Starting Fall 2015, incoming freshman will be introduced to a new Religion curriculum focused on studying topics across the standard works rather than focusing on one book of scripture. These changes are not unique to BYU-Hawaii. They are also being implemented at BYU in Provo and BYU-Idaho. All students who are currently enrolled will not be required to change courses, but they may choose to adapt their classes to the new curriculum. Keith Lane, BYUH Religion Department chair, explained the new curriculum was revised “because we have a new generation of students. After a series of discussions among the heads of Religious Education at the BYUs and Institute across nearly two years, and in consultation with various brethren, it was agreed that a new curriculum was needed to meet the needs, experience, and interests of college-aged young adults.” In a CES devotional announcement on Nov. 2, 2014, Paul V. Johnson announced the changes by saying, “These new courses are intended to be cornerstones of your religious education experience. They are centered in the scriptures and the teachings of latter-day prophets, with a focus on the Savior, His doctrine, and significant events in Church history. As you study across all of the standard works, the scriptures will become woven together, helping you to develop greater gospel scholarship and more fully understand and appreciate each book of the standard works. These classes will build on your previous church and personal experiences with gospel study. They will assist you in applying gospel principles in ways that are relevant to your current circumstances.” Nesha Brown, a junior ICS major from Texas, said, “I think changes are a good thing and a change in the Religion program will hopefully make the classes more interesting and give a more rounded religious education.”This new curriculum consists of new classes such as REL 200, 225, 250, and 275. Hannah Liao, a senior communications major from Taiwan, said she is glad the changes will not affect her for graduation. However, she also said, “The new classes sound much more interesting. Maybe I’ll take one of them next semester.” Lane added about the new courses, “These need not, and are not intended to be taken in numerical order. But rather students are allowed and encouraged to take particular courses as they fit their schedules and their interests.” Lane said some anticipated benefits include, “A deeper understanding of the Gospel, the scriptures, Church history, belief and practice and the place of all these in their lives here and now. Greater capacity to read and think carefully about our beliefs and practices and issues we all may face, with an increased ability to explain those things to others—to be able to give a heart-felt and informed witness.” He continued, “Stronger faith in, testimony of, and knowledge of Jesus Christ, His Gospel, and His Church. The privilege and opportunity to study and talk about the gospel in depth with other students from a variety of backgrounds, who are likewise striving to know and understand and live lives of true discipleship.” As this will affect Religion professors and their curriculums, Lane said the change is rather dramatic. He said, “Virtually all will be teaching new courses. This takes time and effort and innovative thinking. It will also take lots of inspiration if it’s to be done right. We will learn by experience what works well and what doesn’t as we start teaching these courses.” Lane explained they will continue to teach some “old” courses, but overall BYUH Religion professors are excited to be doing this.Uploaded May 22, 2015
Writer: Jessica Everette
