"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."
A comparative study of the major religious traditions of the world, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
The Nature of Religion: Introduction to the academic study of religion, exploring different definitions of religion and religious experiences.
Theories of Religion: Overview of different theories attempting to explain why humans have developed religious beliefs and practices.
Methodologies of Religion: Introduction to various methods of studying religions, including textual analysis, ethnography, and comparative studies.
Indigenous Religions: Overview of the spiritual practices and beliefs of various indigenous communities, exploring their cosmologies, sacred spaces, and traditions.
Hinduism: Introduction to the complex tapestry of beliefs and practices in Hinduism, including the concepts of karma, reincarnation, and dharma.
Buddhism: Overview of the historical development and contemporary manifestations of Buddhism, including different schools of thought, meditation, and the Four Noble Truths.
Confucianism: Introduction to Confucian philosophy and ethics, focusing on the cultivation of relationships, knowledge, and morality.
Taoism: Overview of one of the oldest Chinese religions, including the philosophy of the Tao, the role of nature, and the concept of wu-wei.
Judaism: Exploration of Jewish traditions, including the Torah, the holidays, and the importance of community.
Christianity: Overview of the history and practices of Christianity, including different denominations, the Bible, and sacraments such as baptism and communion.
Islam: Introduction to the core beliefs and practices of Islam, including the Qur'an, the Five Pillars, and the concept of ummah.
Indigenous African Religions: Overview of the diverse spiritual practices of various African communities, including animism, ancestor veneration, and divination.
New Religious Movements: Exploration of contemporary religious movements such as Scientology, Wicca, and the Rastafarian movement.
Religion and Society: Exploration of the role of religion in shaping societies, including the influence of religion on politics, economics, and social justice.
Interfaith Relations: Overview of the dialogues and interactions between different religious traditions, including initiatives for interfaith cooperation and understanding.
Christianity: Based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, Christianity is the largest religion in the world, with followers across the globe.
Islam: A monotheistic religion that follows the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, Islam is the second-largest religion in the world.
Hinduism: A polytheistic religion originating from the Indian subcontinent, Hinduism is characterized by a belief in karma, reincarnation, and a wide variety of gods and goddesses.
Buddhism: Based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha, Buddhism is a non-theistic religion that emphasizes personal spiritual development and the attainment of enlightenment.
Sikhism: A monotheistic religion that originated in Punjab, India, Sikhism emphasizes the concept of equality and the belief in one God.
Judaism: An Abrahamic religion, Judaism is based on the belief in one God and the covenant between God and the Jewish people as revealed in the Torah.
Taoism: A Chinese religious tradition, Taoism emphasizes the concept of living in harmony with nature and the cultivation of inner peace and spiritual balance.
Confucianism: A Chinese philosophical and ethical system, Confucianism emphasizes the importance of human relationships and the cultivation of social harmony.
Shintoism: A Japanese religious tradition, Shintoism emphasizes the spiritual power of nature and the importance of local deities.
Jainism: An Indian religious tradition, Jainism emphasizes non-violence, mindfulness, and self-discipline.
Zoroastrianism: One of the oldest monotheistic religions in the world, Zoroastrianism is based on the teachings of the prophet Zoroaster and emphasizes the importance of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds.
Bahá'í Faith: A modern religion that emerged in 19th century Persia, Bahá'í Faith emphasizes the unity of all religions and the belief in one God.
Wicca: A modern pagan religion, Wicca emphasizes the worship of nature and the practice of magic.
Scientology: A modern religion founded by L. Ron Hubbard in the 20th century, Scientology emphasizes personal spiritual development and the ability to achieve greater levels of consciousness.
Rastafarianism: A Caribbean religious movement, Rastafarianism emphasizes the importance of African heritage, the worship of Ethiopia's Emperor Haile Selassie I, and the use of marijuana as a sacrament.
"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."