Why Religion?
Religion provides orientation and direction for individuals and communities, societies and cultures. The study of religion engages enduring questions about the meaning of life in a context of liberal arts learning. While discovering the history, thought, and practice of various traditions, you will explore and clarify your own world view. The study of religion also informs everyday life, because religion plays a central role in topical issues such as international conflict and peace processes, shifting gender relationships, and protection of the environment. Rooted in the rich Lutheran educational legacy, the study of Religion at PLU encompasses diverse religious traditions from around the world.
Why PLU?
You will find teachers committed to excellence in teaching. In addition to your classroom learning, field work and service learning opportunities are available. You will be encouraged to study abroad or work side by side with a faculty member in important research.
You will join in broad and lively conversations with an ecumenical community of teacher-scholars at PLU. You will find a rigorous program that focuses on mature conversation, thinking and writing. The faculty of the department is committed to thoughtful inquiry essential to a life of faith. You will locate your own convictions within the historical context of Christianity and a religious pluralism centered upon the particularity of a Lutheran heritage.
PLU’s extensive, balanced and creative religion curriculum is among the best in the Pacific Northwest. The wide range of faculty expertise is complemented by small classes. Our faculty will work with you to design a personalized major, double major or minor around your educational goals. Your faculty adviser will work closely with you in considering seminary preparation or other graduate work, including theology, religious studies, law, business, medicine or international relations.
Where Will a Religion Major Lead You?
The study of religion prepares you for fields requiring critical, contextual and creative thinking, ethical decision-making and working with people. It allows you to learn and practice the interpretive approaches of several disciplines during your university career. As the diversity and pluralism of our world become more intensely part of our daily lives, the study of religion offers you insightful and nuanced understanding of individuals, communities and complex issues.
Career paths chosen by recent graduates in religion:
- Leadership in regional and international nonprofit and nongovernmental agencies
- Law and public service in elective office
- University teaching
- Ordained and lay ministries
- Social service and social work
What Are the Requirements for a Religion Major?
The Bachelor of Arts degree in religion allows flexibility and presumes that you will take advantage of individual advising in designing your major program. The major requires 32 semester hours with 16 hours in upper division courses and a minimum of four hours in each of the three main areas of study:
1) Biblical studies
2) Christian history, thought, and ethics
3) Comparative and integrative studies
In addition, students participate in the Research in Religion Seminar and the Capstone Seminar. Participants work with the entire department to shape a substantial research project and present their work publicly. Transfer students must take at least 20 hours at PLU. You will be encouraged to double major in religion and another field of study.
What Are the Requirements for a Religion Minor?
There are two options:
First, the religion minor requires 16 semester hours, with no more than eight hours in one of the three main areas of study mentioned above. Transfer minors under this option must take at least eight hours at PLU.
Second, the religion minor taken under the Teacher Education option is intended primarily for parochial school teachers enrolled in the School of Education. This minor requires 24 semester hours, with at least four hours in each of the three lines. Transfer minors under this option normally take 16 hours in residence. Courses taken to satisfy the General Univesity Requirement in religion (eight hours) may be applied toward either minor option.
Some of the Courses Offered
Biblical Studies
Religion and Literature of the Old Testament
Religion and Literature of the New Testament
The Prophets
Jesus of History and Christ of Faith
Pauline Literature
Christian History, Theology and Ethics
The Christian Tradition
Early Christianity
Medieval Christianity
Lutheran Heritage
Luther
Modern Church History
American Church History
Christian Theology
Feminist and Womanist Theologies
Theological Studies
Christian Ethics
Christian Moral Issues
Environment and Culture
Comparative and Integrative Studies
Religions of South Asia
Religions of East Asia
Buddhism
Judaism
Islam
Myth, Ritual and Symbol
Religion and Culture
Native American Religious Traditions
Faculty
PLU’s Department of Religion faculty come from the best graduate schools in North America. All are actively involved in scholarship and disciplinary professional organizations, and committed to their students and communities.
Alicia Batten
Ph.D., University of St. Michael’s College
New Testament & Christian Origins
Kathlyn Breazeale
Ph.D., Claremont Graduate University
Contemporary & Feminist Theology
Suzanne Crawford
Ph.D., University of California at Santa Barbara
Religion and Culture
Antonios Finitsis
Ph.D., University of Chicago
Hebrew Bible
Andrew Finstuen
Ph.D., Boston College
American Religions
Joseph Hickey-Tiernan
Catholic University of America
New Testament
Brenda Ihssen
Ph.D., University of St. Michael’s College
Historical Theology
Louis Komjathy
Ph.D., Boston University
Asian Religions
Douglas Oakman, Dean of Humanities
Ph.D., Graduate Theological Union
New Testament
Kevin O’Brien
Ph.D., Emory University
Christian Ethics
Patricia O’Connell Killen, University Provost
Ph.D., Stanford University
American Religions
Daniel Peterson
Ph.D., Graduate Theological Union
Systematic Theology
Samuel Torvend, Chair, Department of Religion
Ph.D., Saint Louis University
European Religions
Marit Trelstad (Sabbatical 2007-2008)
Ph.D., Claremont Graduate University
Constructive & Lutheran Theology
Michael Zbaraschuk
Ph.D., Claremont Graduate University
Constructive & Contemporary Theology
Visit www.plu.edu/~reli to learn more about the religion program, faculty and courses.
