuss the ethical and ontological issues surrounding the discussion of Krishna and Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita. 

Students can engage in a lengthy capstone thesis on the overt similarities between the ethical principles of Christ and Buddha.  Concord students could even take a semester to study abroad in studying some aspect of a particular religion.  The possibilities for interesting study have no end.

Such a program has been discussed to be placed at University Point over the course of time.  An interdisciplinary religious studies program would incorporate a large study on various religious traditions, from Hinduism to Scientology.  No one can deny the importance of religion on all of the disciplines studied here. 

It has impacted conceptualizations on history, philosophy, physics, biology, chemistry, politics, and most of the other social sciences. 

Therefore, the purpose of religious studies at Concord would be to educate people on all of the various religions in order to realize its critical importance throughout the academic community as well as through social interaction.  I could not think of a better program to educate students to be effective citizens. 

With the building of an “interfaith” chapel, it makes no sense to celebrate various faiths without the University educating people about them.  The last I heard, faculty buried this idea in various committees. 

As President of the SGA, I assert that the faculty has an obligation to develop a program that will benefit students at University Point in order to give them new academic possibilities. 

I have no idea why the program is not currently being discussed by the faculty, but I am interested to hear arguments as to why.

If any faculty members have an objection to religious studies, or think that religious studies is not worth studying, then I would be interested in a hearty debate.  My office in the Student Center is open.

 Furthermore, it also makes no sense to ignore religion based on its critical importance.  This semester, Dr. Thomas McKenna is teaching a class on the History of Religions, and Dr. Doug Creer is teaching one on Science and Religion. 

Studying religion from a historical and scientific point of view suggests that the limits of religion have no boundaries.  Based on student enrollment in both classes, an interest in religion on campus is active. 

By making a constructive, developed program with classes like these, the possibilities for learning are endless. 

It is the solemn duty of faculty to educate students of this University, and religious education should not be ignored.  Next week, I plan on asking the Student Senate to overwhelmingly endorse, and even demand, that the faculty develop a religious studies program.  Based on the importance of religion throughout the world, the program is needed at Concord.  Based on the construction of University Point, developing religious studies programs is also the right thing to do.

Article Tools