religious studies
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Religious studies is the academic field that examines religion from a neutral, analytical perspective rather than promoting any particular faith. It matters because it helps us understand the beliefs, practices, and impacts of religions across different cultures and throughout history.
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Various religious symbols representing the world's largest religions (from left to right): 1st row: Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism 2nd row: Islam, Buddhism, Shinto 3rd row: Sikhism, the Baháʼí Faith, Jainism
Religious studies, also known as religiology or the study of religion, is the study of religion from a historical or scientific perspective. There is no consensus on what qualifies as religion and its definition is highly contested. It describes, compares, interprets, and explains religion, emphasizing empirical, historically based, and cross-cultural perspectives.