AREL - Religion and Philosophy

As a university of the Lutheran tradition, Midland believes that faith and learning are inexorably linked. The Religion and Philosophy program participates in forwarding that idea by committing itself to the exploration of religion as a pervasive feature of human cultures. We engage, through open, critical inquiry, in analysis of the varied manifestations of religious life, focusing particularly on Christian traditions and their plurality across cultures and time, offering courses in biblical studies, theology, history methods in the study of religion, and philosophy.

As a university, we also believe we are called to educate morally and ethically responsible citizens of a pluralistic society. Toward that end, the Religion and Philosophy program offers a range of courses that explore issues of moral responsibility, emphasizing the ways that social structures and power shape, influence, and constrain human action and how we, as particular human beings, can respond to social change.

The Religion and Philosophy program offers both a major and a minor in Religion and Philosophy. Students who complete a major in Religion and Philosophy, in addition to learning about multiple religious phenomena, will have the opportunity to practice critical thinking, will engage in careful reading of primary and secondary texts, and will develop essential writing skills. Students majoring in Youth and Family Ministry also take, as a part of their major coursework, many courses in the Religion and Philosophy program.