Why did you choose to study Religion – and why at Montclair State?
My becoming a Religion major at Montclair State was the result of a happy accident. Freshman year I intended to take an introductory course that would survey the world’s Religions to fulfill a Gen. Ed. requirement, so I signed up for Intro to Religion without fully reading the course description. Within the first five minutes of class, I realized that the course was not at all what I thought it’d be, but by the time Professor Clatterbuck wrapped up explaining the syllabus he had convinced me to stick it out. I enjoyed the class so much I took another Religion course the next semester and then another the next fall. By my sophomore year I decided to double major in Psychology and Religion.

Which courses and/or professors did you enjoy the most?
Professor Kogan’s course on the Old Testament was one of the most thorough and entertaining classes I’ve ever taken. Through his lectures and insights, even more familiar stories took on new profound and poetic meaning. I enjoyed Professor Vail’s course on mysticism and spirituality, which also allowed me to view familiar material through a new perspective.

Taking Professor Clatterbuck’s Native American Religions class inspired me to become a Religious Studies major and his Liberation Theology course was my favorite class in undergrad. I credit his warm, engaging teaching style with creating an ideal environment for class discussion. Student participation added a unique component to his lectures that set them apart from the rest of my classes. In addition to taking three of his courses, I also served as one of Professor Clatterbuck’s research assistants transcribing interviews for his book Crow Jesus, which gave me a brief peak into Religious Studies fieldwork.

Though not a course, attending the annual God debate between Professor Benfield and Professor Kogan was a highlight of my time at Montclair State as well.

What would you tell a current student who is considering a major or minor in Religious Studies?
Do it! Studying a subject that truly interests you is never a “waste of time.”

How has your study of Religion helped you in your “life after Montclair State”?
Professor Kogan once said “if you can read Heidegger you can read anything,” and he was absolutely right. In law school, I relied heavily on the skills I honed reading old religious and philosophical texts. Beyond strengthening the hard skills I needed in law school and as an attorney, my study of Religion trained me to think deeply and critically, a skill that is beneficial in every area of my life.

Why did you choose to study Religion at Montclair State?

I started at Montclair State as a Molecular Biology major and Chemistry minor. I chose to add another major, Religious Studies, for a multitude of reasons. But the main reason was that I found it fascinating. It was fascinating in every aspect of the word.

Majoring in Religious Studies opened my mind to the universe. Religion has always played a crucial role in history. Its fundamental role has existed in all civilizations, and it helps us understand people and their behavior. It’s something you can’t escape learning from. And that just blew my mind away!

I also believe that studying religion in a secular setting was beneficial to me. Learning about the concepts and narration of spiritual practices both deepened my appreciation for other religions and strengthened my practice of my own faith.

Which courses and/or professors did you enjoy the most?
All of them! All my professors pushed me (and my peers) to think outside the box. My top courses were Jewish Spirituality and Mysticism, and two Selected Study courses: Mysticism & Spirituality and Religious Experience.

I loved my classes with Drs. Kogan, Vail, Benfield, and Clatterbuck. I remember sitting in their courses and learning about the most interesting and provocative ideas. I often would just sit in class and ponder the fact that religion penetrates every aspect of human culture. It will always be exciting to study.

How has your study of Religion helped you in your “life after Montclair State”?
I think what some people fail to realize is that this is a field of study that impacts everyone. It impacts the world. Therefore learning Religion educates you on all societal issues. It truly educates you to be a global citizen. In Spring ’16, I finish my master’s degree in Biomedical Science at Rutgers University. And in August ’16, I will begin dental school. I haven’t decided which school yet, but I’m extremely grateful to have choices. People have asked me, “How will this degree benefit you as a dentist?” And I respond by saying that dentistry is a social career. It’s a career where you are a service to your community – you interact with everyone, of all backgrounds and walks of life. So you need to be culturally sensitive. Without a doubt, my background in Religious Studies trained me to be an independent thinker and allowed me to philosophically appreciate my scientific knowledge. The more I studied science, the more I loved religion, and vice versa.

What would you tell a current student who is considering a major or minor in Religious Studies?
Go for it! Declaring a Religious Studies major was one of the wisest decisions I made in college. You will learn more than you ever expected. You will open your mind and understand society’s challenges in a new and unique way. The professors at Montclair State challenge you, encourage you, support you, and eventually become your family.

I would also advise them to not be afraid of learning new things or being uncomfortable with new ideas. This is the time to ask questions, be respectful of others, and broaden your scope of thinking. Truth be told, I have grown and discovered a part of myself as a student at Montclair State. I questioned beliefs, ideas, and theories in the hopes of bettering myself. And because of that, I have grown tremendously. I encourage anyone to study religion if it interests them – it will be an enlightening experience.

