Dr. Margaret S. Ainsworth

Margaret Ainsworth is an Associate Professor in the Department of Comparative Religion at International University Canada, where she teaches and mentors students across the School of Religious Studies. Her academic work focuses on the comparative study of sacred texts, examining how scripture and religious writing have shaped belief, practice, and community across different faith traditions.

Throughout her academic career, Margaret Ainsworth has developed a teaching approach centered on close textual analysis combined with broader comparative context. She encourages students to read sacred texts carefully within their own historical and cultural setting before drawing comparisons to scripture and writing from other religious traditions, helping learners avoid oversimplified generalizations.

In her courses, Margaret Ainsworth draws on translated primary texts, scholarly commentary, and contemporary religious studies methodology to help students understand how different faith traditions interpret and apply their sacred writings. Students explore topics such as scriptural interpretation, the role of oral versus written tradition, and the ways sacred texts continue to shape religious practice and law in the present day.

As an Associate Professor within the Department of Comparative Religion, Margaret Ainsworth also contributes to curriculum planning that introduces students to a wide range of religious literary traditions. She works closely with colleagues across the School of Religious Studies to ensure that coursework on sacred texts is academically rigorous while remaining accessible to students new to textual religious scholarship.

Margaret Ainsworth places particular emphasis on helping students recognize both the diversity and the shared literary patterns found across different religious traditions' sacred writings. Many of her students bring their own religious backgrounds into the classroom, and she creates space for respectful discussion that connects academic textual analysis with lived religious experience.

Recognizing that many of her students are working professionals studying online, Margaret Ainsworth structures her courses with accessible translated readings, clear discussion guides, and consistent opportunities for written and verbal engagement with the material. Her approach to online teaching focuses on making textual analysis approachable for students without prior background in religious studies.

Students who study under Margaret Ainsworth often describe her courses as a meaningful introduction to comparative scripture study, noting her ability to connect ancient texts to contemporary questions of faith and meaning. Her long-term goal as an educator is to help students develop strong textual analysis skills that support further academic study, religious leadership, and interfaith engagement.