Experience Mormonism (or Hinduism or Islam or Buddhism) For Yourself...

Are Americans losing their religion? That's the question that ABC News posed when it reported that "young Americans are dramatically less likely to go to church—or to participate in any form of organized religion—than their parents and grandparents" (May 6, 2009). 

While the percentage of young Americans who say they have no religious affiliation has risen by 25-30 percent in recent years, a related study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life in 2008 also found that Americans are “overwhelmingly open-minded about faith.”

Even if we’re not particularly religious ourselves, many of us are still interested in religion and eager to explore different faiths. While most any curious college student can choose from a smorgasboard of Religious Studies courses, you’ll only understand so much from a textbook. Here are three innovative programs that get you out of the classroom and let you experience different religions for yourself.

Mormon Handcart Trek: Brigham Young University
If you want add a test of physical stamina to your religious exploration, you can dress in traditional 1800s attire (tie, vest, and hats for men; dresses, aprons, and bonnets for the women) and trek 1400 miles from Iowa City, Iowa to the Salt Lake City Valley along the authentic 1856 Mormon Trail.
>> More info

Buddhist Studies in India and Japan: Antioch University
Live in a monastery as part of Antioch’s Buddhist Studies programs. As you try to attain enlightenment, you also get language instruction and meditation training. Another program in China is currently in the works.
>> More info

Comparative Religion and Culture: Global College
Can’t decide on one religion? This year-long program travels to India, Thailand, Taiwan, and Turkey to explore Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam, Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.
>> More info


- Photo by Emily Strasser

Articles cited:

• Young Americans Losing Their Religion, ABC News