OUR VIEW: Religion is eye-opening

Good heavens, it’s finally here.

Utah State University will soon start a broader religious studies program.

Religion is a hot topic. Along with politics and sex, it is one of the most widely misunderstood and issues of the day. But, that is no reason why it shouldn’t be studied in depth. Many students are interested in the subject, and a little controversy shouldn’t prevent the study of such an influential topic.

Because most USU students, and Utah residents in general, belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, some students have expressed concern that the religious studies program will be Mormonism-masked in a facade of objective truth. Nothing could be further from the truth.

First of all, there are already many religion-themed courses taught on campus. Philosophy of religion, history of Christianity and Islamic civilization are just a few of those. Why not create a religion studies minor for those who want to take all or most of this type of classes?

Also, the LDS church has an institute located just off campus. Their focus is to “build faith,” said Richard J. Sherlock, one of the founders of the new religious program. The purpose of USU’s religious studies isn’t to be converted to a specific religion. To paraphrase history Department Head Norman Jones, religious studies is about what people perceive to be the truth and how they act upon it. It’s okay for a student to learn something which may not coincide with his or her current belief system. In fact, it’s even encouraged.

As Aristotle said, “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” You don’t have to agree with everything you hear at the university. But you should at least hear it.