Students of religion undertake one of life’s most difficult but rewarding challenges: learning how to think maturely and critically about their own deeply held beliefs. The integration of faith and learning was central to the founding vision of Ozarks in 1834, and that mission is as important now as it ever was. One way to develop a critical perspective is by learning about religions and worldviews that are not one’s own. That’s why the major in religion requires at least two courses in world religions. Students will also learn to read the Bible using historical, literary, and theological approaches, thereby deepening their knowledge of the foundational text of the Christian religion and much of Western culture. Along with a rich variety of electives, a capstone experience offers the chance to pursue in-depth study in topics of their interest.
Degree Outcomes
Students who complete this major will have the religious literacy they need to begin to make sense of everything from the international headlines to the religious identity of their co-worker in the office next door.
Learning to interpret the Bible from multiple perspectives, students will develop the critical thinking skills necessary to analyze complex texts and discover the benefits of putting different ideas in conversation with each other.
Students will acquire the tools they need to explore the meaning of their own lives and the kind of impact they want to make in the world.
Example Courses
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REL 3023: God and Nature
In this course students spend the semester reckoning with Christian theological views of creation and their impact, for good or bad, on the planet we call home. The class even includes work days in the Food for Thought Garden, where we get our hands dirty and help to grow food for local school children. - REL 1113: Christian Spirituality
- REL 1003: Old Testament
