Official Statement of Approach

The Philosophy & Religious Studies department at MCC offers courses in religious studies, as distinguished from religious education. Whereas religious education seeks to strengthen a person in his/her particular tradition, religious studies seeks a perspective from outside all traditions in pursuit of an understanding of the historical, cultural, political, and economic dimensions of various traditions. While the beliefs of religions are taught in our classes, our instructors do not evaluate the truth claims of these traditions, nor do we privilege or denigrate any particular religion.