Why did you choose to study Religion at Montclair State?
My story of choosing Montclair State is not all that exciting. I grew up on the Jersey Shore, so it was in close proximity. But growing up I did not think I  would attend college, and to be honest, I applied only to appease my best friend. (She claimed that I “had potential” or something.) In my first year at Montclair State, I was put into a learning community and had to take three classes: Religions of the World, Ethics, and Social Problems. These three classes gave me the the framework for all the ideas I used to have growing up that other people thought were crazy! In short, each of these classes – one in Religion, one in Philosophy, and one in Sociology – led to me choose each subject as a major.

Which courses or professors at Montclair State did you enjoy the most?
In Religion, Professor Sargese taught me that thinking differently is commendable. Dr. Rogers taught me how to be a feminist, and how to stick up for myself in a world ruled by men. Dr. Kogan taught me that it is not difficult to do anything if you apply yourself and trust your ability.

In Philosophy, Dr. Benfield taught me how to pick a point and argue it with evidence and logic. Dr. Roholt taught me how applicable philosophical thought is to everyday life. Dr. Herrera taught me how to write well. Dr. Garrett helped me form my outlandish ideas into well thought out arguments.

In Sociology, Dr. Besen-Cassino taught me how to empirically support my ideas. Dr. Wang encouraged my ambition. Dr. Parashar taught me how to calculate statistics.

All of the above amazingly gifted people inspired me and encouraged me to “waste my 20s” getting my Ph.D., and I truly appreciate each and every one of them for it!

How has your study of Religion helped you after “life at Montclair State”?
It has helped me tremendously in my Ph.D. program in Sociology at Stony Brook University. In my Religion major, I learned how to read complex writing, decode arguments, write clearly and concisely, teach openly and honestly, and situate my point of view within contemporary and classical debates. These are skills I use every day as a Ph.D. student, and I would be completely lost without them.

Also, I do not quite know how to describe this, but even as an Atheist, the Religion program at Montclair State helped me develop a kind of spirituality that I would also undoubtedly be lost without. It is not spirituality in the sense of an unsubstantiated purpose, a leap of faith into the absurd, or some sort of teleological metanarrative to guide my life, but more of a love for wisdom, knowledge, and the unknown.

Why did you choose to study Religion – and why at Montclair State?
Religion has always been with us. Throughout history, we find the question “what does it mean to be?” a motivating factor that has influenced some of the greatest leaders and thinkers. Today that question still exists, and I wanted to address it in my own way. That is why I decided to become a Religious Studies major.

Whether studying Atheism, Hinduism, Feminism, or Christianity, the academic study of religion at Montclair State examines all religious traditions even-handedly. Religion also involves interdisciplinary learning – an understanding of philosophy, history, sociology, anthropology, psychology, and theology – in order to promote higher-level thinking. Studying religion at Montclair prepared me for global leadership. It helped me develop critical thinking skills, learn to listen empathetically, and be able to articulate my ideas, in both speech and writing.

Which courses and/or professors did you enjoy the most?
Although, I am clearly not an atheist, I really enjoyed Dr. Eller’s class on Atheism. I enjoyed hearing my classmates’ perspectives and having the opportunity to take this course to fulfill my Seminar requirement. In addition, I’m glad I had the opportunity to share my understanding of praise-dance in my Spirituality and Mysticism course with Dr. Vail. That class allowed me to discuss how we practice our faith and showcase how I express it in my own life. My favorite professor was Dr. Kogan. He was extremely intelligent and committed to my success as a Religion major; particularly with my writing skills.

What would you tell a current student who is considering a major or minor in Religious Studies?
Don’t fall prey to idle talk – skepticism that you cannot live a comfortable life – because you decided to be a religion major. There are vast amount of career choices you could choose from. The world needs a lot more people who understand religion – in court rooms, hospitals, real estate, libraries, and even in government.

How has your study of Religion helped you in your “life after Montclair State”?
Currently, I am teaching Music in a charter school in Newark and pursuing a master’s degree in education at Saint Peter’s University.

Being a Religious Studies major has provided me with the stamina to go back into my own community in Newark to build change. Studying religion gave me sense of ethics; allowing me to go out in the world to aim for greatness with a spirit of integrity. It also enhanced my ability to embrace diversity and have cultural conversations that help improve my school and community.

