Why Religion? A Personal Story

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By Elaine Pagels

Published Oct. 12, 2018

Why Religion? is an autobiographical story of religion professor Elaine Pagel’s “coming to Christ,” her subsequent falling away from faith, and how her understanding of religion’s impact developed as she experienced great personal tragedy.

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PAW’s December 2025 cover, with a photo of Michael Park ’98.
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December 2025

Judge Michael Park ’98; shifts in DEI initiatives; a night at the new art museum.