“Religious Studies” is commonly misinterpreted as Theology or Seminarian Studies.  A short definition I like to give is “The academic study of religion without devotion,” like taking a step back and analyzing it and philosophizing about it in light of all the dimensions that influence it and are influenced by it.  Here are some mission statements of some fairly prestigious Religious Studies departments:

“The Religious Studies program at Franklin & Marshall seeks to help students understand the nature of religion. Since religious traditions cannot be studied in isolation merely as a set of beliefs, students gain a thorough understanding of how religious beliefs interact with and are shaped by culture, art, politics, philosophy, and science. This multidimensional approach sets this program apart from most others and provides our students with a broad and deep understanding of the entire realm of religious issues.“

“Religion is an essential part of humanistic studies in a liberal arts education. The study of religion is one way to establish a view of reality and of the meaning of human existence as individuals and as social beings in relation to ultimate reality.

The goals of the department are to help students:

-understand the nature of religion

-understand both Western and non-Western religious traditions

-develop critical and analytical skills for examining the various religious systems offered in a pluralistic society

-examine their own religious perceptions.”

“The overarching purpose of the religious studies department is to introduce students to the academic study of religion using a variety of methodological and theoretical approaches. The department educates students to be responsible global citizens by emphasizing the key role religion plays in history, politics, culture, and the human search for ultimate meaning and values.”

“To encourage an interdisciplinary perspective to analyze religion’s complexity

To train students in the application of the key interpretative approaches in religious studies

To provide a broad understanding of religion as a human phenomenon

To comprehend the interaction of religion with society and culture

To promote independent study and research to prepare students who are interested in continuing in the field of religion.”

Once again, it is very vague in understanding where religion is and where it isn’t in the human experience, which makes the study very broad and diverse.  Pursue “What is Religion?”

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