What is the Difference Between Theology and Religious Studies?

[@lazergurka-smerlin6561]

Theologans - studies the religion Religious studies - studies people who are religous

[@kelamuni]

um really?

[@lazergurka-smerlin6561]

@@kelamuni Well that's my understanding. Christian Priests get educated in theology to be able to attend their duties. But if social scientists study religious groups that doesn't make them theologans

[@gordonyork6638]

Is the person studying religious? Or is the person studying religion? It should be called "Religion Study".

[@Rotek10000]

@@labsquadmedia176it is imposed but it is a functional concept. You don't have a problem to distinguish between religious and non-religious institution, don't you?

[@amvCBG]

It's more accurate to state that another name for religious studies is "philosophy of religion" The difference between that and theology, is the starting axioms and how we use reason to understand them. Theology has some basic axioms it assumes as a priori. About the divine, life, or existence. And uses reason as a way to articulate them and how they interact with the world and the rest of what we understand. Religious studies and philosophy in general. Starts from a different axiom. While they may have their own faiths and beliefs. Usually they push them aside as much as possible to make as few assumptions when trying to understand things like why people do the religious things they do, why they believe them. And what is a god and in what sense to they articulate that it "exists"

[@ThePainkiller9995]

As a non-american, the idea of someone starting a conversation with you just because you're sitting next to them on the airplane is really weird

[@Stephen-uz8dm]

Really? Where are you from?

[@blackholeentry3489]

@@Stephen-uz8dm Consider it fate dealing you an unexpected hand, jump on it and make the most of it.

[@earlkeith4135]

Happens To Me All The Time!

[@papasmurf4808]

Americans are social people

[@DarkMoonDroid]

@@Robespierre-lI LOL You should have responded: "Don't get out much?"

[@ThatTheologyTeacher]

Very well said. I just discovered your channel. I am a religious studies educator and for fourteen years, my department at a catholic high school called itself religious studies, yet in practice was theology (or more specifically catechism. This led to a lot of confusion about our mission as a department. As a graduate with a religious studies degree from college, I couldn't understand why I wasn't allowed to actually teach religious studies in my department that was called religious studies. I now teach at the college that I graduated from and it's very liberating to actually be able to teach religious studies!

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

Always glad to meet a fellow religious studies educator here. I'd love to hear your feedback if you watch my other videos too. If these videos aren't useful to educators and their classes, then I'm not doing my job right. I definitely understand that it is difficult to parse between religious studies and theology at religious schools. Many people don't know the difference, and sometimes religious studies may come across as "threatening" or "critical" to religion. I try my best to be empathetic and respectful when approaching these topics.

[@hebekiah3623]

Lol, similar experience where administration just wants definite answers given, not bringing up questions - and equally frustrating, students with "is it possible that ____?" questions who don't want any answers, just fantasy theories that have aliens somehow involved. I regret not being able to inspire enough to revel in the wonderfulness of the science and art of it all, the quest for understanding and not answers or fantasy. Great example (for me) is rainbows. The "artist" saying it's beautiful, the "science geek" saying it's refraction and the two arguing. The greater reality is much more wonderful: that the conditions that go into forming a rainbow are the same that foster Life on the planet (so that the same things that made the rainbow made us), that wherever we go in the universe and find recognizable life like us humans we're likely to find rainbows; that our senses are such that we see those colors (descended from fruit eating ancestor); and that we find them beautiful and treasure our world on a basic level without the judgement we cast on so much of it. Etc. That silly argument that it must be _just_ this or that limits the wonder.

[@IamAWESOME3980]

I study demonology. I learn so much about ghostbusting and exorcism.

[@chrissonofpear1384]

Also, which one says WHY Satan could reach Earth at all...?

[@gothboi4ever]

@@IamAWESOME3980 That's not what demonology is about. So you obviously are a liar and a charlatan.

[@b.a.davis-howe487]

I tend to say that I study religions (plural) to avoid the assumption that my studies are theological.

