What Is Religious Studies?

For millennia, philosophers all over the globe—ranging from Aristotle and Maimonides to Al-Farabi and Thomas Aquinas—have sought answers, guidance and community through spiritual study and practice. 

Religion is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, shaping even the fast-paced, digital world we live in today. In fact, through religious studies, we can develop a better understanding of humanity, morality and the world around us. For students, the academic study of such theological discussions is known as religious studies. 

But what is religious studies, what are the courses like, and what can you do with a religious studies degree?

This guide has you covered. 

What Do You Learn as a Religious Studies Major?

As a religious studies major, you’ll explore how the different world religions have influenced fields such as philosophy, psychology, sociology, science and college ethics.

You’ll wrestle with more than 3,500 years of philosophic thought and development—tracing the theological pathway from Athens to Jerusalem to Western society. Students will engage with foundational religious literature and leaders, such as Confucius, Jesus, Abraham and Muhammed, as well as the countless philosophers who studied and expounded upon their value systems.

Before diving deeper into the field, you may be wondering about the differences in religious studies vs. theology. Religious studies focuses more on the founding, evolution and the spread of the world’s religions, and the scholars who developed philosophies around it. On the other hand, theology is more closely related to the training of spiritual leaders and their different religious traditions. 

In many programs, religious studies majors can gain a comprehensive understanding of the world’s major religions, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism, by: 

• Analyzing sacred texts 
• Exploring religious teachings and philosophies
• Conducting research on world religions
• Experiencing religious practices firsthand through the school’s Contemplative Series 
• Participating in social service projects, such as volunteering at homeless shelters and food pantries 

Religious Studies Courses

Religious studies coursework will differ depending on the school you attend. At North Central College, the courses are divided into four major requirements:

1. Biblical studies – A comprehensive examination and interpretation of the Bible, including the Old Testament, New Testament, and the Gospels. 
2. Theology – The systematic study of the ontological argument for the existence of a creator, the nature of the divine, and the religious belief therein.  
3. Ethics – A philosophical study of “the concepts of moral right and wrong and moral good and bad, to any philosophical theory of what is morally right and wrong or morally good and bad and to any system or code of moral rules, principles or values.”
4. Asian traditions – Examines religious themes, traditions and philosophies across the Asian continent, including India, China and Japan.  

Within these courses, students can apply a traditional understanding of religion through a modern lens with classes like Religion in Film, Sexuality within Christianity and Urban Ethics and Religion.