«'Religion' is no longer = Christianity or = Judaism; many people in our Western industrialized world claim to have their own religions. If one understands religion as re-ligare ("reconnect"), than it can be expected to be found where mechanisms that connect people to themselves are at work (identity). However, such mechanisms also connect people to one another (through relationships and groups).
While studying in the BA and MA programs in Religious Studies, I acquired extensive knowledge of the major religious traditions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism). I also learned how to view religion as a multifaceted phenomenon that plays a role in processes of individualization, especially in today's globally networked world. In other words, it's not simply something locked in confining institutions. Such a multifaceted view of 'religion' will most definitely be a big help to me in my career as a secondary school teacher.»
Jonas Widmer (MA Religious Studies)
«Globalization is impacting religion as well. Religions have moved closer together and become intertwined, so to speak, not least due to patterns of global migration. Their attempt to convey meaning, as well as the potential for conflict they harbor, have now come closer to a world in the West that is no longer rooted in a religious tradition but which nevertheless persistently searches for guidance and meaning, sometimes very uncritically as well. That's reason enough to become more familiar with religions, systematically analyze them and learn to examine their claims in an objective manner. The program in Religious Studies offers an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to responsibly shape a society that has become very pluralistic.»
Prof. Benz H.R. Schär, former Director of the Center for Migration at the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton Bern-Jura-Solothurn, and Professor Emeritus at the Faculty of Theology at the University of Bern
«The Talmud describes how every drop of rain follows a unique path that is different from that of any other drop of rain. The Talmud concludes from this that every individual may and should follow their own unique path. I think this applies to all religions. The resulting differences between people are a given for us as Jews and these differences are something that should be cultivated. Such discussions make the Talmud a reservoir of diversity. Inter-religious dialog offers a good opportunity for a peaceful exchange of ideas, especially with regard to the education of children and young people. The Jewish community is open to inter-religious discussion. Our efforts here focus on eliminating prejudices and the fear of contact. That's because mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence is very important to us.»
David Polnauer, Rabbi of the Jewish Community Bern
