Bachelor in Philosophy and Religion

The aim of this major in Liberal Arts education is not necessarily to educate specialists. It is to critically scrutinize principles associated with notions such as "meaning" and "value" that we as humans all possess, in order to cultivate the ability to develop ideas from a reliable foundation. The study of philosophy and religion invokes fundamental questions concerning humanity and life and constitutes the core of a Liberal Arts education that aims to cultivate reverent and independent individuals.

Students majoring in Philosophy and Religion will learn to question premises and perspectives that they take for granted. They will also learn how to understand the ideas and beliefs of others with standpoints that differ from their own. By asking questions such as "What can I know?", "What should I do?" and "What can I hope for?", students can inquire into the ultimate people possibilities and limits and can learn the approaches to the classic, yet the modern problem of "knowing oneself."

From the early years of the twentieth century, Christians in both Japan and North America prayed for the establishment of a Christian university in Japan. Their long-cherished dream finally came to fruition after the end of World War II. Reflecting on the catastrophe of war, and with strong feelings of responsibility to future generations, seeking to fulfill a committee charged with the mission to establish ICU was founded.

The official decision to establish the International Christian University was taken by the University Organization Council. These leaders of the Christian church in Japan and North America held a meeting at the YMCA Tozanso in Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture on June 15, 1949. The first page was thus written in the history of ICU, nourished by the wishes and prayers of those seeking to transform Japan into a country open to the world seeking to nurture individuals who can contribute actively to a peaceful future for humankind.