Facilities
The religion department is based in Main Building with classes held there and across campus.
Faculty Resources
The department's faculty are active in a number of professional scholarly organizations, including the American Academy of Religion and the Society for Biblical Literature. Also productive scholars themselves, faculty present papers, chair conference sessions, and write for publication. Work published by members of the department in recent years includes a considerable number of books and many articles on a wide variety of subjects.
Guest Lecturers
Students studying religion also benefit from many visiting lecturers. Some are hosted by the department and others are invited through various college-wide lecture series. Recent visiting lecturers in religion include Cornell West (Princeton University), Diana Eck (Harvard), Martin Marty (University of Chicago), Elaine Pagels (Princeton University), and Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza (Harvard University).
In addition, the Oen Fellowship program enables the department to invite a distinguished guest lecturer to Luther College biannually to explore and discuss intersections between religion, science, politics and the arts. Oen Fellows spend three to five days on campus meeting with both faculty and students to discuss issues in formal and informal settings. Click here for a list of past Oen Fellows.
Study of Religion for Personal Enrichment
One way to meet personal needs is to participate in rigorous courses of biblical study. Students learn of the Christian heritage by studying the history and teachings of the church. Courses are designed to build awareness of your own religious resources, the value of piety, and the variety of ways in which believers worship and practice their faith.
Student congregation activities include worship, mission outreach, and Bible study groups. Conversations on religious issues are a daily occurrence on campus. Friendships form among students from many nations at Luther.
Through experiences in worship, music, drama, art, athletics, academics, and service projects, students grow and mature in their religious commitment. Participation in student groups permits sharing questions, convictions, and personal needs with others in ways that expand awareness and develop character. In addition, juniors and seniors may opt to study topics of personal interest independently or on a tutorial basis.