So, at work yesterday someone said that my degree in Religious Studies was essentially a degree in rhetoric. Of course, it was meant as a joke (mostly), but I think there's some truth there.

Firstly, I atended a Liberal Arts college, and as you may (or may not) know rhetoric was one of the three original Liberal Arts (along with logic and grammar), so there's some basis for saying that I got a degree in rhetoric.

Secondly, rhetoric has been a core component of politics and religion from the beginning. From Aristotle to Augustine, Cicero to Kierkegaard, the need to speak convincingly has always been a part of any movement intended to sway people toward an opinion. So, in that sense, I studied a great deal of rhetorical works and some truly phenomenal rhetorical speakers and writers.

But I have to disagree that the program is essentially a degree in rhetoric. Saying that the study of religion is the study of rhetoric is like saying that the study of war is the study of tanks. You can't avoid learning a little about it, but the focus in a properly managed religious studies program is elsewhere.

Of course, the person who said that knew this. He just wanted to see if he could spin me up. Didn't work, but because I like the topic I decided to post something about it anyway.