what is comparative religion course

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What does comparative religion mean?

Comparative religion is the branch of the study of religions concerned with the systematic comparison of the doctrines and practices, themes and impacts (including migration) of the world's religions.In general the comparative study of religion yields a deeper understanding of the fundamental philosophical concerns of religion such as ethics, metaphysics and the nature and forms of salvation.

Where can I study comparative religion?

The concentration in the Comparative Study of Religion at Harvard invites students to explore the most consequential and momentous questions relevant to the understanding of individual and communal human life.

Is there value in studying comparative religions?

To study comparative religion, have many benefits, one of them is that you try to study and understand other religions from their own sources, and you try understand this religion as their followers do. As another, when you study comparative religion, you can find others` understandings about one concept.

What is Comparative Religion Studies?

This article takes a comparative look at the legal systems of Europe and ... Breaking the Tradition: The EU vs US In law studies, the US is considered a "common law" country. The basic principle of common law is that it uses precedents when making decisions.

Is comparative religious studies a good course?

The comparative religion major is also an excellent foundation on which to build a career in college and university teaching. With additional training, students may pursue employment teaching religious studies, or a related field, including history, sociology, political science, international studies, and art history.

What are the benefits of studying comparative religion?

Students studying comparative religion learn to see connections with people and the values of many faiths as well as the connections between personal spirituality and global communities. The insights of a comparative religion minor are particularly useful for careers in ministry, counseling and social service agencies.

What does a scholar of comparative religions do?

What does a scholar of comparative religions do? Attempt to understand and compare religions pattern. A person who proclaims that his or her religion is the only true religion is an example of a(n)...

What is comparative religion and its significance?

The term comparative religion broadly signifies the study of all traditions and forms of religious life, as distinguished from the study or exposition of just one. Ideally, and more specifically, it is the disciplined, historically informed consideration of commonalities and differences among religions.

Which religion is best in the world?

Largest religious groupsReligionFollowers (billions)Cultural traditionChristianity2.4Abrahamic religionsIslam1.9Abrahamic religionsHinduism1.2Indian religionsBuddhism0.5Indian religions1 more row

What is comparative religion essay?

Comparative religion is a form of study in theology that seeks to explore a deeper understanding of religions. The knowledge of other religions and beliefs will provide the foundation needed to interpret the behaviors and tendencies of others.

What is one benefit of using a comparative approach to study the world's religions?

One benefit of using a comparative approach to study the world's religions is that it enables us to know each one, including our own, more precisely. Friedrich Max Müller pointed out that to know just one religion is to known none.

What is the study of different religions?

What is theology? Theology is the study of religion. It examines the human experience of faith, and how different people and cultures express it. Theologians examine the many different religions of the world and their impact on society.

What's it called when you don't believe in God but you believe in something?

Definition of agnostic (Entry 1 of 2)

What religion is most similar to Islam?

Abrahamic religions are those that worship the God of Abraham, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.Abraham, a Hebrew patriarch and prophet, is extensively mentioned in Abrahamic scriptures such as the Bible and Quran.More items...

What is the most complex religion in India?

Today, India is home to around 94% of the global population of Hindus. Most Hindu shrines and temples are located in India, as are the birthplaces of most Hindu saints....Religion in India (in 1947 after partition)ReligionPopulation in (million)Hindus280.5Muslims30.03Christians7.59Sikhs6.273 more rows

What do you know about religious studies?

Religious Studies investigates the most basic components of human society and culture. The key to understanding the fundamental motivations for the behavior of human groups lies in the knowledge of religious beliefs and practices.

What is comparative religion?

Comparative religion is an interdisciplinary approach which utilizes the methods and insights of a number of social science disciplines, including anthropology, archaeology, sociology, history, psychology, geography, and philosophy. Comparative religion tends to use a scientific approach to the study of religion.

What is the purpose of comparative study of religion?

In order to make statements or generalizations about religion— the concept of religion, rather than a specific religion or group of religions—we need to engage in a comparative study of religion.

What is the term for religions that are considered outside the mainstream?

In the comparative study of religions, some writers may refer to religions which are considered outside of the mainstream as “cults.”. This term is often used from an ethnocentric perspective to indicate that the religion is somehow not valid, or less valid than other religions.

What is universalizing religion?

Universalizing religions are those which cross-cut cultures and actively seek converts. Nearly all of the religions considered world religions are universalizing. This would include Christianity, Islam, Baha’i, and Scientology. On the other hand, ethnic religions are closely associated with specific ethnic groups.

How many religions are there in the world?

There are more than 6,000 religions in the world, most of which are very different from the literate Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) that many people think of when they hear the word religion. In order to make statements or generalizations about religion—the concept of religion, rather than a specific religion or group ...

