Kenneth Dyches/Contributing Writer
Some professors can teach a student more about themselves than the subject that they teach. Erin Weston, professor of religious studies, is one of those people.
“We live in a diverse world, and students will undoubtedly come into contact with people who have vastly different world views than they have,” said Weston. “We have many world-class scholars in our department who can help you explore these various perspectives.”
Weston, a former student and current adjunct professor in the Department of Religious Studies, feels passionate about what she does here at the University. Last semester she taught a course titled Sects and Cults online, and is now teaching Magic and Religions during the Spring semester.
“I have been doing some research on the Santo Daime religion, as well as Neo-Shamanism in the States. My research tends to focus on the syncretism that occurs during cultural contact. I am also highly interested in the visual and artistic manifestations of these ideas as they occur in popular culture,” Weston said.
That all can seem a little confusing and technical to someone whose major does not seem at all related to culture or religion. One may consider religious studies to be a field for only the devout or the intellectual. Not so, Weston said.
“I tend to believe that anything that will increase your understanding of the world will also help increase your enjoyment of life. Frankly, I study it because I think it’s fascinating. Of course there are many practical benefits, too. A student in any field or business that is at all international will benefit from this knowledge. Why not give yourself that extra edge?” she said.
According to Weston, students who seek to be “Worlds Ahead,” religion could be that important “extra edge” in a well-rounded education.
“Ultimately, I am interested in people and culture, and I don’t think that you can understand a group of people without understanding their basic religious and cultural assumptions,” Weston added.
Be that as it may, there are students who undoubtedly are seeking a deeper spiritual fulfillment as they participate in these courses.
As students begin to develop their understanding of the world, many naturally develop religious and spiritual questions. Weston understands this very well, and is not here to only research and grade papers.
“Because of the types of classes that I teach, many students have come to me over the years in search of advice or guidance for spiritual and mystical matters. I am deeply moved by their entrusting me with such personal experiences. I always do my best to point them in a positive direction.”
The University’s Department of Religious Studies is very impressive. It includes a host of very highly qualified professors, and has even been visited numerous times by the Dalai Lama. Yet, despite this, the department is still often underrated, according to Weston.
“I hope to see this change. Much of this is probably due to some confusion as to what we do. Many people, even other colleagues at the University, do not realize that we teach about religion; we are not teaching people to be religious.”
However, Weston has personally been satisfied with her time at the University.
“Ultimately, I have been very happy with my choice [of institution]. I have been so impressed with FIU’s continued growth over the years,” Weston said, “and I have had many wonderful experiences over the years as both a student and as an educator.”
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