THE MISSIONMISSION OF OF RELIGIOUS RELIGIOUS EDUCATION EDUCATION AT ATBRIGHAM BRIGHAM YOUNG YOUNG UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY isis toto assistassist individuals individuals in in their their e orts efforts to cometo come unto unto Christ byby teachingteaching the the scriptures, scriptures, doctrine, doctrine, and and history his- toryof the of restored the restored gospel gospel of Jesus of Christ Jesus through Christ throughclassroom classroominstruction, instruction,gospel scholarship, gospel andscholarship, outreach andto the out - reachlarger community.to the larger community.
PRESIDENT GORDON B. B. HINCKLEY, HINCKLEY, inin his dedicatorydedicatory prayer prayer of of the the Joseph Smith Smith Building Building on on December 10, 10, 1991, 1991, said:said:
“We praypray for for those those who who [take [take religion religion classes], classes], that that their theirminds minds may be may enlightened, be enlightened, that their that understanding their understandingmay be quickened, may that be theyquickened, may learn that those they things may learnwhich those will bless things their which lives inwill the bless world their of which lives inthey the worldwill become of which a part, they and, will in become a more particular a part, and, way, in that a morethey may particular become way, familiar that withthey themay truth become which familiar is witheternal the in truth its nature which and is eternaleverlasting in its in nature its consequences.” and ever- lasting in its consequences.”
NEWNEW STUDENTSTUDENT GUIDEGUIDE TO TO RELIGIOUSRELIGIOUS RELIGIOUS EDUCATION EDUCATIONEDUCATION 370 Joseph Smith Building Provo, UT 84602 AnswersAnswers to to frequently frequently asked asked questions questions 801-422-2735 religion.byu.edu in other religion courses. Your professors want to help you succeed. Take the time to share your beliefs and concerns FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS with them, and please don’t hesitate to ask for help. about Religious Education at BYU WHY ONLY TWO RELIGION CLASSES A SEMESTER? WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF RELIGION WHAT TAKES PLACE IN A RELIGION 7 As you enroll in your religion courses remember CLASSES AT BYU? CLASS? that the university will only count four religion credits per semester toward fulfilling the BYU religion requirement. The The purpose of religion classes at BYU is to help Your religion classes will be invigorating both 1 4 purpose of this policy is to encourage students to spread you to learn, by study and faith, the restored gospel of intellectually and spiritually. You will have an opportunity to their religious education throughout their college career. Jesus Christ from the scriptures and modern prophets. Your increase your understanding of the gospel through study earnest engagement in your religion classes will help you and faith. Your instructor will expect you to participate in to develop faith in and a testimony of Heavenly Father and class discussions, take notes in class, complete challenging HOW MANY RELIGION CLASSES His “great plan,” the Savior, Jesus Christ, and His infinite assignments and pass difficult exams. While a religion class ARE REQUIRED? atoning sacrifice, and the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. at BYU is certainly a quality spiritual experience, it is also as There are two parts to the religion requirement Additionally, your class time and coursework will aid you in academically demanding as your other university classes. 8 at BYU: (1) the four cornerstone courses and (2) residency becoming lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ, who make and hours. The cornerstone courses are Rel C 200: “The Eternal keep covenants, who love God and others, and who are HOW ARE RELIGION CLASSES Family”; Rel C 225: “Foundations of the Restoration”; Rel A able, willing, and committed to gather Israel on both sides GRADED? 250: “Jesus Christ and the Everlasting Gospel”; and Rel A of the veil. Your religion classes will also strengthen your 275: “Teachings and Doctrine of the Book of Mormon” (some Success in BYU religion courses is dependent ability to find answers, resolve doubts, respond with faith, 5 of these have approved substitutions—see “Doctrinal Foun- solely on performance related to assessments and stated and give reason for the hope within you (1 Peter 3:15) in dations” at catalog.byu.edu/about-byu/general-education). outcomes. Students are not graded on their testimonies whatever challenges you may face. If you take one of these through Institute for BYU credit or or personal beliefs. You can expect the workload and at another Church school, it will count for the corresponding grading standards in your religion classes to be similar to class at BYU; however, it will not count toward your BYU resi- WHO TEACHES THE RELIGION other university classes. BYU expects you to study, discuss, dency hours. “Residency hours” means you must complete a CLASSES? complete assignments, and be evaluated in your religion certain number of religion credit hours while at BYU. For new The religion faculty at BYU includes women and courses, just as you would in your chemistry, English, or 2 first-year students, it’s 14 credits; for transfer students it may men who have completed graduate degrees and have psychology courses. Examinations and grades encourage be less, depending on your total number of transfer credits experience in areas related to the courses they teach. They you to challenge yourself to grow in your understanding of (check with your advisor). Cornerstone classes taken at BYU are qualified university professors who are subject experts. the scriptures, history, and doctrine of the Church. Students count toward the residency hours, as do other courses you You will find them knowledgeable, friendly, and interested who invest the appropriate time and effort into BYU religion select from the wide variety of religion courses offered. in helping you succeed in their courses. classes will find these classes to be as spiritually strength- ening as they are academically challenging. HOW DOES AN EXPERIENCE IN A BYU RELIGION CLASS DIFFER FROM WHAT IF I’M NOT A MEMBER OF 3 A CHURCH CLASS OR AN INSTITUTE THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF RELIGION COURSE? 6 OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS? The Church provides us with many opportunities for gospel Students who are not Latter-day Saints are an integral DID YOU KNOW? part of BYU. We hope that you will see yourselves as learning. However, Church and Institute classes are not Students who graduate from courses for university credit and do not have to meet the valued members of our learning community—here both to high academic standards required by a university. Because learn and to contribute your unique perspectives and life BYU report that their religion they are university courses, BYU religion classes must experiences. We also recognize the challenge you may be rigorous, university-level experiences in learning the face in religion courses, where some knowledge about classes were one of the best The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is assumed. gospel. You can expect your class workload and grading things about their college education. standards to be similar to other university classes. We encourage you to enroll during your first semester in REL C 100 — “Introduction to The Church of Jesus Christ of Responses to the annual BYU senior Latter-day Saints.” In addition, you may enroll in a section of REL A 275 – Teachings and Doctrine of the Book of and alumni surveys give religion Mormon specifically for non-LDS students. These courses will provide you with the foundation necessary for success classes the highest possible ratings.