What are some examples of ethnic religions?

People “join” ethnic religions by being born into them. Some examples of major named ethnic religions would include Judaism and Shinto.

What are the different religions?

World religions would include Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Hinduism. Some of these are monotheistic (having a single god), such as Judaism and Islam; some are polytheistic (having multiple gods or god-figures), such as Hinduism and Christianity (when studied as it is practiced in many areas);

What is comparative religion?

Comparative religion is the branch of the study of religions concerned with the systematic comparison of the doctrines and practices, themes and impacts (including migration) of the world's religions.

What is the geographical classification of religion?

According to Charles Joseph Adams, in the field of comparative religion, a common geographical classification discerns the main world religions as follows: Middle Eastern religions, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam and a variety of ancient cults ;

What is the Taoic religion?

A Taoic religion is a religion, or religious philosophy, that focuses on the East Asian concept of Tao ("The Way"). This forms a large group of eastern religions including Taoism, Confucianism, Jeung San Do, Shintoism, I-Kuan Tao, Chondogyo, and Chen Tao.

What are the three religions that are considered Abrahamic?

In the study of comparative religion, the category of Abrahamic religions consists of the three monotheistic religions, Christianity, Islam and Judaism , which claim Abraham (Hebrew Avraham אַבְרָהָם; Arabic Ibrahim إبراهيم ) as a part of their sacred history.

What religions are kinships in India?

It is thought that "the kinship of the religions of India stems from the fact that Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs look back to Hinduism as their common mother.". Al-Biruni deeply studied the Vedic religions and through his works essential details about pre-11th century India's religions and cultures were found.

Which religions diverge the most in theology and practice?

Out of the three major Abrahamic faiths, Christianity and Judaism are the two religions that diverge the most in theology and practice.

When did Islam and Judaism start?

The historical interaction of Islam and Judaism started in the 7th century CE with the origin and spread of Islam. There are many common aspects between Islam and Judaism, and as Islam developed, it gradually became the major religion closest to Judaism.

Course Description

Major world religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, are surveyed in their historical, literary, and historical contexts. The sociology of religion is extensively addressed, and parallels in myths, rituals, conversion, and rites of passage are compared.

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate an understanding of the place of one’s religious tradition in relation to the other religious traditions studied.

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What is comparative religion?

One of the core courses in a comparative religion master's program centers on the different approaches to religious scholarship. This course aims to give students a foundation for understanding the field of comparative religion and the different schools of thought that can help them form their own academic approach to the field. Students study the major theoreticians in the field as well as scholarly approaches such as symbolism, structuralism, and cognitive method and theory.

What are the different types of electives in Comparative Religion?

Electives: Christianity, Judaism, Islam. Comparative religion programs usually allow students to choose from a range of electives that best fit with their areas of interest. As such, students can take several courses that center on different aspects and topics of various religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

What degree do you need to teach religion?

Professors typically need a doctoral degree to teach at the university level, but with a degree in comparative religion, you may be able to teach religion courses at private schools or 2-year community colleges.

What is the minimum GPA required for comparative religion?

Typically, these programs have no requirements as to the focus of your undergraduate degree but some require a minimum GPA (such as a 3.0).

How many credits are needed for comparative religion?

These programs generally require around 36 credits, including coursework and a thesis or final project. Below, you can learn about ...

What is a research method in a masters program?

A research methods course delves into the process of conducting research, gathering sources, and then using that information to write a research paper. The idea is to help students understand how to conduct, write and publish scholarly research on religion.

What is comparative religions 101?

“Comparative Religions 101: Study the world’s major faiths and religions side by side and learn their similarities and differences.” This simple course description is included in thousands of college and university catalogs advertising a class that is often required for graduation. Books and websites are devoted to the subject of comparative religions, many times with the goal of validating and presenting each as a respectable option for mankind’s spiritual needs. Education is always beneficial when it is pursued from a foundation of truth; however, if we study comparative religions with the goal of changing our thinking about God and His Word, such an undertaking can be dangerous. Christians who are grounded in their faith should have no problem studying the world’s man-made religions. Even so, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Why is it important to educate ourselves about the religions of our region?

Educating ourselves about the religions of our region can help us craft a more successful approach in presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, if the study is motivated by our own spiritual unrest or questions about whether the Bible is true, such a study will most likely only increase confusion.

Is education good for religion?

Education is always beneficial when it is pursued from a foundation of truth; however, if we study comparative religions with the goal of changing our thinking about God and His Word, such an undertaking can be dangerous. Christians who are grounded in their faith should have no problem studying the world’s man-made religions.

Overview

History

Geographical classification

Comparing traditions

See also

Further reading

External links