RELI 235: Religion and Literature

RELI 235-003: Religion and Literature
(Fall 2026)

01:30 PM to 02:45 PM MW

Krug Hall 242

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Section Information for Fall 2026

This course explores the relationship between religion and literature in different times and cultures, the influence of religion on literary works, and how literature expresses major religious themes such as death and immortality, divine will and justice, suffering and human destiny, and religion and state. The course includes an overview of different religious texts that are constructed via different literary genres. Not only will we familiarize ourselves with different religious concepts, but we will endeavor to see how the literary genre is employed by the author to get that concept across to the audience.

Towards the end of the semester, traditional religious texts such as the Bible and the New Testament, will be paired with ONE literary genre—that of the graphic novel and comic. Is turning the Bible into a graphic novel blasphemous? Can a comic convert you? The growing popularity of comic books and graphic novels throughout the 20th century gives us a unique lens through which to examine the modern religious experience. This course will examine the ways that this literature, a hybrid of art and text, has been used to explore and critique religious identity and traditions in settings outside of mainstream religious institutions. At the same time, however, we will see how comics have also been used from within religious contexts as tools to engage and educate followers. Topics include: superheroes as religious figures, illustrated religious texts, religious life in a secular world, and religion and fantasy.

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Explores the relationship between religion and literature in different times and cultures, the influence of religion on literary works, and how literature expresses major religious themes such as death and immortality, divine will and justice, suffering and human destiny, and religion and state. Offered by Religious Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Literature
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

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