[@adamgreenhaus4691]

Person on plane: So what do you do for a living? Andrew: *takes HUGE breath*

[@darryltolliver5474]

Thank you for sharing this discussion with the difference between theology and religious studies

[@matthewcollins4764]

The KZbin algorithm gave me an ad for a preacher who said “all religions are the same even Buddha bows down to Jesus” And I am like what.

[@onewholovesvenison5335]

Matthew Collins everyone knows Jesus bows down to the Supreme Lord Krishna, lol.

[@kyriakos232]

@@onewholovesvenison5335 which in turn is a phase of lord Shiva which in turn is a manifestation of Shakti, man you Hindi are weird.

[@TheScholarlyBaptist]

Heretic

[@Caroline-ve5bt]

Love his eyebrows. They are alive 👌

[@troybornofwinter2252]

Wow you noticed that !!! Great observation !

[@dreamrealitysyndrome]

High five (Johnny)!

[@JustinianYT]

Great observational skill there 👌😂

[@acemento8173]

😂

[@Ggdivhjkjl]

Having studied both, you're very right.

[@p.bamygdala2139]

Another great video! Suggestion: On the airplane, you could introduce yourself as a sociologist or professor. If the question is pushed further, you could elaborate that you focus on examining the 'history' of world religions. 'History' is easily digestible and benign enough to not threaten, and 'world' signals that you aren't picking on any one religion, but rather that you perform your work across the entire board. That way, there's no worry that your seat-mate could get triggered or threatened that you might be judging their religion. I've noticed that the most sensitive of religious people hold the position of zero-sum game. So by examine all religions equally, they would be appeased that you aren't judging their team while letting the other teams off the hook. Good luck!

[@hugosapien3705]

This video was shorter than any flight I've taken. Very interesting. Thanks.

[@DagorDome]

Really valuable insight that many neglect. Greetings to all seekers.

[@AllThingsInfinite]

Really interesting! I study theology in the university of Helsinki and in Finland the distinction between the two fields is really different from what you explained. We have systematic theology for the more "theological" questions, but pretty much everything else would be the kind of religious studies that you describe. Even our exegetics classes are more about history and literature (even cognitive science and sociology) than answering questions about God. We do have comparative religion as a different field, but the distinction is more about which religions you are focusing on (theology focusing on Christianity and comparative religion on everything else). I wonder if this is just a Finnish thing or if Europe in general has this kind of system? Great video, though! I'm really glad I found your channel.

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

If I had my guess, it would be a European thing. Though, as I said on your other comment, a lot of secular universities here in the US do have theology programs a lot like you describe (with a lot of history, archaeology, and cultural theory). People in religious studies, though, try really hard to distinguish themselves from "theology." Thanks for commenting, glad you like the channel!

[@hebekiah3623]

That's long been the case. American, modern Arab and other fundamentalist cultures are where theology = bible or koran school. Even back to 19th and 20th century even native clergy who had been educated in say Germany where they didn't have the science vs theology dichotomy (gotta choose one) and weren't to be trusted back home (by fundamentalists). It's as basic as choose Creation if you believe in God, Evolution if you're an atheist; Jesus alone heals, even if he had to tell your doctor to give you a medication He caused to come into being. And on and on like that. It's not about understanding it's about choosing sides. So much so that regular people just stop asking questions, sorta believe both, but not, just stop wondering and watch more TV.

[@oskarhenriksen]

@@ReligionForBreakfast Apparently, many theologians insist on being basically a kind of religious studies, at least to a significant degree. I have a degree in religious studies from Norway, where Christianity definitely is a relevant study for us, but it seems that whenever we try to distinguish our thing from Theology, some theologian or the like will pop their head up and say "There's a huge overlap"

[@socksumi]

@@ReligionForBreakfast Doesn't theology assume a god exists? But what If god doesn't exist and it's all a human construct? What is theology then?

