What do “Hamlet,” “Family Guy” and Coldplay all have in common? All of these pieces of media contain Biblical references. Allusions to religious texts, both Eastern and Western, are omnipresent in our society.
Because of the historical impact and societal influence religion has over our communities, it is crucial to be well-versed in a variety of religions regardless of your personal beliefs. Looking at texts that differ from your own ideologies from a purely academic perspective can deepen your understanding of literature and the formation of modern society.
It is easy to confuse the study of religion with theology because they have similar themes, but they have vastly different approaches. Religious studies explore how religious texts were formed and how the practice of religious ideas, texts and behaviors are intertwined with particular cultures. Theology focuses more on the relationship between God and humans, and it tends to be more personal since it relies on the interpretations of texts as applicable moral compasses. Many people with degrees in theology go on to be leaders in their respective religions. However, religious studies are purely academic and neutral in their assessment of religious content.
“The New Testament writings, for example, are almost all from the first century, from the early Roman Empire,” said Brent Landau, a professor of religious studies with a focus on the New Testament and early Christianity. “(So we ask:) ‘What was the historical context under which they were writing? What sorts of things were they trying to address at their time?’”
Understanding the historical and cultural context enhances the way we engage with literature and history more broadly. I grew up in an agnostic household, but I had to read the Bible for my secular high school AP Literature class. Our class analyzed the Bible in a neutral academic context and found allegories to it in classic and modern literature. Despite a spiritual disconnect with the text, I found great value in the knowledge of these stories and viewed the text as academic literature. References to religion are widespread throughout history, and having background information on the context of these events through the lens of religion furthered my understanding. After my class, I felt better-versed in different world-views, and I had a chance to consider the story from a new perspective that I might not have been exposed to otherwise.
But even if you are religious, take some time to branch out of your own religion. Eastern religions like Buddhism or Islam are often overlooked when considering religious texts, despite their equal historical importance on global thought and culture.
“(American) students … are in the best position to reflect upon this kind of superimposed limitation of knowledge, because (American) society (has a variety of) people bringing their ideas and traditions,” said Quan Gan, a religious studies PhD candidate focusing on medieval Europe and imperial China. “It’s amazing how cosmopolitan most American cities are. You can have access to an Indian temple or a Buddhist meditation center, which is not necessarily (available in places like Europe or Asia.)”
By studying religious texts from a variety of cultures, we gain a better understanding of society and culture, but also of the people around us. Religion is intrinsic to human identity and ignoring other beliefs because of your own closes the door to learning new historical and literary perspectives.
Xu is a government freshman from Fort Worth, Texas.
