Religion and Philosophy

Religion and philosophy explore the questions and answers that define what it means to be human, and in an incredibly diverse world - in which we are increasingly challenged to engage with a broader cultural community - a basic religious literacy and the ability to think critically are crucial for success.

The academic study of religion and philosophy at Lebanon Valley College gives students the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of religious traditions and philosophical views and approach and engage their ideas in a critically aware manner. Learning to engage our own religious traditions as well as those of others in a critical fashion prepares one to understand our own religious history better and to appreciate that others - whom we consider different for a variety of reasons - are dealing with the same issues. Not only Christians, but Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, Taoists, and even atheists, must face the same world and seek answers to some of the same basic questions. Why are we here? What does it mean to be a moral person? What happens when we die? Whence does evil arise?

A basic religious literacy prepares a student to enter a world where the diversity of answers to these questions shapes the way human beings interact. Studying important philosophers and their ideas sharpens one's mind and prepares the student to face a world that increasingly demands critical thinking, primarily including the ability to recognize the fundamental assumptions of an argument and the wherewithal to evaluate the validity of an argument presented in, for example, political campaigns or television advertising. More basically, understanding the way that humans have shaped their conception of the way the world works, who we are, and how knowledge is formed prepares a student to see those behaviors at work in everyday life and to understand better the human condition.

Mission of the Department of Religion & Philosophy
The mission of the Religion and Philosophy department is to engage, educate, and challenge students through the careful examination of the fundamental questions, the profound minds, and the diverse traditions, values and practices that have shaped human experience. Our teaching aims to foster our students’ abilities to reason critically, read analytically, and argue cogently. We emphasize the importance of writing and oral expression and encourage independent thought and research so that our students may grow into life-long learners who understand the value of reflection and thoughtful action.

Religion
Students who take courses in religion are challenged to explore religion in a cross-cultural and interdisciplinary context and exercise critical thinking. They will learn to interpret the dynamics of religious convictions, actions, and expressions, including diverse rituals, beliefs, texts, performances, and world-views. The department enables students to engage religious phenomena through the lenses offered by a wide variety of academic disciplines, including: art and art history, ethics, history, philology, psychology, political science, sociology, and other social sciences.

The Religion Program sets three main goals for its students:
  • 1. To develop a level of religious literacy, that is, to better understand religious expressions throughout history and the power of religion in the lives of people, collectively and individually;
  • 2. To engage religious phenomena - experience, expression, and interpretation - in a critically aware manner; and,
  • 3. To understand and enact a disciplined study of religion, while appreciating the variety of approaches and methods within that study.

Philosophy
Students who take courses in philosophy examine some of the greatest perennial questions of values, knowledge, reality, and their relation to human nature. Students are challenged to sharpen their critical and analytical abilities.

The Philosophy Program sets three main goals for its students:
  • 1. To develop a broad understanding of western philosophy, logic, and ethical theories;
  • 2. To acquire an in-depth knowledge of an individual philosopher and a particular philosophical period or movement; and, 
  • 3. To develop analytical, reflexive, and critical skills and apply these skills in both written and verbal presentation.

The academic study of religion or philosophy can be a transformative experience, introducing students to both unfamiliar aspects of their own culture and aspects of cultures foreign to them. Most find this experience to be very rewarding.