The academic study of theology aims to investigate and interpret the religious dimension of human experience.
Like philosophy, it studies what people
believe about the nature of reality and why they hold those beliefs.
Like sociology, it examines what people do in social groups and
institutions to express their beliefs. Like psychology, it explores what
motivates people to adopt a religious outlook on life. And like
history, it studies the past as well as the present.
Students who take courses in theology can expect to learn more about the
beliefs, values and practices of religious people around the world.
Some courses center on a particular religious tradition (e.g., Roman Catholicism or Islam), while
others trace a common theme across several traditions. Some courses
examine the relation between religion and other realms of thought
(science, philosophy, art, etc.), while others focus more on the private
beliefs and practices of individuals.
Some courses look at religion in a more objective manner, while others
encourage students to examine their own beliefs and the beliefs of
people around them. But in the midst of all this diversity, one concern
remains paramount: Students are challenged to think for themselves about
the ultimate questions of life and to learn from others who have
explored the same questions before them.
Students who choose to major or minor in theology
learn how to use a variety of methods and perspectives to explore and
interpret human religious experience. They also enjoy a great deal of
freedom in selecting the issues that they want to examine.
Taking courses in
theology also gives students the opportunity to hone their skills in
critical thinking and analysis, writing and oral communication.
Not everyone
who majors in theology is preparing for graduate studies in theology or
religion. A degree in theology can be useful in any career where
critical thinking and sensitivity to human motivation is valued, such as
social work, counseling, teaching, or law. Students may also opt to
pursue theology as a second major to explore issues of personal interest
alongside their primary major.
For more information about the theology program at St. Bonaventure,
contact Fr. Terrance Klein, department chair, at (716) 375-2180 or tklein@sbu.edu.