[@jacobtesta2765]

@@ReligionForBreakfast Hey Andrew, I know you probably won’t make a video about this since this is primarily a theological question, but is it actually possible to prove or disprove a religion definitively? I know that religious studies scholars primarily deal with, like you said, the human aspect of religion such as anthropology and that theologians tend to deal with more philosophical, theological type questions like “Does God Exist?” or “What is the nature of Jesus Christ?”. But is it actually possible to definitively prove or disprove a specific god or a specific religion? I know not everyone thinks these things when they look at religion, but since popular culture (at least in the United States) seems to have this presupposed idea that religion ultimately deals with gods, it seems like this question comes up more in the United States than in other parts of the world. Again, I know this is a theological question and I should probably be asking a theologian this, but it’s just something that I’ve been thinking about for a long time now. Also, love your videos!

[@ruthgaret3977]

Great info that answered many of my questions as I am currently looking to pursue a Masters in religious studies. Thank you!

[@rogermetzger7335]

I’m 76. I didn’t start studying other religions than Christianity until I was fourteen but, even before that, our parents encouraged my siblings and me to study the history of the protestant reformation. When he was born, my dad’s mother was an adherent of the Roman Church and his dad was Lutheran AND Dad’s boyhood was spent literally living ON the grounds of the Hebrew cemetery of which his dad - my grandfather - was the caretaker. I thank the good Lord I wasn’t raised to look at the world or the universe from only one perspective! Please allow me to suggest this: If an “ology” is “the study of” something and if “theos” is the Greek word for “god”, then it is appropriate to understand “theology” as the study of a god or gods. This, of course, does not preclude including in that study how a god or gods interact(s) with humans. In our society (U.S.) people are often advised to not talk about politics or religion. The reason for that advice is that parents have failed to teach their children (and the public education has, for the most part, failed to teach anyone) how to discuss such topics without arguing. My favorite illustration of this is the argument that has been ongoing between Calvinists and Arminians for hundreds of years. Most of the people on both sides of that argument seem content to think of the “other side” as wrong. I suggest that people think about how those two concepts can actually complement each other in helping us to understand who God is and how he interacts with humans. At the same time that we can encourage the study of other religions and other denominations (two different things), we can think of ourselves as being “called” to a specific emphasis or emphases. If there are other people who consider themselves called to a similar emphasis or emphases, it is appropropriate to form or maintain “societies” or “associations” or religious organizations for the purpose of emphasizing that/those particular emphasis or emphases. It is sometimes suggested that we “lay aside our differences in order to work or worship together”. I suggest that, instead, we try to learn from each other. Until or unless someone can tell us of an organization (or create an organization) dedicated to that ideal, maybe we can use the comments section of ReligionForBreakfast to pursue it.

[@socksumi]

My understanding is that "religion" is a generic term that subsumes all particular religions whereas "theology" is more specific and deals with the esoteric and the supernatural. When you teach religion, you are teaching about the historical and cultural impact of any of mankind's various religions. The teaching of theology (the study of the nature of God and the divine) starts with fundamental assumptions about the existence of God. and the supernatural. The study of religion as a subject makes no such assumptions, nor does it assume the truth value of any particular religious claim. It's more of an observational look at one or more religions and their influence on civilization and the human condition.

[@abdulaleem9207]

true.

[@theadventurerofpeace9437]

When I first started college, I wanted to major in Anthropology. My emotional levels in high school and now may lead me out of a pure academic field, but i'm glad you pointed the difference between theology and religious studies. One seems to be more about the feeling and spiritual nature of religion, and it is not purely Christian. The other is more about the way points of the christian sphere it self.

[@biblegirl]

I just found out about this channel yesterday and I'm really enjoying it. I couldn't help but laugh about your airplane example. I'm a children's pastor and as soon as I say that in a random conversation things get interesting. People get quiet a lot. They also like to apologize as if I above certain conversations. I find it humorous. Still a person even if I'm clergy. I also get the questioners too. I liked the discussion about theology vrs religious studies. It reminded me a lot of my collegiate education.

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

+biblegirl glad you’re enjoying the channel! That airplane story is totally true too haha.

[@PadmeP]

The name of my uni course was "The Study of the Religions of Africa and Asia" which I really liked. All the art and archaeology courses counted as religion units too which was pretty cool. I found the religion department much more respectful of the people and beliefs that it studied than the anthropology department that I was also part of.