Why did you choose to major in Religious Studies at Montclair State?
Well, it helped that I grew up just three miles from the university! Additionally, Montclair State offered me an academic scholarship, and I had become so familiar with the campus over the years that it already seemed like a good fit when I was looking at colleges.

I’ve always been fascinated by different religions and the way they affect and, in many cases, shape cultures and societies. Religion has played a large role – if not the largest role – in shaping civilization as we know it. You can’t delve into the study of sociology, the sciences, criminology, psychology, archaeology, philosophy, world history, and many other fields without religion factoring into the equation in some way. So, for me, pursuing Religious Studies was my way of cracking open a door to the study of everything else.

Which courses or professors did you enjoy the most?
Oh goodness. Don’t make me choose. I thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Kogan’s Old and New Testament courses. Dr. Ibrahim was an extremely kind professor. Dr. Johnson and Professor Lisa Sargese challenged me. And Dr. Rogers is just all-around wonderful.

How has your study of Religion at Montclair State helped you in your career path?
During my path through the study of Religion at Montclair State, I had to take a very critical look at what I believed. After long trials and many sleepless nights, I ended up coming out much stronger and knowledgeable, even about my own beliefs, than when I went in! Additionally, I gained valuable insight into relating to and working together with people of many different faiths. Thankfully, I am still on campus, working with students as a campus missions director with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.

Why did you choose to study Religion – and why at Montclair State?
I chose to study Religion for two reasons. One side of my family is Jewish, the other Catholic, and this led me to be interested to finding out more about my identity. I wanted the opportunity to study these religions through an academic lens, and try to find out more about my traditions and understand myself better. The second reason was because my mother studied Religion with Dr. Kogan at Montclair State, and told me if he was still there that I had to take a class with him. And so I did. After my first class with him, I was hooked!

Which courses and/or professors did you enjoy the most?
That’s hard to say, I really enjoyed every class I took with the department. I think some alums joke about “majoring in Kogan”, rather than Religion—so I guess I fall into that category. Other standouts would be the classes I took with Dr. McDermid (Philosophy of Science and Epistemology) and Dr. Clatterbuck (Native American Religions).

What are you doing now, and how has your study of Religion helped you in your “life after Montclair State”?
I think “to be determined” would be the best answer to this question. My studies have helped shape my identity, given me strong reasoning skills, and pushed me to question the world in which I live. I have yet to find the right fit,career—wise but my pursuit of knowledge and ethics- which really started when I began studying with the department—is only possible because of the education I was given. I am so grateful for every professor that I was lucky enough to learn from. I wish I could take classes with these truly wonderful professors again!

Mark Van Buren ’10 – Major: Religious Studies Owner/Director, Live Free Yoga Studio, River Edge, NJ

What led you to study Religion, and why at Montclair State?
Nearly a decade ago, I had an inner calling to start learning about meditation. My passion for wisdom and self- knowledge, led me to go back to college for religious studies. I looked at many programs, emailing a variety of schools, and you gave me the quickest, most in depth response. Although I believe Dr. Rogers didn’t think she’d ever hear from me again, she gave me the time I needed on the phone and emailed me some information. A semester later I appeared in your office eager to begin my journey at Montclair State!

Which courses and/or professors did you enjoy the most while you were here?
Two of my most memorable Religious Studies professors were Dr. Johnson and Dr. Kogan. They had two completely different approaches to teaching religion, but their passion leaked through regardless. I was also fortunate to have met Professor Lisa Sargese. Although I never actually took her class, she has invited me to talk about Buddhism and Meditation to her class every semester – a tradition we continue to this day.

How have you used what you learned as a Religious Studies major at Montclair State?
When I was a student, many people asked what I planned to do with my Religious Studies degree. And now I use my degree every day as I teach yoga, meditation, Buddhism, and mindful living. I would recommend the University’s Religious Studies program for anyone and everyone, regardless of your religious stance.

Ok, here’s the Big Question: What are you doing now . . . besides raising your adorable new baby?
I own and operate Live Free Yoga Studio and am releasing my second book, Your Life IS Meditation: Buddhist- Inspired Stories and Reflections, this November. My first book, Be Your Sh*tty Self: An Honest Approach to a More Peaceful Life, was a #1 Amazon Best-Seller in Meditation. I have also been published on popular yoga blogs and websites.

What led you to study Religion – and why at Montclair State?
Frankly, that’s where the most interesting professors were, or the first ones I encountered. The topic had always fascinated me, and they really opened it up in new ways. The department there also embodies something very important that I’ve continued to find in my grad program – the definition of “religion” is always up for grabs, and you can say interesting things about “it” from a range of disciplines, from philosophy and psychology to gender studies, history, ethnography, and aesthetics.

