Gift to USU funds religious studies

In a world that now more than ever could use a dose of understanding between major religions, one Cache County family has given a gift that may someday make a difference in building bridges between the world's various faiths, as well as opening local eyes to the beliefs of others.

Utah State University officials announced Wednesday the creation of one of the state's first religious studies programs geared toward understanding the world's major religions. The program will draw upon some existing courses in history, anthropology, sociology, philosophy and art in USU's College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, with the eventual goal to offer a degree in religious studies.

The program was made possible by a $1.5 million donation from the Charles and Annaley Redd Foundation, which will help the university hire its first chair in religious studies.

Described as "a cowboy intellectual," Charles Redd carved out a ranching empire in the arid lands of southeastern Utah and southwestern Colorado.

"My father was a well-read, free-thinking Mormon who regarded his religion with affection but who subjected its practice and theology to rigorous examination," said son and one of the foundation's trustees, Hardy Redd, "just like he did with the rest of his life."

When asked why the Redd family chose to make a donation to support the study of religion, Hardy Redd said, "A well-educated person ought to have a basic understanding of each of the world's great religions." To understand religion, Redd said, is to understand the impulse of humanity to believe in a divine being and how that gives purpose to human existence. "This impulse is deeply felt by many today, for good or for ill. A religious studies program will begin the process of asking why we believe and act as we do," he said. He added that his father was one who cherished the concept of free thinking and examination of things.

The Redd family has a list of USU graduates that spans several generations. The foundation and family in the past have made monetary contributions to Brigham Young University, the Utah Symphony, Utah Ballet and University of Utah.

USU history department head Norm Jones said the program is not about endorsing one religion over another. Its purpose is to reach an understanding about why people believe in one religion or another and what influence that has on cultures.