The Center for Multifaith Education at Auburn Seminary recently released the results of a study that analyzed the state of multifaith education in theological schools across the United States. Entitled Beyond World Religions: The State of Multifaith Education in American Theological Schools, the study surveyed 150 Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and interfaith institutions that train religious leaders, representing approximately one-half of all accredited theological schools in America. The study’s authors Rabbi Justus Baird and Dr. Lucida Mosher conducted the survey between January and August 2009. The aim of the study was to learn more about the degree to which multifaith education occurs in American theological schools, and to identify and promote the best practices in multifaith education for religious leaders.
The results of the study revealed four key findings, highlighted notable courses and programs, provided a complete list of the 1,2000 courses available through the institutions, and listed the top 20 seminaries.
Key Finding #1
The first key finding was that contrary to common perceptions, many theological schools are offering a wide range of academic courses about diverse faith traditions. Throughout the 150 institutions surveyed, there are 1,208 academic courses about other faiths being offered. Leading the pack in religious course diversity is Luther Seminary in Minnesota with 43 different faith tradition courses. 49% of the schools surveyed offered 5 or more courses, while 29% of the schools offered 2 courses or less.
Key Finding #2
The second key finding was that there are more academic courses about Islam and Judaism available than any other faith tradition. The study revealed that 68% of non-Muslim schools offered a course related to Islam, and 66% of non-Jewish schools offered a course relating to Judaism.
Key Finding #3
The third key finding was that the majority of academic courses about other faiths approached the material from a theological angle. 87% of academic courses included a theological approach while 44% of courses included a historical approach.
Key Finding #4
The fourth key finding identified 3 main reasons why multifaith education exists in theological schools. The first is that multifaith education makes better religious education; religious leaders must have a working knowledge of other faiths to minister effectively in the religiously diverse 21st century. The second is that multifaith education strengthens faith; learning about, and from, other religious traditions helps religious leaders grow in their own faith tradition. The third is that multifaith education enhanced proselytizing; understanding other religious traditions improves one's ability to effectively proselytize to members of other faith communities.
Top 20 Seminaries Engaged in Multifaith Education (in alphabetical order)
Boston University: School of Theology
Brite Divinity School
Catholic Theological Union
Fuller Theological Seminary
Graduate Theological Union
Hartford Seminary
Harvard Divinity School
Hebrew College with Andover-Newton Theological Seminary
Iliff School of Theology
Luther College
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
Methodist Theological School in Ohio
Naropa University: Department of Religious Studies
Pacific School of Religion
Recontructionist Rabbinical College
Starr King School for the Ministry
Union Theological Seminary
University of Chicago Divinity School
Vaderbilt University Divinity School
Wake Forest University Divinity School
Yale Divinity School
Website: www.auburnsem.org
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