Religion
Learn how to analyze, think critically, question and explore various religious traditions and what those traditions mean personally and in community with others.
Everyone who attends Concordia gets a chance to experience the in-depth teaching in the religion department through core courses. Many elect to dive deeper into what the department offers, discovering more about world religions including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Judaism.
Classes range from biblical Hebrew to how pop culture shapes religion and religion shapes pop culture. Coursework in religion will help students to lead an examined life by building up self-knowledge and compassion for others throughout the world.
Interfaith Leaders
Two students and one faculty member presented on Concordia’s new interfaith studies minor and the importance of interfaith studies for higher education at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Salt Lake City in 2015.
Learn More
Three Faiths: A Journey to Israel and Palestine
Dr. Elna Solvang and a group of religion students examined “the complexity of religion in the world” during an Exploration Seminar to Israel and Palestine in 2016. They met with religious representatives and visit Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities and religious sites in Israel and the West Bank.
Transfer Students
Featured Profiles
Elise Tweten '11
Pastoral Intern, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Minneapolis
Religion Major; History Minor
I am deeply indebted to the religion department at Concordia. My professors and classes taught me to wonder at our diverse world instead of fear it. I had the chance to delve into other backgrounds, religions, cultures, and ways of thinking. My religion classes have made me a more thoughtful, critical, open-minded, open-hearted, and balanced person.
Anastasia Young '14
Nursing and Religion Major
I’ve been able to do everything I’ve wanted to do at Concordia. Because of my experiences, I know that I will be able to serve others by combining my passions for healing and interfaith issues.
Sarah Rohde '07
Associate Pastor, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Ill.
Religion, Spanish and Music Major
Sarah Rohde’s yearlong experience through the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission program in Cuernavaca, Mexico, helped her develop skills and passions she now uses as a pastor.
Read Story
Kristi Del Vecchio '13
Institutional Engagement Associate, Interfaith Youth Core; Master's Degree at Catholic Theological Union
Religion and Biology Major; Chemistry Minor
Brilliant faculty in the Concordia religion department led me to understand religion in its broader cultural, social and personal contexts. I was given multiple lenses into studying Christianity, especially, and learned just how complex "faith" and "religion" can be.
Dr. Jacqueline Bussie
Religion; Director of the Forum on Faith and Life
Watch VideoI love Concordia because I think that Concordia's mission matches all of my life's goals.
David Adamson '15
Brainerd, Minn.
Political Science and History Major; Religion Minor
Studying religion is important to me because religion is an inseparable part of every culture, and if anyone wants to understand another people's culture, they need to understand their religion.
Alexandra Benson '14
Master of Divinity Program at Luther Seminary
Psychology Major; Religion Minor
Concordia helped me learn to think critically and encouraged me to think deeply about the concept of vocation.
Medora Frei '17
Bismarck, N.D.
Religion and Art Major; Interfaith Studies Minor
Read MoreConcordia has impacted me in many ways, especially in how I interact with people around me. Concordia has given me a compassionate lens through which to view the world through wonderful professors, classmates and courses.
Lydia Griffin ’13
Master of Divinity student, Luther Seminary
Psychology Major; Religion Minor
I intend on using my knowledge that I’ve learned at Concordia and abroad to continue learning more about myself and share that with others to help people become more compassionate toward one another.