The department of religious studies at Missouri State University turns 50 this year. Created in 1969, the department is the oldest and largest department of its kind in a public university in Missouri. It offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. Dr. Stephen Berkwitz, professor and department head of religious studies at MSU, highlights the department, its achievements … [Read more...] about Promoting the study of religion for 50 years
Question: What do 16th century nuns and the fight for women’s rights have in common? Answer: More than you think. Dr. Austra Reinis, professor of religious studies at Missouri State University, dove into this anomaly during her 14-month sabbatical project in Germany. The nuns fight for women’s rights In the early 16th century, Martin Luther changed the course of Christianity … [Read more...] about Finding the humanity in history
Do students lose their religion when they enter college? It’s a common question asked, and the answer is not always clear. Dr. John Schmalzbauer, associate professor of religious studies at Missouri State University, says no. Growth of religion and spirituality According to Schmalzbauer, there was an increase in new religious immigrants from different parts of the world in … [Read more...] about The changing role of religion on campuses across the country
For many Christian conservatives, the term ‘evangelical’ is now more of a political identifier than a doctrinal one – which has led some high-profile religious leaders to question or even abandon the term. Dr. John Schmalzbauer, associate professor of religious studies at Missouri State University, offers his insight on this topic to The Christian Science Monitor. … [Read more...] about What does it mean to be an ‘Evangelical’ in the Trump era?
When you hear the word jihad, what comes to mind? “A lot of Western people focus on terrorism,” said Dr. Matthew Kuiper, assistant professor of religious studies at Missouri State University. “What I try to show is that the vast majority of Muslims worldwide live in peace and are strong critics of violence done in the name of Islam.” Kuiper explains that Islam is similar to … [Read more...] about Islam and Christianity: Are they more similar than they appear?