“Religion is the clearest telescope which can behold the beauties of creation.” William Scott Downey.
My journey with the Study of Religions has been an interesting path that began from an early age. My first exposure to the various religions occurred through a Religious and Moral Education (R.M.E) lesson in junior high school. It was a moment that sparked my curiosity. After that class, I immediately approached my elder brother and inquired if there was a continuation of R.M.E at the senior high school level. He informed me about Christian Religious Studies (C.R.S), which I then set my sights on studying. Fast forward to senior high school, I ended up studying C.R.S. because I was to choose either C.R.S or Music, and Music was not an option for me. While this provided me with a deep understanding of the Christian world, it also heightened my curiosity about how other religions in the world operated. Amidst the array of available courses at the university, I decided to pursue Information Studies, Philosophy and Classics together with The Study of Religions. This choice was driven by my desire to unravel the diversity of beliefs and traditions that exist worldwide, something that had intrigued and fascinated me for a long time. Thus, it was with pleasure, that I began my studies at the various departments including the Department for the Study of Religions.
Religion as a concept is not easily defined. To wrap it up in the sleeves of Franz Werfel, “Religion is the everlasting dialogue between humanity and God.” Factually, religion goes beyond The Divine. Its branches are broad thus, its study is fascinating. In the religious world of vast diversities, the study of religions serves as a means to unify. It is an attempt to objectively understand the various aspects of religions from an intellectual forefront.
Ever thought that religion is minified to simply how humanity is related to divinity? Actually, it is not. Ordinarily, it is regarded as man’s relation to The Divine and his fate after death. However, religion is also concerned with man’s broader relationship with his human community and the natural world. As Richard Burton said, “The more I study religions, the more I am convinced that man never worshipped anything but himself.” With my exposure to the classifications of religion, I found in it a feature that seeks diligently to make humans live harmonious and simple lives while they are here on Earth.
Adopting an impersonal perspective towards religions made me realize the thin line between Religion and Science, Philosophy, Psychology, and Sociology among other fields of study. Religion is embedded in all aspects of man’s life and endeavor. There is never an absence of it. Both belief and unbelief make up the very frame of Religion. You observe the varieties between Christianity and Islam and find the contrasts between Buddhism and Hinduism and the list goes on and on. Even so, there is a speck of similarity – the unity in diversity. Swami Vivekananda puts it rightly, “By the study of different Religions, we find that in essence, they are one.”
It then dawned on me that the study of religions is much more profound than a simple academic pursuit; it is a sacred duty as said by Mahatma Gandhi, “A friendly study of the world’s religions is a sacred duty”. As religion is a common ground where all mankind interacts, the study of it is central to wholesome humanness. Our differences diminish when we view life from the neutral lens of religion.
Now you may be wondering, if all religions can find a point of oneness, then its study must be unproblematic, right? I’ve heard times without number how “easy” the study of religions is assumed to be. Inasmuch as the religions theoretically sync with one another, their dissimilarities cannot be overlooked. Without a doubt, religion is one major factor in the dissension among the human populace. Hence, its study is in no way effortless. Imagine having to put aside all personal preferences and preconceived notions to accommodate new and oftentimes, opposing ideas and traditions from across the globe without subjectivity. That, I tell you is not so simple, especially being a Christian born and raised to believe Christianity is the “ultimate faith”. The study of religions is as challenging as any other course that deals with the wholeness of human life, yet it is most constructive as it answers almost all of man’s complex queries.
It is then even more displeasing for a majority of persons, both students and non-students of religion, to think that the Study of Religions is best for those who dream of becoming religious leaders i.e., Pastors, Mallams, or even “Osofomaame”. Many fail to comprehend the significance of studying religion as an academic course worth certification. Limit not your scope of thought, since the study of religions entails not only the spiritual but also the psychological, sociological, and historical prospects of man. Knowledge gained through the study of religions can by no means be limited to only the religious sphere but can be applied to all sectors of human endeavor.
I would not cancel out the chances of becoming or holding a religious position with your experience from studying religions yet, there is a whole world of indefinite versatile opportunities to explore. Nonetheless, I deem it more appropriate for a student of the Study of Religions to assume religious roles in our places of worship than any other. By so, the extreme religiosity, exploits, and divisions can be minimized among the various religions as their leaders are not merely religiously groomed but intellectually prepared as well.
One more fear many have towards the study of religions is the scare of becoming influenced by other faiths and beliefs which may sway them away from their primary religion. Notwithstanding, the study of religions in no way intends to present any religion as superior or better than another. The discourse is done in an impartial, objective, and friendly manner where all religions are studied holistically and regarded equally. The principal aim of the study of religions is to encourage individuals to accept, understand, and appreciate the uniqueness of each religion to avoid discrimination of any sort. The study provides rooted insights on each religion to reshape them to be better while students learn to appreciate their original faiths as well as to tolerate the other religions. This is in agreement with Epictetus who stated, “All religions must be tolerated… for every man must get to heaven in his way.”
In light of the intricate nature of studying religions, it is important to acknowledge that some individuals later found the pursuit challenging, leading them to reconsider their choice of study. The diverse and often contrasting beliefs encountered posed a challenge, especially for those who approached the study with preconceived notions about some particular faiths. So, as the years progressed and time came for course specialization, I noticed a considerable number of my peers choosing to pivot away from the Study of Religions, opting for courses they deemed more aligned with their career aspirations. This, of course, is a natural course of action, as each person follows their unique path.
Contrary to these trends, my journey took a different route. In my second year, I made the choice to discontinue my studies in Philosophy and Classics, a field that had initially captivated my interest just like the Study of Religions. This shift was driven by a realization that the Study of Religions collectively offers a branch of Philosophy. Thus, it was appropriate to lay off Philosophy and Classics to maintain that of the religions allowing me to expand my horizons and approach life with a broader perspective. Consequently, I combined the Study of Religions with Information Studies, a decision that felt more in line with my academic and personal pursuits.
In brief, my step to study religions is one I have not once regretted as it keeps me learning and unlearning – shaping me into a more open-minded person than I was. The more I study and inquire about the varied religions, I understand it better that religion is not about the huge divisions built as a result of their differences, which I would prefer to call “distinctiveness”; but it is dominantly about their unity in diversity. It gets more exciting and insightful to imagine how peaceful the world would be if we could all learn to tolerate and regard all religions as unique. I would, therefore urge you, an interested one, to not hold back from experiencing the peculiarity of the different religions which together make the world as colorful as it is. I am still on my journey of exploration and I would not mind if you joined me too.
Written by Rejoyce Ama Deh / 17 Oct 2023.
(Level 300 student)