Why study religions of Botswana
Since the beginning of time religion has not only been present, but has also been a driving force (both positively and negatively) in the world’s development. The influence that religion has on the world has shifted throughout the years; from education and literacy to global relations. According to a comprehensive study conducted by Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life (2012), “there are approximately 5.8 billion religiously affiliated adults and children around the globe, representing 84% of the 2010 world population of 6.9 billion” (para.1). Today, one can find Muslims, Jews, and Christians all in the same village living together. As globalization continues, and the world becomes more connected than ever before, one must understand the religious context and community they are now in, despite of their own religious beliefs and practices. It is essential that we continue to learn world religions as issues of intolerance are becoming more prominent in today’s society. By learning about world religions, one not only helps to push the boundaries of one’s own understandings of religion and the world, but also it promotes religious tolerance and is more beneficial for global interactions. It is vital that we continue to offer TRS 103: Religions of Botswana because by analyzing both the positive and negative aspects of religious commitment, intolerance and the impact of the world becoming a global village, while instructing in a manner that is objective and knowledgeable, we may learn about other cultures and religions, as well as promote tolerance and peace.
One must first understand the importance of religious commitment to the believer in order to be able to properly comprehend the possible problems associated with the commitment. Religious commitment is fairly ambiguous as it can mean a number of different things to different people. Scholars Rodney Stark and Charles Glock (1968) have broken down religious...