It is interesting to note how this religious affiliation is divided among the various schools of the University. In the College and the Business School, the primary affiliation is with the Episcopal Church; in the Law School, the Medical School, and the GSAS, on the other hand, it is primarily Jewish.
Perhaps the most significant questions concerning religion, however, concern its relation to the University intellectually. Many have advocated that religion, an unscientific--often superstitious institution which has divided the nation into sects, and has as often done harm as good has no place in academic life. They have charged that its sectarianism and the personal commitment of those who teach it would tend to violate the very principles of academic freedom and inquiry on which the University stakes so much importance. No matter where religion would be taught, it would tend to force itself upon students.
Again, according to these critics, religious instruction is not the way to "become religious." It is quite possible to get all A's in Religion and to be completely irreligious, for as has been stated above, a person's knowledge of religion does not imply that he himself is religious.
But, on the other hand, religion is most important part of the nation's history, its background, and its present couture. Though the church may have become somewhat emasculated in many respect its membership is growing constantly.
Also there is for more discussion of religion and related subjects today. The search for an answer--for a meaning to life--and the widespread interest in existentialism have caused still further interest. Time Magazine in its article "The Younger Generation" in 1951, commented, "There is no formal religious revival among the young. God, for most young Americans, is still a vaguely comforting thought, theology a waste of time, and denominations beside the point. . . But God has once more become a factor in the younger generation's thoughts. The old argument of religion v. science is subsiding; a system which does not make room for both makes little sense to today's younger generation. It is no longer shockingly unfashionable to discuss God."
Harvard has recognized this. The Report of the Committee on General Education in a Free Society said that any study of general education which is historically grounded must include religion as one of the powerfully formative elements of our culture.
"Education is not complete without