Religious Studies
The Religious Studies Program offers courses that foster the understanding of world religions and their influence on human behavior and world affairs. Knowledge of the beliefs, practices, and history of world religions is essential to the education of thoughtful citizens in our global society.
Courses in Religious Studies provide an arena for respectful dialogue among major world religions, and facilitate understanding of contemporary conflicts having to do with religious identity. Courses draw on textual analysis, history, anthropology, psychology, art history, sociological and cultural analysis, and political philosophy with the purpose of approaching and analyzing a central area of human experience. Thus students acquire essential skills for comprehending politics and cultures on a global scale. The program offers a major and a minor in Religious Studies.
In the News
Dr. Lynn Mitchell, August 15, 1940–July 20, 2019
With profound sadness, the Religious Studies Program at the University of Houston received the news of the passing of Dr. Lynn E. Mitchell Jr., its visionary founder and dedicated academic director of 29 years (1985–2014). We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences – R.I.P.
Lynn Mitchell held a doctorate in Religious Studies from Rice University (1979) in Houston, TX. His selected publications include Walking in the Light: How Christians Face Ethical Issues and The Two Books of God: Science and the Bible. In recognition of his achievements and sacrificial service to the Religious Studies Program at the University of Houston, an endowment named The Lynn E. Mitchell Distinguished Professorship. Supporters of Religious Studies was created in 2010.
Houston Conference: November 19-22, 2019: Berit, Diatheke, Foedus, Covenant, Bund
Program news: Religious Studies Program Celebrates Generous Donations
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Caryn Tamber-Rosenau interviewed for podcast "Teaching a Bible that Matters"
Student Spotlight: Student’s journey from Colombia to CLASS allows her to pursue multiple interests