"Comparative religion is the branch of the study of religions with the systematic comparison of the doctrines and practices, themes and impacts (including migration) of the world's religions."
The study of similarities and differences between diverse religious traditions, including their beliefs, practices, and teachings.
The Concept of Religion: Understanding the basic definition and characteristics of religion, and the various interpretations of the term.
History of Religion: The evolution of religion and how it has developed in different societies and cultures, from ancient to modern times.
Religious Pluralism: The acceptance of different religions within a society and how they coexist and interact with each other.
Rituals and Worship: The practices and ceremonies that are essential to religious traditions and worship.
Sacred Texts: The holy books and writings that serve as the foundation of religious beliefs and practices.
Mythology and Cosmology: The stories and beliefs about the origins and creation of the world, and the beliefs about the afterlife.
Ethics and Morality: The ethical principles and codes of conduct that inform religious beliefs and practices.
Leadership and Hierarchy: The roles and responsibilities of religious leaders, and the organizational structures of religious institutions.
Spirituality and Mysticism: The more contemplative and introspective aspects of religion, including practices related to meditation, prayer, and spiritual experiences.
Religious Diversity and Conflict: Understanding the roots of religious diversity and the causes of conflicts and tensions between different religious groups.
Abrahamic religions: This includes Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. All three religions trace their roots back to the prophet Abraham.
Eastern religions: These religions include Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Shinto. Eastern religions are typically associated with the Eastern world and have strong philosophical and spiritual aspects.
New Religious Movements: These include a variety of religious groups that have emerged in the past century, including Scientology, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) or Hare Krishnas, Eckankar, and the Unification Church.
Paganism: This term can be used to describe any religion that is not one of the Abrahamic religions or an Eastern religion. Paganism includes a wide variety of different beliefs and practices, including Wicca, shamanism, and Druidism.
Comparative Religion: This field of study compares the beliefs and practices of different religions, looking for similarities and differences. It is often used to help people gain a better understanding of different religions and their place in the world.
Atheism: While not a religion in the traditional sense, atheism refers to the belief that there is no god or divine power. This belief is often accompanied by a commitment to rationality and scientific inquiry.
Agnosticism: This is the belief that it is impossible to know whether or not there is a god or divine power. People who hold this belief often remain open to the possibility of the divine, but do not profess any particular religious beliefs.
"This study yields a deeper understanding of the fundamental philosophical concerns of religion such as ethics, metaphysics, and the nature and forms of salvation."
"It also considers and compares the origins and similarities shared between the various religions of the world."
"Studying such material facilitates a broadened and more sophisticated understanding of human beliefs and practices regarding the sacred, numinous, spiritual, and divine."
"A common geographical classification distinguishes groups such as Middle Eastern religions (including Iranian religions), Indian religions, East Asian religions, African religions, American religions, Oceanic religions, and classical Hellenistic religions."
"There also exist various sociological classifications of religious movements."
"[The study aims to gain a] more sophisticated understanding of human beliefs and practices regarding the sacred, numinous, spiritual, and divine."
"The study of comparative religion yields a deeper understanding of the fundamental philosophical concerns of religion such as ethics."
"Comparative religion includes the systematic comparison of the doctrines and practices, themes and impacts (including migration) of the world's religions."
"Comparative religion yields a deeper understanding of the fundamental philosophical concerns of religion such as... the nature and forms of salvation."
"It considers and compares the origins and similarities shared between the various religions of the world."
"Studying such material facilitates a broadened and more sophisticated understanding of human beliefs and practices regarding the sacred, numinous, spiritual, and divine."
"Middle Eastern religions (including Iranian religions)..."
"East Asian religions..."
"Yes, it includes African religions."
"Yes, it includes American religions."
"Classical Hellenistic religions..."
"[It studies] the impacts (including migration) of the world's religions."
"Studying such material facilitates a broadened and more sophisticated understanding of human beliefs and practices regarding the sacred, numinous, spiritual, and divine."
"The study of comparative religion yields a deeper understanding of the fundamental philosophical concerns of religion such as... metaphysics."