By By Kirby Reed

Recognizing the needs of both students and faculty, the University’s Department of Religion has expanded and become its own entity.

The department, still in Heger Hall, is no longer combined with the Philosophy Department, as religious studies has grown to accommodate the large number of students interested in the study of religion.

“Every student deserves an education in religion,” Warren Frisina, chair and associate professor of philosophy and religious studies, said. “The academic study of religion has grown.”

President Stuart Rabinowitz also acknowledged that the Department of Religion is a huge priority.

“President Rabinowitz’s vision is that soon the Department of Religion will be a national center for the comprehensive, interdisciplinary study and understanding of each of the world’s major religions, promoting dialogue and enhancing understanding among those of all faiths,” Melissa Connolly, vice president for University Relations, said.

Frisina largely credited Bernard Firestone, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with the separation.

“(Firestone) recognized the importance,” Frisina said.

The new department can now offer a major in religious studies, as well as the minor that was always available. Also, the popular area of Jewish Studies, formerly under the Department of Comparative Literature and Languages, has joined the Department of Religion.

Students will have two choices for earning a bachelor’s degree in religion.

One allows students to major in religion while taking a discipline in the language of the scriptural tradition of their choosing.

This rigorous program pairs the student closely with a professor and prepares the student for a strong background in religious studies.

The new department allows the University to sponsor more lectures and new courses, such as “The New Testament,” “Religion in Pop Culture” and “Islam in America.”

Frisina said by adding more course choices, students of all backgrounds will be able to find a class that caters to their interests.

“If you want to be in business, you’ve got to have a background in religion,” Frisina said. “If you want to be a lawyer, you need to have a background in religion.”

Beginning this January, students will be able to enroll in the new courses.

Terry Godlove, professor of philosophy and religious studies, also stressed the importance of the new department.

“What’s more important in the modern world than religion?” Godlove asked. “Just look at the newspaper.”

The future for the new department is a bright one – as soon as next year, the Department of Religion will have three endowed chairs.

“It’s pretty extraordinary,” Godlove said.

An endowed chair is created when a person donates money to the University.

The money is then invested and used to cover expenses associated with salaries, lectures and festivals.

The Sardarni Kuljit Kaur Bindra endowed chair in South Asian Religion, with an emphasis in Sikh Studies and the Msgr. Thomas J. Hartman endowed chair in Catholic Studies, will join the endowed chair in Jewish studies.

Frisina said there are few endowed chairs at the University, and for one department to have three is very exciting.

“This is crucial for Hofstra,” Frisina said. “It’s crucial for the world.”