Religion and the history of the United States have a forbidden kinship that has intrigued Americans for over two hundred years. The Constitution omits all mention of god and the First Amendment was based on the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. However, the Declaration of Independence does mention a creator. Our currency and our courtrooms both reference a god figure. The study of religion can be a very revealing insight into the history and function of our current society as well as a tool to help others who need guidance.

Even Christopher Hitchens, considered the world’s most famous atheist, says that a strong understanding of religion is the only way to understand the works of great authors like Shakespeare. The study of theology not only allows a person to break bread with the dead, but also gives an individual the opportunity to form a kinship with the whole human race. This kind of academic pursuit can make a casual interest into a lifelong career.

Religion continues to have an impact on American life in 2009. GQ Magazine has broken a story about top secret documents passed between President Bush and Donald Rumsfeld that were repeatedly adorned with biblical quotes on the covers. These top secret worldwide intelligence updates for the eyes of Mr. Rumsfeld, President Bush, and a few people from the Pentagon who had the highest of clearances. The briefings in question dealt with our war efforts in Iraq and included colored pictures and biblical captions added by Mr. Rumsfeld. Beneath an image of a destroyed Saddam Hussein statute was a quote from the Book of Proverbs stating, “Commit to the Lord, whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Another memo included a photograph of a US tank with the quote from Ephesians stating, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

Although there is a separation of church and state, there is not a separation of faith and politics necessarily. For this reason, a clear understanding of theology may better equip an individual to understand the potential motivations in United States politics. Many of our laws are derived from religious values and beliefs, making a religious education the perfect background to understand the wiring off our legal system.

America is commonly referred to as the most religious country in the West, if not the world. As the international community grows closer and closer and as we progress further into the future, the study of theology can serve as a compass to see why and in what direction the human race is going. Many graduates of theology programs go on to pursue a career in the clergy. As a clergy member, you will be a pivotal figure in the lives of both the young and old. You can be a mentor and friend to those looking for guidance and advice in life’s most confusing times. If the clergy is not for you, you can be a religious administrator for adult and adolescent religious education programs. No matter where you want to go, a theological background can give you a strong moral and educational base to help you get ahead. An academic pursuit in theology can be the first step in this lifelong search for meaning.