There are no human societies without it, whether they acknowledge it as a religion or not" (Butler). Religion is a part of society that is inescapable. It's everywhere, in our history books and places like churches embody religion. It's imperative that students are aware of world religions. It provides an explanation of events that occurred in history. Religion and religious debates infiltrate lives daily. It is uncommon to open a newspaper or turn on the news channel without being confronted with a current religious or ethical issue such euthanasia or the death penalty. .
"And because the impact of religious freedom extends beyond the realm of religion and has ramifications for a country's security and its economic and political progress, more students and practitioners of foreign policy need to focus more time and attention on it" (Clinton) The study of religion enables students to be better informed about the world and current affairs. Students should be educated on current global issues, a big portion of understanding the actions that take place in those issues comes from religion. Whether college bound individuals choose to subscribe to a particular religious group or not, does change the idea that religion is a powerful aspect of society that plays an essential role in the explanation of current issues and historic events that occurred centuries ago. .
Religious studies allow students to be exposed to new ideas and ways of thinking. "Religious Studies provides the opportunity to understand, with depth and nuance, the many beliefs and rituals that move persons to appreciate the alternative world of the religious reality" (Wallace). It allows students to raise questions of purpose and value and also helps them develop enriching life skills that will benefit them in the future. "Given the great variety of their worldviews, religions, define differently the nature of scared reality, the universe, the natural world, time and human purpose" (Molloy).
