In addition to providing an understanding of the development of the major religious traditions of the world, the study of religion equips students to explore the complex relationship of religion to other aspects of culture. The cross-cultural and historical study of religions is a necessary part of education for citizenship in a pluralistic society. Respect for religious groups (or those who espouse no religious belief) is difficult to sustain without significant knowledge of the histories, beliefs, and customs of diverse peoples and religious traditions of the world.

Humanities is devoted to the appreciation and analysis of cultural traditions from an interdisciplinary perspective. Through the study of philosophy, religion, history, literature and languages, architecture, art, film, music, and theatre, students receive a foundational education in the important achievements of individuals and world cultures. Those who study the Humanities believe that human knowledge is best studied comparatively, rather than from the perspective of a single nation or culture. The field incorporates the contributions of multiple traditions from all over the world and balances a study of both western cultures and non-European cultures of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.