This class explores the role of religion in movements for social change. We will address core questions in study of social movements – how movements emerge, why people join, how they mobilize resources, what strategies and tactics they employ, and what goals they seek – by examining a range of case studies, including civil rights […]
The modern study of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) effectively began in the nineteenth century, when scholars, through painstaking critical analysis of the biblical text, discovered that the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible) was written not by one author — Moses, according to venerable tradition — but by several, over the course of several centuries. […]
As many as three-quarters of Americans believe in ghosts. The majority hold other paranormal beliefs as well. What does this tell us about the future of religion? In a “disenchanted” world, why do we continue to be fascinated with the paranormal, as seen in the explosion of the topic in film (horror, superheroes), television, gaming […]
Louis Reinstein of the law firm Kelly Kronenberg was elected to serve as a Board Member for the University of Florida’s Department of Religion’s Advisory Board. Established in the 1980s, the Advisory Board promotes the visibility and recognition of religious studies and helps raise awareness for the critical contribution that religious diversification provides to society. The […]
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Why Major in Religion? Are you curious about people, societies, and cultures? Are you interested in the ideas and values that inspire and motivate people? Are you concerned about ideologies that inhibit progress or even spur people to violence? Religion is arguably the most powerful and pervasive force in the world. Majoring in religious studies […]
3rd Annual RSGA Graduate Conference March 17, 2018 In an increasingly interconnected world, religion continues to play a critical role in the lives of individuals and their relations to society. Processes of colonialism, migration, and globalization have shaped and have been shaped by religion, leading scholars and public intellectuals to rethink traditions, beliefs, and practices […]
“The Birth of an Icon: How the Forbidden Fruit became an Apple” Thursday, 15 March, 2018 4:00 pm at the History Department conference room in 5 Keene-Flint Hall Profess or Azzan Yadin-Israel (Rutgers University, Jewish Studies and Classics) Though we often assume Adam and Eve sinned by eating an apple, the Book of Genesis does […]
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In an increasingly interconnected world, religion continues to play a critical role in the lives of individuals and their relations to society. Processes of colonialism, migration, and globalization have shaped and have been shaped by religion, leading scholars and public intellectuals to rethink traditions, beliefs, and practices and how they mediate power relations within the […]
Religion unites. Religion divides. Religion takes part in peace. Religion plays a part in violence. Religion is neither wholly positive, despite the prognostications of some evangelists. Nor is religion wholly negative, despite the prognostications of certain evangelists. Religion is. The headlines from this week testify to that fact from the Olympics in South Korea to […]
For this week’s Religion in the News stories we wanted to explore a variety of perspectives on the academic study of religion, perspectives on the field, and research within it. Here are the articles we found below: Can Evangelicals and Academics Talk to One Another? (The Wall Street Journal) PROBlems in the big tent of “religion […]
The University of Florida, and its Religion Department, “are dedicated to increasing college access and providing opportunities for students from all backgrounds.” Furthermore, we celebrate and value a student body with diverse experiences and scholarly perspectives. It is with this in mind that we are excited to share some statistics on diversity within our department’s […]
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This week’s Religion in the News stories emphasize not only the diversity of religious experiences, positions, and practices, but also address how religious individuals, and institutions, are reacting to modern technology, communication, travel, and social issues: On this kenyan Commute, the train becomes a church (RNS) HASIDIC JEWS, AMISH, WRESTLE WITH TECH (ISR Baylor REligion […]
Professor Robin M. Wright (ONLINE) This course is dedicated to the study of non-Western healers and medicine in relation to various religious traditions around the globe. The most important themes we shall discuss are: the efficacy of religious symbols in the healing process; cross-cultural notions of the body, pain, and healing; embodiment of healing powers […]
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In recent years politicizing religion in the U.S. has arguably led to a rise in religious intolerance and discrimination against religious minorities and certain actors have increasingly used religion as an instrument to mobilize voters. This panel will examine the role of religion in politics and how politicizing religion has resulted in significant discord in […]
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In recent years politicizing religion in the U.S. has arguably led to a rise in religious intolerance and discrimination against religious minorities and certain actors have increasingly used religion as an instrument to mobilize voters. This panel will examine the role of religion in politics and how politicizing religion has resulted in significant discord in […]
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By Tonia Borsellino In the past year, His Holiness Pope Francis traveled to the United States, Africa and Mexico. The media was right there behind him. They followed his every move, documenting it closely. One reporter quipped that he would even cover his nap times. From the food he eats to the attire he wears, […]
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In 1967 Lynn Townsend White, Jr. proposed in his essay, “The Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis” that it was Christian influence and Middle Age mechanical technologies that lie at the root of the ecological crisis of the 20th-century. While not the first to put forward such a critique, White published in the revered journal […]
Read more "Top scholars consider religion, science, & the future"