McKenna: World History
Name: ___________________________________________
Date: _____________
Why Study World Religions?
You don’t have to study history for too long to see the impact that religion has had on world
events. Some wars have even been defined as “religious wars.” News concerning religious
conflicts is broadcast every evening. The United States were settled by people seeking religious
freedom. One of the most basic freedoms we enjoy in our country is the ability to hold within
ourselves any religious belief. Religion is woven throughout the fabric of American life. As
American society continues to evolve as its “Patchwork Quilt” of diversity, the opportunity to
meet people of varying religious beliefs also will evolve. Why not work from a position of
knowledge and understanding. By studying world religions you not only develop the knowledge
to understand history better, but you gain a better insight into the culture and beliefs of the diverse
people you may meet during your lifetime.
Why is it important to study world religions? Here are just a few reasons:
Religion ties the past to the present
Religion is the foundation of civilizations
Religion influences politics, cultures, economies, and education
Religion provides insight into the culture and beliefs of the diverse people we
meet and/or interact with in our daily lives
Religion is often the cause for struggle and conflict between civilizations and
societies
Comprehension Questions
Directions: Respond to the following questions using your knowledge from today’s lecture and
the information presented above.
1. Which do you think is the most important reason people should study world religions? Why?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. Do you think it is important to learn about other cultures and their beliefs? Why or why not?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3. Give an example of how religion influences politics, cultures, economies, and/or education
today.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
McKenna: World History
Historical Comprehension
It's impossible to wander through any of the major art museums in the world and fail to
recognize that the sculptures, paintings, figurines, pottery, and statues beg an
understanding of world religions. The stories, beliefs, hopes, dreams, fears, and deepest
convictions of peoples throughout history have been captured visually in art and
intellectually in sacred texts. These faith traditions have shaped human history in
multiple ways - political, military, social, cultural, and intellectual.
Interdisciplinary Understanding
Studying world religions enables the student to integrate the accumulated knowledge of
the centuries into a holistic understanding of human societies. Sociology, literature,
history, political science, anthropology, and art all draw on religious contexts to give a
fuller dimension to their own disciplines.
Global Preparedness
In generations past, foreign cultures and religions were rarely encountered. They
remained two-dimensional descriptions in textbooks. Today we may sit in class next to a
Muslim, work with a Baha'i, and travel through India; the woman in line next to you at
the grocery store may be a Buddhist or a Wiccan. In a world where technology has made
multicultural and inter-religious contact commonplace, we all need to be prepared to live
as neighbors with those of different faiths. Integrated markets and cultures demand the
sensitivity and mutual respect that comes with understanding of belief systems.
Social Vision
Students of world religions are prepared to work side-by-side with people of different
faith traditions in the larger efforts shared by all faiths. Every religion instructs its
faithful in ethics of compassion, personal integrity, and social responsibility. Finding
common ground and working together toward the needs of the community is made
possible through a fuller vision of world religions.