[@Shadesatx]

This distinction was very confusing to me when I went overseas for university. Ended up switching from Religious Studies to a Divinity degree, which in practice for me ended up being 'Late Antique textual studies on texts with Christian theological themes', followed up by another degree on Renaissance demonological texts that somehow got classified as 'Classics'. What a world.

[@brrjohnson8131]

I read somewhere if you want to be left alone on a plane, pull out a well worn bible & read. I thought I'd give it a go. It works on planes headed to the (US) west coast, but not so much headed back east over the bible-belt. In fact it backfired on me twice headed east. So much so, that I had to agree I'd try to visit the church event of the born-again Christian seated next to me.

[@markgarrett7428]

Recently had a pretty hurtful falling out with a friend who despises religion, which is totally fine. I find it really interesting and like studying it, but I didn't know how to describe what I find interesting. This video really sums up what I was trying to say very well and what I pretty much flopped at describing. Maybe someday I can re approach the topic with him. Probably not, but at least I have this to help describe the difference between theology and the study and understanding of religion.

[@nicolegomezxoxo]

Thank you for explaining the difference. Now I know what resources I need to be looking for to do what I need to do.

[@christopherellis2663]

Did a spot of Thomistic Theology in school. It has been a basis for looking into life, decades later.

[@jred7]

Thank you so much for making this video! I will refer people to it in the future!

[@weirdlanguageguy]

I have a similar problem as an amateur linguist and language enthusiast: when I tell people I'm interested in linguistics and study language, they assume I mean I'm a polyglot (someone who speaks many languages), but linguistics is merely the study of language in general and the processes thereof. Of course, there is significant overlap, many polyglots will study linguistics to understand the languages they speak better and many linguists will learn languages to better internalize the objects of their study, but the two disciplines are quite distinct.

[@paperairforce2689]

Hi again. I really enjoy your channel and insight. You probably guessed I majored in theology. Although I approach the subject with biased convictions, I agree and understand your explanation of religious studies. It's also necessary to understand different systems of theology (the obvious example; Calvinism vs, Armianism) and the theology of different "cults" and "heresies." It must be difficult to study religion without coming to personal conclusions as to what is more accurate, like studying agriculture and deciding not to plant poison ivy in your garden. Pardon me if I'm getting too personal, I won't ask what your personal faith is (it's none of my business anyway). I hope you find personal benefits from your study. Thanks for your insight.

[@mostmoto365]

Very well put I am considering a doctoral degree and this helped! Thanks

[@notasaint7664]

Turns out I want to study Religious Studies instead of Theology. Thanks!

[@francismausley7239]

Thank you. Both are important topics but perhaps those of the spirit are of more personal interest. "Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words, that ye may unravel its secrets, and discover all the pearls of wisdom that lie hid in its depths." ~ Writings of Bahá’u’lláh

[@pyaephyothu5289]

I am not even a religious individual myself but I find it interesting why people believe in a particular religion and how they find out it exists in general.

[@Gabriel.A.A]

There is a creator

[@aquinas2124]

There are people in Religious Studies who try to be purely descriptive (not normative or evaluative or critical). There are people in Philosophy of Religion who provide evaluations and critical comparisons, and there are people in Theology who carefully present and carefully justify their confessional perspectives. A descriptive approach (or presentation) concerning religion is good for information, but information can also be used (appropriately and reasonably) as a basis for evaluations (philosophical adjudication and theological adjudication).

[@aquinas2124]

Studying religion (or religions) without studying theology (or theologies) is similar to studying the solar system without studying the rest of the galaxy (or universe).

[@aquinas2124]

Reference books are good for details and also for larger context ..... Oxford Handbook of the Study of Religion, 2016, 862 pages. Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Religion, 2005, 550 pages. Oxford Handbook of Philosophical Theology, 2009, 609 pages. Oxford Handbook of Natural Theology, 2013, 632 pages. Oxford Handbook of Systematic Theology, 2007, 708 pages. Oxford Handbook of Mystical Theology, 2020, 704 pages. Oxford Handbook of the Epistemology of Theology, 2017, 627 pages. Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, 4th ed., 2022, 2 vols., 2143 pages.

