Religion

Program Overview

The Religion program at High Point University fosters reflective engagement with some of the most powerful texts, practices, institutions and ideas cherished by human beings. Our students achieve a deeper understanding of religious traditions from Western societies, especially Christianity, which has so profoundly influenced the shape of the world in which we live. They also learn the immensity and complexity of the field of religious studies and the rich diversity of the world’s religious traditions.

The study of Religion develops a unique, interdisciplinary set of intellectual skills. Students acquire skills in textual analysis for a mature appreciation of biblical literature and other religious texts. They investigate histories, cultures, theologies and philosophies, using tools from all the human sciences. They may study Hebrew, Greek, or Latin with department faculty. And they learn to think deeply and rigorously, becoming versed in the forms of discourse that open up the mystery and meaning of life.

During their course of study, students are encouraged to determine a thematic focus that corresponds with their professional goals and personal interests. This gives them the opportunity to gain valuable insight into themselves and to grow in the exploration of their own ultimate questions. The faculty of the Department of Religion at High Point University is committed to the notion that the study

of humanities ought to contribute to leading a life of character and meaningful purpose, and their classrooms offer welcoming spaces for such inquiry.

A Focused Curriculum

The B.A. in Religion prepares students to pose important questions and empowers students with the critical thinking skills to seek nuanced answers. The Religion curriculum is organized into four areas of study: biblical studies, ethics, Christian history and theology, and world religions. Courses in Biblical Studies enable students to appreciate the place of the Bible in shaping human understanding from ancient to modern times. Students are equipped to interpret biblical texts and to analyze and evaluate the use of those texts in various cultural and theological expressions. Courses in Ethics develop students’ skill in reflecting on human action both personal and social in a variety of spheres of human endeavor. Students learn to think critically about common moral assumptions and to ask the deeper philosophical and religious questions rigorous ethical inquiry invites. Courses in Christian History and Theology build students’ comprehension of the Christian tradition in its diverse cultural and theological manifestations. Students exercise comparative and integrative skills as they contextualize these manifestations in their particular historical, cultural, and political settings. Courses in World Religions deepen students’ understanding of our religiously diverse world and sharpen their grasp of multiple traditions through comparative analysis. Students become familiar with the historical roots of major religious traditions and analyze contemporary global concerns in religion, such as terrorism, religious environmental activism, and globalization.