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Religious Education

Online Religion Education: Religious studies, or Religious education, is the academic field of multi-disciplinary, secular study of religious beliefs, behaviors, and institutions. It describes, compares, interprets, and explains religion, emphasizing systematic, historically-based, and cross-cultural perspectives.

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Online Degrees » Religious Education
 

Religious Education Programs By Subject

Online Religious Schools

The Study of Religion
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, religion is “the service and worship of God or the supernatural”; and the study of religion is devoted to gaining a deeper understanding of the religious beliefs, writings and teachings that dominate the lives of billions of people in the world.

The poignant and eternal question, “Who am I and why am I here?” has plagued the minds of philosophers and great thinkers throughout history and over all regions of the earth. However, it is the theologians, bible scholars and spiritual leaders of each culture and generation that have ventured closest to providing adequate insight into the intricate religious belief systems that appear to answer these questions for most of the world’s population. Behaviors borne out of religion’s influence upon the practical side of human life continue to fascinate and intrigue not only theologians, but also social anthropologists and historians. Yet, religious answers to questions about the meaning of life continue to evoke a dichotomy of reactions around the globe -- including passionate support versus vehement outcry, religious wars versus prevailing peace, ardent forgiveness versus bitter grudges, and unconditional love versus unconscionable hatred.  

Students who choose to study for a career in religion are often anxious to gain additional insight into specific cultural populations; and they generally acknowledge God’s role in the intricacies of life. Often, religion students are committed to seeking a meaningful way to make a difference in the lives of others and society as a whole. An online degree program in religion offers a unique opportunity for students to dissect and analyze the foundational theologies of one or more major religions – including Christianity, Judaism and Islam. They will gain a better understanding of how different cultures are impacted by a belief in an all-powerful, all-knowing spiritual deity and whether one’s behavior in this life contributes to favor or disfavor in an afterlife.

Those who enroll in an online degre e program in Christian-based theology will study the bible and may receive additional insight through biblical commentaries, historical sermons of great preachers and religion textbooks. They will also focus upon Jesus, his life and New Testament teachings that are central to the Christian faith. Jewish theological training through online religion degrees may focus upon a study of God through the Torah, the Hebrew Bible and rabbinic literature, such as the Talmud. Islamic studies generally involve the study of God -- called Allah -- and the life and teachings of the prophet Muhammad through the Qur’an and the books of the Hadith.
 
All three major religions – Christianity, Judaism and Islam -- are monotheistic, believing that there is only one true God. However, a number of religions around the world share polytheistic beliefs, focusing upon multiple deities along with reincarnation. These beliefs determine how believers live their lives and interact with other people in their communities. The tenets of many of these religions may be touched upon in a general class on religions of the world.
 
In addition to theology studies, an accredited online associate’s or bachelor’s degree in religion generally includes additional required coursework – including core classes and electives selected from the categories of science, math, foreign language, history, English literature, English composition, humanities and fine art. Courses in computer basics may also be recommended; since computers and religion software are often used by those who become professionals in this field.
 
Religion professionals may find fulfillment as spiritual leaders in their own religious communities – as pastors, teachers, rabbis, evangelists, and missionaries; or they may enter academia as professors. They may enjoy working on staff at their churches, synagogues or mosques, while others snag jobs in business, law, psychology, gerontology, management, health administration and other professions through on-the-job training, apprenticeship programs, professional certificates and advanced degrees. Religion graduates are often valued for their honesty, communication skills, and a desire to help others; and employers may gain loyal, trustworthy professionals who exude goodwill toward clients, customers and vendors.

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