The study of religion refers to research into religious beliefs, practices, and institutions. The field of religious studies seeks to describe, compare, interpret, and explain religion.
Religious studies is an inquiry into religious behavior and beliefs from a variety of viewpoints and perspectives, drawing from multiple disciplines, such as anthropology, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and historical.
Theology is the term given to the study of one's own religion. Theologians are concerned with the beliefs themselves, whether they are true or false, and with people's response to them. Theologians try to determine the meaning of the doctrines that have developed over the years, and the manner in which the doctrines were determined, whether from scripture the various schools of tradition. Theology also leads to the application of this knowledge, and the manner in which this is shown in standards of ethics, liturgy, or other acts of worship.
Theology then, is the study of religion from the inside. It assumes that the faith is true, and seeks to explore it more fully.
A number of methodologies are used in theology and religious studies. Methodologies are interpretive models, known as hermeneutics, that provide a structure for the analysis of religious phenomena.
A scholarly approach to religion is a neutral form of study that examines the form of a religion without trying to determine whether or not it is true. This should not be seen to imply that religious people are incapable of adopting an intellectual approach to religion.
Anthropologists describe religious beliefs and practices as they find them in living communities, studying the patterns of human behavior that are often provided by religion, as well as the human needs that may be provided by religion.
In their studies of religion and religious communities and individuals, psychologists tend not to be objective observers, as they generally begin with the consensus that the basis of religion is false. Freud, for example, was convinced that religious positions were no longer useful to man, and William James found value in religion only insofar as it provided comfort to an individual.
The sociology of religion is interested in the analytical relationships between religion and society, such as the practices, historical backgrounds, developments, and roles of religion in society. Sociologists emphasize the recurring role of religion in societies throughout history, but without assessing the validity of religious beliefs.
The philosophy of religion refers to the examination of the central themes and concepts in various religious traditions, and is related to many other branches of philosophy, including metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics.
Religious historians research the ways in which religions have developed through their historical phases. They may take a broad view of religion in general, or they may look at the development of a specific religion or religious tradition.
For the purpose of categorization, the Religious Studies category, or its subcategories, will refer to the study of theology as well as the study of religion through the fields of anthropology, sociology, psychology, philosophy, or history. Those dealing with hermeneutics are also appropriate to this category.
Studies of specific denominations or associations should be submitted to the category representing that religious group, however. For example, sites dealing with the study of the Particular Baptists should be submitted to that category, and those dealing with Baptists, in general, should be submitted to the Baptist category, while those dealing with religion in general or with multiple religions may be submitted to this category.
Sites representing local, brick-and-mortar schools, colleges, and seminaries should be submitted to the Local & Global category representing the city or town in which they are located.
Online schools of religious studies may be submitted to this category when they include the study of multiple religions, or to religion in general. When their focus is on the theology of a specific religion, they should be submitted to the category representing that denomination or association.
The idea is to list the site in the category that is the most specific to the topic of the site. If you are unsure, submit it to the category that seems appropriate to you and we will move it if necessary.
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Recommended Resources
Academic Earth: Free Online Lectures and Courses for Religious Studies
Academic Earth offers free online video courses and academic lectures from many of the top universities in the world. It is a search engine for full-text scholarly information and video courses covering about fifty scholarly disciplines, including religious studies. Free and sample courses are presented, and information about grants, scholarships, and internships is available for those interested in pursuing a religious studies degree. As a search facility, results may vary.
https://academicearth.org/religion/
The AAR is an association of professors and scholars of Biblical Studies formed to encourage and stimulate scholarship and teaching in religion. Its staff, leadership groups, and partnerships are acknowledged, and its annual meetings are announced. A member directory, member discounts, and other benefits are put forth. The organization publishes several digital and print publications, including the "Journal of the American Academy of Religion," "Reading Religion," and "Religious Studies News."
https://www.aarweb.org/
FSR is a non-profit organization fostering feminist studies in diverse religions by encouraging critical feminist work in religious studies, theology, and spirituality at the grassroots level and in academia and through establishing and sponsoring the Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion. Journal subscriptions, submission policies, advertising, a blog, and an online bookstore are included. Its awards are acknowledged, and a calendar of conferences and other events are presented.
https://www.fsrinc.org/
Global Philosophy of Religion Project
Supported by the John Templeton Foundation and the Dynamic Investment Fund, the Global Philosophy of Religion Project is a significant initiative designed to make the philosophy of religion a truly global field. Hosted by the Birmingham Centre for Philosophy of Religion in the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion at the University of Birmingham, its themes, grants, publications, television shows and podcasts, and events are discussed. Contacts are provided.
https://www.global-philosophy.org/
The mission at Learn Religions is to assist its readers in exploring the practices of their own faith, understand their neighbor's beliefs, and familiarize themselves with the world's major religions. Its writers are full-time ministers, published authors, licensed clergy, and teachers, some of whom are introduced here, along with its senior management team, editorial principles and guidelines, policy data, and terms of service. Religions are sorted into major categories.
https://www.learnreligions.com/
Open Yale Courses: Religious Studies
Open Yale Courses is a project of Yale University that shares full video and course materials from its undergraduate courses, offering free access to a selection of introductory courses via a Creative Commons license. The Department of Religious Studies at Yale provides opportunities for the public to study several religious traditions and disciplines covering the world's major religions, emphasizing their history and intellectual traditions. Its terms of use are stated.
https://oyc.yale.edu/religious-studies
Religious Research Association
Formally organized as the Religious Research Fellowship in 1951 and originally under the auspices of the Institute of Social and Religious Research, the RRA encourages and promotes research across multiple themes and approaches in the study of religion, offering opportunities for members to network with other scholars, promotes the circulation and use of religious research among professionals, and provides a forum for publication and presentation of research. Contacts are provided.
https://www.rraweb.org/
Religious Studies Project, The
The international collaborative enterprise produces weekly podcasts with leading scholars in the social-scientific study of religion, covering theoretical, methodological, and other issues. These are also featured on its website in weekly essays, book reviews, responses, and a weekly digest of opportunities. An archive of podcasts, including hand-picked selections from its archive, author submission opportunities, and other resources, along with a patron’s area, are set forth.
https://www.religiousstudiesproject.com/
UC: Libraries and Cultural Resources Guide
Compiled by Cheryl Adams and Saundra Lipton, and offered by the University of Calgary since 1995, this guide focuses on free or open-access Internet resources, such as bibliographies, library and archive catalogs, dictionaries, encyclopedias, electronic texts, and journals, supporting the academic study of religion. Users may browse by religion or category, including digital text collections, images, music, liturgy, and sacred texts. A directory of religious studies programs is also presented.
https://libguides.ucalgary.ca/religiousstudieswebguide