[@aquinas2124]

This video by Dr. Henry is from 2-16-2016. I'm writing this comment 7-6-2024. I think that it would be good for Dr. Henry to make another video on this same subject so that people could see and hear his current (and possibly updated) presentation on this subject. I offer this suggestion from an ecumenical viewpoint which includes Catholic writers such as Ludwig Ott (1906-1985), Orthodox writers such as Michael Pomazansky (1888-1988) and Hilarion Alfeyev (1966- ), Protestant writers such as Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768-1834) and Paul Tillich (1886-1965), and religious scholars such as Mircea Eliade (1907-1986).

[@gjvnq]

Simple summary for guy on air plane: I study religion as cultural phenomena.

[@jonathanwood863]

I’m sort of a hobbyist mixture of both and frequent a few theology forums. Most of the topics turn more into the religious study side with a mixture of (you guessed it) apologetics and evangelism. I guess I am more on the RS side myself, as I often look into philosophical or psychological aspects of the subject when I engage a topic. “Theology” in the setting of theology forums seems to be a bit of a misnomer according to your definition. Cool

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

Well, the line between the two disciplines can be very blurred. There are theologians that do both, and there are religious studies scholars who can do theology. There are those like myself, though, that are 100% in the RS camp.

[@2HungerandThirst]

@@ReligionForBreakfast as a Christian theologian, I think it's disingenuous when a theologian/apologist cannot enjoy the process of Religious Studies. I disagree with the conclusions of other religions but I enjoy studying them! I can also with confidence say the Qu'ran is an amazingly preserved historical document without feeling threatened or endangered as a Christian. That said, at some point the theologian isn't arguing or dealing with abstraction--we believe in the theology we study and in my case, teach. Great channel though...just found it tonight as I prepare to teach my classes on Systematic Theology and Apologetics ;-)

[@lapointelapointe9747]

Thank you You're great at explaining the unexplainable Good work

[@angelincmayo]

Thank you so much! This made it clearer for me which one to pursue!

[@baltulielkungsgunarsmiezis9714]

You exmplained perfectly why I care little for religios studies and instead focus on theology. I do wonder why religions came out why they do, but it is our father in heaven that I wish to understand something you do not.

[@kerryconnelly6697]

My intro to the Hebrew bible professor defined religion as a paradigm of a continuous human experience

[@cedarpoplar7443]

Thelogy only says the simplest of things.. Religion tells you that you have to have .. but a person that reads and prays does come to one true understanding; he realizes that God is Grace and patient. Romans 2:14 talks about a person who is law unto himself by simple intuition. other where's in the Bible, it also speaks about God Himself (Jesus Christ) reaching deep into Seoul to grab those who have gone down under. It says that no one knows where the Holy Spirit comes from, or where it goes. You read and trust; you start to understand in a different light of things...

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

My grandmother taught comparitive religions to the likes of thomas Watson ( IBM) and her neice taught / department head at Duke University. It is a life long study as it will take a lifetime to scratch the surface.

[@John-zb8ly]

I have Bachelors degrees in both field and the thin line of difference between them is one is specifically narrowed to a particular religion and the other is broad and all encompassing. Theology is narrowed to a particular religion for example Christian Religious studies, Islamic Studies etc. A Christian Theologian will study Theology from the Christian perspectives like beliefs, doctrine, missionary activities, history, language etc same goes for an Islamic Theologian, Buddhist Theologian and any other religion that desires to argue her beliefs scholastically. But A Religious studies scholar studies religion from a broader perspectives. A student of religious studies belongs to no religion as far as the studies is concern. He/she would have no bias for anything religion. Finally Religious studies looks at how religion imparts the society/our world whether positive or negatively purely from a scientific perspective. Summarily. When you study Theology you study religion from an insider's perspective and when you study religion you study from an outside's perspectives. Thanks

[@glorfindelchocolateflowery6392]

Thank you

[@RyanK-100]

Unfortunately, the religious studies experts have ongoing trouble bracketing their biases. E.g, at 5:12 he says, "And that's what religion is, a wildly complex reflection of human thought and desires and actions ..." I don't think a theologian from ANY tradition would define religion like that. Certainly no Judeochristian theologian. But that reflects the bias. As so many philosophers say, everyone has a bias, and the best you can do is recognize it. It is dangerous for any academic to say he or she is removing all bias.

