Global Religious Studies at BSU: Pluralism, Literacy, Curriculum, and Government Global Policies

Religious Pluralism reflects the deep social and cultural meaning of diversity. This panel will discuss and analyze the opportunities and challenges that Global Religious Studies offers students, faculty, librarians, staff, and the community at large, and the challenges it encounters at BSU, in the United States and throughout the world. We will describe the curriculum of the new Global Religious Studies Minor and the strategy for its promotion. Similarities and differences between various religions will be highlighted, as well as the growing world-wide population who claim a spiritual practice but are not affiliated with any organized religion. We contend that Global Religious Studies as a minor enables participants to better appreciate and understand the diverse religions and spiritual practices in the world. This practice of “religious literacy” enables students and the community to develop a significant understanding and application of democracy with respect to this important subject, on many levels