Editor’s Note: This article was originally developed as a feature but has been reclassified as an opinion piece to better reflect its perspective-driven approach. Miley Pegg is a Content Specialist who focuses on reviews and other opinion pieces. The views expressed in this piece are her own.

In a world where global conflict, cultural differences, and belief systems often collide, students need more than academic knowledge to navigate it all – they need understanding. For Christian students in particular, that understanding begins with learning about the religions that shape the people around them.

Yet in most Illinois public high schools, including West Chicago Community High School, there is no formal course in world religions. Students graduate having taken core subjects like math, science, and history, but often without a structured opportunity to study what billions of people believe – and how those beliefs influence the world.

At West Chicago, some of this content is integrated into world geography courses.

“We integrate world religions in our different regions within world geography,” Lisa Willuweit, Humanities Division Head, said. “There hasn’t really been a student request or a big need, because we are incorporating some of that into our curriculum.”

But a brief mention of a religion in the context of geography is not the same as a dedicated course that explores what different faiths believe, how they are practiced, and how they shape worldviews.

What students are saying

Juniors Trisha Marszalek, Peter Bovey, and Caleb Salzman—all practicing Christians—expressed a desire to learn more about world religions in an academic setting. Senior Peter Ashline, a self-described devout atheist, shared a similar sentiment. For these students, learning about world religions is not about challenging their personal beliefs, but about expanding their understanding of others.

“I want to understand where people are coming from,” Salzman said. “That doesn’t change what I believe, but it helps me respect other people better.”

Whether students practice a faith or not, learning about other religions can foster empathy and prepare them to engage in a diverse world with greater respect and awareness.

A perspective from the pulpit

Kevin Sampson, pastor at Renewal Church in West Chicago, believes that understanding other religions does not weaken a Christian’s faith. Instead, it provides an opportunity to engage others with curiosity and compassion.

“The Chicago area is full of religious diversity,” Sampson said. “Learning more about world religions is an important part of cultivating curiosity about the people we go to school with and who live in our neighborhoods.”

Sampson encourages Christian students to focus on their relationship with Jesus while remaining open to conversations with people of other faiths.

“Get caught up in the person of Jesus Christ and spend your life discovering how much God loves you,” he said. “Encourage other students and teachers around you each and every day.”

What is at stake

Without a world religions course, Christian students may miss valuable opportunities to ask thoughtful questions, explore belief systems different from their own, and engage in conversations that foster mutual understanding. They may also miss chances to develop critical thinking skills and cultural awareness – tools that are essential in today’s increasingly interconnected world.

Misunderstanding other religions can lead to judgment, division, or fear. Learning about them in a structured, academic setting can help reduce stereotypes and promote tolerance.

A world religions class would not diminish students’ Christian faith – it would help them grow into more informed, empathetic members of their communities.

Looking ahead

While public schools must honor the separation of church and state, teaching about religion from a secular, academic standpoint is both legal and necessary. A dedicated world religions course would offer Christian students – and all students – the chance to develop greater understanding of the world around them.

And that understanding begins in the classroom.