[@sofiekaterina]

Been following and watching videos from your channel for ages now because I don’t think I ever knew what to call the part of religion I was interested in. While I do enjoy parts of theology I’m very wary of what I come across on KZbin and online, as well as the intent and source of the creator. However, I love that you attempt to be respectful in your approach. Ever since I was a teenager, especially since I finished high school and started being able to study what I enjoy at uni, I’ve been interested and asked questions about religion that theology just couldn’t seem to answer. And I’ve ended up in arguments, or refusal to let conversations continue, with my sister and friends because they’re more interested in theology whereas I’m fascinated by the more human/anthropological aspect as you say. I also did my honours thesis in cultural studies and majored in English Literature so some of those theological questions you gave an example of would be interesting to answer from those points of view. I’ve loved your approach to answering various questions, and all the videos on biblical archeology that you’ve uploaded. It’s answered questions I’ve had for over 15 years - and given me sources and authors to pursue in my spare time too. I think if I sat next to you on the airplane I’d be so excited!

[@sofiatgarcia3970]

I know I'm commenting on an old video, but as a non-religious person, I nevertheless find religion fascinating. I find it very interesting to talk to individuals of any religion to hear what and why they believe what they do. Maybe I should have gone into Religious Studies rather than Joinery. lol

[@JohnSmith-yw9nk]

Theology and religious studies, while finding certain overlap in subject matter, differ radically in both their approach and perspective. Theology is, at its core, a devotional study of a specific religion, while religious studies is exactly not that. Meaning, theology features a faith-based exploration of a particular religion, and is ultimately designed to promote a certain religious outlook. Moreover, it attempts to articulate certain relevant values and practices from that said specific religious worldview, and actively encourages students of theology to adopt them. You really don’t get that in religious studies. Which can be defined as a introduction to (and study of) a diverse range of various expressions of faith, that exist within (or between) many different religious traditions. This is done to the end of achieving a greater academic and non-sectarian form of religious literacy in students. As well as, allowing students of religious studies to attain a better understanding of both religious diversity, and the roles religion can and has played in politics, culture, and the economy throughout human history.

[@aquinas2124]

This video by Dr. Henry is from 2-16-2016. I'm writing this comment 7-8-2024. I think that it would be good for Dr. Henry to make a new video on this same subject so that people could see and hear his current (and possibly updated) presentation on this subject. It's good to remember that Religious Studies is not immune or exempt from critical evaluations from Philosophy of Religion, Philosophical Theology, and Systematic Theology. The adjective 'confessional' can mean justifiably confessional (not just arbitrarily confessional). Does Dr. Henry have any confessional identity or is he undecided and agnostic (or super-ecumenical or trans-ecumenical)? I offer this suggestion from a Christian ecumenical viewpoint which includes Catholic writers such as Ludwig Ott (1906-1985), Orthodox writers such as Michael Pomazansky (1888-1988) and Hilarion Alfeyev (1966- ), Protestant writers such as Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768-1834) and Paul Tillich (1886-1965), and religious scholars such as Mircea Eliade (1907-1986).

[@minavain9744]

studying cultures and religions and been confronted those assumptions too often, for now on i can just make them watch this so thanks🙏💕 im agnostic and so are methods in religious studies

[@manolitojaldonjr.306]

I enjoyed your explanation. Thank you!

[@FM-id9ti]

Religious studies and theology do not merely ask different questions, but start from different assumptions. The former essentially work on the assumption that God does not exist and that religion is a purely human phenomenon (even believing scholars in religious studies must admit that this is how it works in practice). The latter begin with the working assumption that (some) God does exist within the context of a particular religion and then deal with the questions specifically relevant to that belief system.

