Religion
The word religion itself is hard to define, and different scholars have offered different ways of determining what constitutes a religion. A key element in the study of religion is often to attempt to define what it is that we're studying. I've already written too much on this subject in the past, so instead I will leave you to use your own working definition of religion while I skip ahead and try to explain what Religious Studies is.
Religious Studies is, basically, the study of religion. This is undertaken from a secular point of view - for the study of religion from a particular faith, see the next section on Theology - and is often referred to or ties in with comparative religion rather than the study of one religion on its own. However, its angles and approaches can differ vastly as there are many different ways to look at religion. It can be studied from the point of view of a variety of disciplines:
HISTORY
Religion has had an impact on events throughout history, so it is understandable that historical approaches have something to offer to the study of religion. Here the emphasis is on historical religious figures, the growth and development of traditions and significant events that involved religion.
SOCIOLOGY
Religion can be a very social phenomenon and is commonly studied by sociologists. Durkheim, Marx and Weber - arguably three of the most well-known and influential sociologists - each had something to say on religion and its place and influence on both society and the individual.
ANTHROPOLOGY
As anthropology is the study of man, an anthropological approach to religion would examine the reasons why mankind needs or turns to religion and what purpose it serves in a person's life.
PSYCHOLOGY
Religion is not only a cultural and social aspect but one that is deeply ingrained in the minds of those who practice it. Many psychologists, including Freud and Jung, have put forward explanations for the source of religious belief. This field also includes analysis of religious experiences such as visions and conversions.
LITERATURE
Religious texts can be studied as pieces of literature in the same way as any other texts, focusing on elements such as structure, metaphor, audience reaction, the motivation and purpose of the author, etc.
NEUROLOGY
From Wikipedia: Although not a widely accepted discipline within religious studies, neurological findings in regard to religious experience may very well become of more widespread interest to scholars of religion.
Why study religion?
There are already plenty of great online papers which detail all possible reasons for studying religion. I'm not going to compete with them, because I don't feel like writing an essay here. In brief, my reason for choosing Study of Religion as my university major was that I'm interested in it and have been for a long time. My focus is on Christianity (with bits of Judaism here and there); however, I am not a Christian. Let's say that I'm an atheist (I do in fact have a religion, but it would perhaps not be classified as such by some of the definitions that I've come across ^~).
Shortly after starting my course, I started to think about other reasons why one might study religion, partially because of the number of people who kept asking me why I wasn't studying a real subject. Whether or not you believe in any supernatural beings - I don't - it's foolish to deny that religion is extremely real. It is not just in the minds of believers. Religion shapes the societies in which we live; in the Western world, many of our laws are ultimately based on Biblical Law and it is still being debated as to what extent Christianity played a role in the founding of America. Conflicts over the relationship between Church and State has been cropping up ever since the Early Church.
I'm sure nobody needs reminding that religion prompts both charity and terrorism. To some, religion is something for which they are willing to kill and die. Differences in religious beliefs can cause tension and wars. I am by no means suggesting that educating people about religion will solve this. I don't believe that it will. But I do believe that it's at least worth studying something that has such a huge impact on the world.
Theology
Theology is literally the study of God but is used to describe a particular approach to studying religion in general, distinct from Religious Studies, Comparative Religion and/or Philosophy. It is usually undertaken from a particular faith perspective, in which case it serves to deepen the student's/believer's understanding of his/her own faith. It may include close readings and analysis of religious texts, doctrines and traditions. Whereas theology was once a prestigious subject, in most modern universities it is only studied alongside secular, non-faith forms of Religious Studies.
Why study theology?
Good question. I study theology because I have an abstract interest in it - and it does require very abstract thinking on my part, seen as it presupposes the existence of a god that I don't believe in. I would imagine that religious believers study it to strengthen and deepen their faith and gain a better understanding of the history and development of their particular beliefs. Any further suggestions would be welcome.
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