Religious Studies

Religious studies is a term used to describe the academic field of study of religion from a secular perspective. Religious studies is a fairly widespread subject and is taught to children of school age in the UK. Religious studies is pursued further by many people and it is available as an A Level subject and many universities also offer courses in Religious studies.

There are many different fields covered by religious studies and a great deal of focus is placed upon the history of religion. However, the history of religion is not the only area that concerns students of religious studies and the interpretation and comparison of different religions is also a primary focus. The history, origins, psychology, sociology and anthropology of religion are all areas that are of interested to students of religious studies.

Religious studies differs from theology in so far as religious studies views religion from a purely academic, secular perspective. It is not necessary to be a follower of a religion in order to practice religious studies, as the subject is largely concerned with human religious behaviour and beliefs on a whole, outside of any particular religious perspective.

Since its earliest development in the mid nineteenth century the modern form of religious studies which we recognise today has become an extremely widespread academic discipline. Many universities that once dismissed religious studies have now recognised its significance and it is available to study at many universities where humanities are studied.