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What is Theology and Religious Studies?

Theology is the study of God, religion and spirituality. As an academic discipline, theology is a broad and interdisciplinary field that encompasses the study of a wide range of topics, including scripture, Church history, philosophy, ethics, and culture. Theology tackles fundamental questions about the meaning of life, death, suffering and our relation to the divine through the lens of faith and seeks to provide a deeper understanding of ourselves, the world, and our place within it. Here at BTÂìÒÏ we offer theological study from an ecumenical Christian perspective.

Religious Studies, while related to Theology, is a separate academic field devoted to research into the nature of religious beliefs, behaviors, and institutions. It seeks to describe, compare, interpret, and explain different religious phenomena and faith traditions. Religious Studies adopts systematic, historically oriented, and cross-cultural approaches to the study of religion. While theology attempts to understand the nature of the transcendent and seeks to answer questions of a spiritual nature, religious studies analyzes religious behavior and belief from outside any particular religious perspective and therefore draws upon multiple disciplines and their methodologies including anthropology, sociology, psychology, philosophy, and history of religion.

A Theology or Religious Studies degree from BTÂìÒÏ University can prepare you for a variety of careers in both religious and secular settings. When you study either theology or religious studies, you will learn to sharpen your critical reading skills, think through complex ideas, argue positions logically, communicate your thoughts clearly, and perform analytic comparison. These are personally satisfying and highly transferable skills to almost any career.

As a Department of Theology and Religious Studies at a Jesuit Roman Catholic University, our major and minor in Theology offers students an opportunity to study the various doctrinal, biblical, spiritual, historical, and moral issues that make up the Roman Catholic tradition. Despite our Christian identity, we also recognize the importance of studying the history and beliefs of non-Christian religious traditions and therefore, offer a range of courses in the comparative study of religion through the interdisciplinary minor in Religious Studies as well as through our various certificate programs.

The Department of Theology and Religious Studies is ecumenical and committed to interfaith dialogue in order to advance respect for all forms of religious belief, as well as the individual right to reject religious belief.

What makes theology at BTÂìÒÏ University different?

At BTÂìÒÏ University, the study of Theology & Religious Studies is a profound journey into the heart of diverse religious traditions, sacred texts, and the complex tapestry of philosophical and ethical issues that shape our world. 

In this journey, our community is guided by a deep-rooted commitment to seeking understanding, compassion, and justice in every discourse and discovery. Our approach to Theology & Religious Studies goes beyond academic inquiry; it is a call to engage with the world’s challenges thoughtfully and ethically.

As you delve into these rich traditions and texts, you are equipped with more than knowledge. You develop critical thinking, effective communication, and analytical skills, honed through a lens of ethical consideration and the pursuit of the greater good. 

These are not just valuable tools for any career path but are essential qualities for you, as a leader who aims to make a meaningful difference in your communities and beyond.

At BTÂìÒÏ University, Theology & Religious Studies is not just an academic discipline; it’s a pathway to understanding the broader human experience and our place within it and shaping Peacocks like you who are ready to contribute to society with integrity, empathy, and a relentless drive for social justice, reflecting the core of our values and mission.

Whether you’re seeking personal growth, intellectual challenge, or preparation for ministry, studying theology at Saint Peter’s University will equip you with the knowledge and skills to make a difference in the world.

Peacocks will take courses such as:

• Religious Faith in the Modern World
• Intro to the Study of Christianity
• Old Testament Introduction
• Who is Jesus Christ?

What can I do with a Theology & Religious studies degree from Saint Peter’s University?

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

The Theology and Religious Studies Program (including both the new Religious Studies Minor & the new Certificate in Interfaith Dialogue & Relations) will enable students to:

• Comprehend the ways in which different methodologies are employed to understand and analyze the Phenomenon of Religion.
• Demonstrate knowledge of major world religious and spiritual traditions, their texts, myths, oral histories, beliefs, practices, and sociocultural and historical contexts.
• Appreciate the role of religion in shaping cultures and societies, and develop the skills necessary for respectful engagement with people of diverse faiths.
• Engage in peaceful interfaith dialogue and promote inter-religious understanding and amicability in a highly polarized world riddled with intergroup conflict.
• Understand the moral implications of religious truth claims for individuals, communities and societies as well as the internal dynamics of diverse worldviews and systems of belief.
• Critically analyze the ways in which religious traditions address contemporary challenges such as migration, climate change, poverty, gender equity, and warfare, as well as conflict resolution and peace-building.

Peacocks with a Theology degree can pursue a variety of careers, including:

• Religious Minister
• Director of Religious Education
• Teacher
• Chaplain
• Program Development at Non-Profit
• Non-Profit Advocate
• Social Worker
• Lawyer
• Legal Advocate
• Businessperson

In addition to the careers listed above, Peacocks with a Theology & Religious Studies degree are also well-prepared for a variety of other professions. You will have strong research, writing, and communication skills. You are also trained to think critically and to solve complex problems—skills that are in high demand in many different fields.

With its strong Theology & Religious Studies program and its commitment to social justice, Saint Peter’s University is the perfect place to prepare you for success in a variety of careers.