Hubbard, Benjamin J. See all items with this value

2003

4

120-126

1530-4108 See all items with this value

The study of religion at America's public universities was virtually non-existent until the early 1960s when a footnote to a US Supreme Court case that outlawed Bible reading in public schools mentioned that the academic study of religion was entirely permissible. This, combined with the liberal mood of the nation in the 60s and European academic trends, resulted in a blossoming of religious studies programs at state colleges and universities. A survey by the American Academy of Religion in fall 2000 found that religious studies programs are present at most private colleges and universities, and at a significant number of public institutions. Although courses in Christianity were most common (offered at 84% of the schools), 40% of the religion programs offered courses in Judaism, 33% in both Buddhism and Islam, 27% in Hinduism, and 19% in indigenous traditions. Another study, and my own experience, indicates that the academic study of religion is often a resource for religious meaning and personal transformation for students. Such study also nurtures important intellectual virtues such as intellectual honesty and empathy. A surprising recent development is the growing attention paid to religion by scholars in other fields who appreciate religion's impact--for good or ill--on politics and culture.