Religious Studies Spotlight

Our Religious Studies Spotlight this fall focuses on our faculty members, Dr. Ted Vehse, Dr. Daniel Borsay, and Dr. Aaron Gale. Drs. Vehse, Borsay, and Gale ALL spent time furthering their academic pursuits overseas!

Pictured above is Dr. Gale in Israel. You can read his report below. First, we have this report from Dr. Vehse:

During July (2005) I participated in an international conference at the University of Cambridge . The title of the conference was "The Humanities in a Knowledge Society." An annual event sponsored by Common Ground of Australia, the conference brings together scholars and teachers from around the globe to discuss current work and future prospects for the humanities. My own presentation was a general defense of the humanistic contribution to life in the academy. Entitled, "Beyond Doom-and-Gloom: a Humanities Manifesto," the talk outlined fundamental concepts, highlighting differences between humanistic and natural scientific thinking. It also set forth a pragmatic justification for the humanities as part of a lifetime of individual growth and learning.

The setting of Cambridge , England was captivating. At the heart of the anglophone world, Cambridge is perhaps Britain 's most vibrant intellectual community. With its time honored system of "colleges," the University stands as a beacon to people everywhere of the forces for good that a rigorous pursuit of knowledge can set free. The awe inspiring facades of the mighty gothic buildings reminds one that great ideas are no mere passing fancies. The endure and form the ground out of which a promising future comes to be.

Sounds great, Dr. Vehse! And we have this report from Dr. Borsay:

This summer I went to Szeged , Hungary as a lecturer in WVU's newest international venture, a joint Religious Studies Program and History Department overseas course. With its long and rich religious history, Hungary is an ideal venue for studying religion. Along with students from WVU, I enjoyed the cultural delights and historical sights of Hungary, from excellent dining everywhere to visiting the city of Pecs which has roots-and remains in the museum to prove it-extending back to prehistoric times, as well as a Djami, a Christian church converted to a Turkish mosque and then reconverted to Christian use. We also visited the city of Esztergom , another ancient city that is the seat of the primate of Hungary and boasts a remarkable cathedral overlooking the Danube across from Slovakia .

I lectured on the approach to religion taken by Marxist theoreticians during the period of Communism as well as touching upon some more recent developments in church state relations in Hungary . I was not the only lecturer. Professor Blobaum from the history department lectured extensively on the history of Eastern Europe and Hungarian scholars lectured on topics ranging from new religious movements to pilgrimage and religious tourism in the new Hungary , to religion and ethnicity. I hope that more students will take advantage of this great opportunity to learn about religion in another culture and join us in Hungary in 2006.

Stay tuned for more information regarding how YOU can go to Szeged in 2006! Finally, here's what Dr. Gale had to say about his summer:

This past summer I spent three weeks in Israel conducting research and working on an archaeological dig. The dig was located at the biblical city of Bethsaida, in Galilee. Bethsaida is mentioned in the New Testament by Jesus, and is believed to be the home of some of his apostles.

I had a fabulous time "playing in the dirt" and learning all about biblical archaeology. We stayed on a kibbutz right on the Sea of Galilee, and we took exciting weekend trips to places like Nazareth and Cana (where Jesus turned water into wine in John's Gospel). Next year I hope to return, and to bring students with me!

It sounds like all of our faculty members had a rewardinig and fruitful summer. We look forward to future reports from our very mobile faculty!