Which courses and/or professors did you enjoy most?
My favorite courses were Celtic and Irish Religions with Dr. Johnson, Kierkegaard with Dr. Kogan, Women and Religion with Dr. Eller, and a Philosophy of Biology course with Dr. McDermid. I didn’t realize it at the time, but Dr. McDermid’s class gave me a leg up on questions about the role of science in the “science and religion” debate that I’m still working on today. Dr. Eller’s class was my first introduction to feminist scholarship on religion; having this familiarity has been very useful to me in my graduate program (and in the more general life project of not being a jerk). Dr. Kogan’s classes on Heidegger and Kierkegaard were an absolute life-raft my first semester in graduate school, since those thinkers are so central (as inspiration and as arch-foils) for the postmodern and post-structuralist theoretical frameworks you’re likely to encounter in humanities graduate programs.

I also benefited immensely from the Department’s openness to interdisciplinary study and the freedom to come to Religion classes with questions I’d picked up in psychology or philosophy. They allowed me to get a fluency in those disciplines and in translation between disciplines that has been invaluable in graduate school.

What are you doing now, and how has studying Religion helped you in “life after Montclair State”?
Right now I’m a doctoral student in Religion at Syracuse University, though I’m not planning on an academic career. Studying religion at Montclair State prepared me both for my graduate program and for life, because nobody policed any boundaries too aggressively. The professors all had friends in other departments and loved it when we met them, took classes with them, absorbed their perspectives. We learned to make principled distinctions without building walls.

What led you to study Religion – and why at Montclair State?
My original intentions were to attend ����vlog to finish completing my BA in Business Administration, after choosing to put college on hold when my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 1986. Since I live in Montclair, Montclair State was the best choice for me. I’ve always known that there was a higher calling in my life but ran from it as long as I could. As I was on my way to class one evening, I had a spiritual experience that reminded me of my calling that just could not be ignored. The next semester I changed my major from Business to Religious Studies.

Which courses and/or professors did you enjoy most?
Dr. Johnson was my all-time favorite. Religion and Social change was one of the courses I most enjoyed. Taking this course with him allowed me to fully appreciate Dr. Johnson the brilliant, compassionate and down to-earth person that he is, as he shared with his class a part of his life’s experiences.

What are you doing now – and how has your study of Religion helped you in “life after Montclair State”?
I have just completed a five year journey at New Brunswick Theological Seminary earning a Master of Divinity degree and was recently licensed as a Minister. While some of my classmates struggled with what they were being exposed to in Seminary – academically and personally – my Religious Studies journey at Montclair State served as a backdrop that made seminary a comfort zone for me.

What led you to study Religion at Montclair State?
With seven family members and four generations of successful alums, choosing to attend ����vlog was both one of the easiest and best decisions I have ever made.

I double-majored in Classics and Religious Studies, and took a minor in Philosophy. In addition to my classroom education, I left Montclair with lifelong friends, irreplaceable memories and an unforgettable student experience. I participated in intramural sports and was involved with countless organizations. I was also elected Student Government President, serving two terms.

What has “life after Montclair State” been like for you?
After graduation, I earned a master’s degree at Princeton Theological Seminary, in Theology and Philosophy. Building upon the foundation I received from Montclair State, I made it a priority to excel both inside and outside the classroom in graduate school. Academically I pushed myself beyond the normal requirements, enrolling in Ph.D. seminars at Princeton University. I studied abroad in India and received a fellowship to study in Berlin, Germany. As a full-time student I also held leadership roles in intramural sports and took on a unique internship, working twenty hours a week at the State Psychiatric Hospital in Trenton, while again serving as a Student Government president. I credit both my academic and extracurricular success at Princeton to the education and mentoring I received from ����vlog and its superb faculty and administrators.

After graduating from Princeton, I worked as a pastor in Gloucester City, NJ. I then helped restart a youth program at the Highland Park Church of God, worked in the local schools as a substitute teacher, and was elected to the city’s local minister’s ecumenical association as Secretary Treasurer. In June 2014, was married and decided to pursue a law degree at the University of Georgia.

Any thoughts to share about your Montclair State experience for current students?
I’m just grateful to the professors I had in both Philosophy & Religion and Classics at Montclair, who have always encouraged and supported me, both as a student and as an alumnus. I wish the best of luck to all graduating Red Hawks and urge them to make Montclair State proud as they follow their dreams and help create tomorrow.