The study of religion opens the door to investigating the central concerns of human cultures. At IWU, the study of religions is for everyone with an interest in life's questions.

The religion department encourages students to learn more about their own religious heritage, as well as to venture into new realms.

Classes, especially through the major and minor program in religion, investigate beliefs and practices of world religions, including: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. Study also includes analysis of the texts of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian New Testament, as well as discovery of new religious movements. Comparative religious study is emphasized.

A major in religion is appropriate preparation for graduate school in religious studies or theology, as well as for advanced work at a seminary or in counseling. Double majors, combining religion with a second field such as philosophy, sociology, English, history, or business, also are possible.

A minor in religion complements majors in diverse fields such as psychology, history, art, and international studies.

As a religion major or minor, students choose primary courses from five different categories and add courses that appeal to their interests. Majors conclude their study with the Senior Project, an independent research project conducted with one of the religion department faculty.

Many IWU religion students have continued their education at major institutions, including Oxford University, Notre Dame University, Boston University, and the University of Chicago. Others have pursued advanced work at seminaries such as Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill.

"Not suprisingly, our majors and minors come to the department for a variety of reasons and from a variety of backgrounds," said Professor Brian Hatcher. "Often students only really discover the study of religion after a semester or two at Illinois Wesleyan, when they've been exposed to the ideals of a liberal arts education. I'm pleased to say that the program at IWU reflects the most up-to-date thinking on how the academic study of religion can encourage students to discover other cultures, think in new and critical ways about their own values and beliefs, and develop the ability to understand the role of religion in human society."

He added: "As a scholar of the Hindu tradition, who has spent a good deal of time in India, I think it is essential to study religion comparatively. We need to appreciate the enormous diversity of religious beliefs and practices in the world while also seeking out what there may be common across cultures and throughout history. As we do this, we are repeatedly challenged to arrive at an increasingly more comprehensive, as well as a more nuanced understanding of religion. In the study of religion it has often been said that if you know one, you know none."