A club at ASU takes religious study out of the classroom and into the movie theater, among other places.
The Religious Study Society, which has about 20 members, holds meetings that usually consist of thematic movie nights, field trips and interfaith dialogues.
Past club activities have included watching "The Passion of the Christ," visiting a Chinese Buddhist temple and having interfaith discussions on a general topic that could be an issue in all religions, such as "Religion and the Body."
The Religious Study Society was founded on the basis of a desire to create an organization in which students could enjoy the study of religion through lively discussions and through observation analysis, said religious studies senior Rebecca Webb, co-founder and president of the society.
"Any person of any religious background, or none at all, can feel welcome in all [club] activities," Webb said.
"The main goals of the [club] involve open-minded learning, questioning and analysis," Webb added. "This doesn't mean that club members must leave their religion at the door when attending an activity but that they understand that [club] events do not sponsor any one religion."
Associate professor and club adviser David Damrel also emphasized the impartiality of the club and encouraged other students to join.
"The general goal of the club is to promote interest in the academic, impartial discussion of religion," Damrel said.
"I definitely suggest this club because it is something that students can really benefit from by talking about and following an interest in the topic -- especially for those interested in themes and religions that show up in popular music, culture and media," he added.
Reach the reporter at jourdan.rassas@asu.edu.
