Religion As Career

The study of Religion examines ideas through which cultures explore the meaning of life and phenomena which societies consider sacred, such as narratives, rituals, and institutional practices. Its analysis includes historical, anthropological, sociological, and textual approaches. Religion is an integral component of human societies, whose study is essential to a balanced education.

If you are interested in pursuing a life enriched by philosophy or religion, there are many ways you can turn your passion into a prosperous career path. Both fields of study lay a good foundation for graduate work in other fields and will infuse your pursuits with a deep knowledge and awareness of the yearnings and inquiries that have inspired humans for ages. Both philosophy and religious studies provide training in critical thinking skills that form the basis for many professions.

The study of religion offers major and minor programs of study that provide the analysis and comparison of a wide variety of religious traditions of the world. Students complete courses in the history of religions, foundational scriptures, religious ethics, religion and science, religion and psychology. The study of religion is intrinsically interdisciplinary, dealing with other disciplines including anthropology, art history, sociology, psychology, philosophy, theology, history, and literature and provides many occasions for personal and intellectual growth, but most departments of religion are also committed to transmitting a set of very practical skills to their students:

• By studying regions you'll gain a fundamental cultural literacy.
• You'll be trained in the skills associated with data gathering and direct observation.

·         As a religion major, you are also asked to interpret and express your position on perplexing phenomena, exercising both your analytical skills and your originality.

Some of the options in Religion as a Career include :-

1)     Teaching - Many religion and philosophy majors become professors or teachers. Many students do this is by following their passion for either field by earning master's and Doctorate degrees and then going on to teach as professors of religion or philosophy. A teaching career allows lovers of philosophy or religion to immerse themselves in their favorite subject matter for the majority of their professional lives. Preparing curricula and lesson plans allow professors a second education in the material they love to study.

2)     Writing- Freelance writing and journalism offer a wide range of career possibilities.  A career in journalism offers a way for you to express your knowledge and passion for religion or philosophy. Many large newspapers have weekly sections on faith and religion.  Writing for political, philosophical, and religious magazines is another way to build a fairly lucrative career.

Interpreters:-

3)     In today's multicultural workplace and global economy, basic knowledge about other cultures and religious perspectives is indispensable. In addition, Good interpreters of information are in high demand. Gathering data, organizing it, understanding it, and presenting it are vital skills in the job profile of religious scriptures  interpreting.

Social Worker:-

4)     Studying religion is about people and their many perspectives. In jobs that require relating to others, reaching out to them, building bridges, or incorporating many perspectives at once, a religion major will provide an excellent foundation.

Starting with a Bachelor's degree in religion, there are many places to go. As an academic major in the humanities (or social sciences), the study of religion  imposes no limitations. But it also lends its own particular strengths to a number of different career choices. Religion majors have successfully gone on to professional training in:

• Business (particularly international business)
• Counseling and Social Work
• Education
• Journalism
• Law
• Medicine

Others have moved directly into the job market, taking up positions in:

• Event planning, hospitality, or the service industry
• The government, foreign service.
• Marketing and management
• Museums and the Libraries.
• Non-profit or non-governmental organizations
• Publishing

Religion has always been with us. Throughout history, it has expressed the deepest questions human beings can ask, and it has taken a central place in the lives of virtually all civilizations and cultures.  We discover religion at the center of global issues and cultural conflict. We see religion in the lives of the people we know and love and in ourselves. 

Overall, religion is powerful and persistent. It provokes heartfelt commitment, eloquent expression, forthright action, and intense debate. For both practitioners and observers - for everyone who wants to be informed about the world around them ,  religion is an intensely curious phenomenon that calls out for better understanding.

Margalit.Chordekar

Career Counsellor.

Edugroomers .