[@wolfgirl1659]

I also study religion and it's so interesting!! And whenever I tell someone I study religion, people either look at me awkwardly (because they think I'm religious but they don't dare to ask) or they become very interested (which usually isn't the case because "religion" is such a "complicated" field to discuss .. u know?

[@ARAcademyOfficial]

Very nice session. Thank you so much 🙏 #AR_Academy_Religions

[@star24girl]

I'm a grad student from Theology and Religion studies course. I love learning about it but sometimes I get confuse at philosophy subject 😅

[@rogermetzger7335]

If I'm not mistaken, this video includes one or more statements like, Religion can be described as --but what follows isn't really (in my opinion) a definition of the word, "religion", i.e. a definition that can be employed to understand what the speaker has in mind or what he means when he uses the word, "religion". The dictionaries and thesaurus I have perused equate "theology" with "theism" but my reading of English-language literature from before the eighteenth century has convinced me that the word, "religion", was used and understood (at least among educated people) in ways that require a broader definition. So I'd be interested in what other people think about this. If you use the word, "religion", in ways (or if you sometimes understand it when you find it in other people's writing or speaking) to mean more than "theism", what other definition or definitions can you suggest. I have developed one but I'd like to see what some other people think about this before divulging the definition I have been using.

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

Hi Roger. Can you give me an example of when I describe "religion" in a way that you don't think is religion? Of course this word is extremely difficult to define...I have another video where I try to define it. But I would definitely say religion is more than "theism." I usually use a "family resemblances' definition. As in, if you have something that manifests several of the following things, it is probably "religion" or "religious:" 1) Belief in supernatural beings. 2) A distinction between sacred and profane. 3) ritual acts focused on sacred/profane. 4) A moral code believed to be sanctioned by supernatural beings. 5) Feelings of awe. 6) Direct communication with divine beings. 7) Worldview concerning the role of the individual in the universe. 8) A collective organization bound up in this worldview. If something manifests 3 or 4 of these "family resemblances," then I am fine using the word "religion" to define it. I don't think any universalizing definition of "religion" can be 100% accurate. That's why I use the family resemblances method. I don't think belief in a supernatural being is the only way to define a belief system or ritual as religious. There are plenty of non-theistic religions. And even some rituals that we would define as "secular," (i.e. a baseball pitcher performing the same ritual before every single pitch), has some similarities to religion. Hopefully this helps? I encourage you to go check my video: "What is Religion?"

[@rogermetzger7335]

OK. I did find a watch your video, “What is Religion”. Perhaps, before I get into specific examples of how people have used the word, “religion”, and how people have argued and are arguing about what “religion” is, I should explain why I think the definition of “religion”--or at least the discussion about its definition--is important. Western society is embroiled in a controversy about whether “religion” should have a place in society and, if so, what role or roles are appropriate for “religion”. At one extreme, there are those who believe that religion (their own particular belief system, of course) should pervade society in ways similar to the ways the doctrines, practices and prohibitions of the Roman Church pervaded society in most of western Europe from the sixth through most of the eighteenth century and in ways that Islam pervades the lives of the majority of Arabic-speaking people today. At the other extreme, there are those who believe that theism (belief in miracles and special revelation) should be eliminated from western society or, at the very least, limited in some way. My personal belief is that our failure, as a society, to deal with the basic question of what religion is has led to two things that are detrimental to society as a whole. 1) Failure to make the appropriate distinction between theory/theories vis-a-vis “facts” or “truth” and 2) Failure to educate people about how religion/religions has/have influenced political history for thousands of years. I’d still like to wait until some other people weigh in with their own definitions. In the meantime, let me suggest that it might be appropriate to define “religion” in a way or ways that are not entirely adequate when constructing the phrase, “a religion”. The former can include personal religion; the latter is limited to a specific belief system or an organization that promotes a specific belief system.

[@EdwinLuciano]

I think it's a wild goose chase. Some things in this world defy definition. What's a species? What's a language? What's _gravity_ ? What's _alive_ ? These words are not as easy to define. In some cases it's obvious that one organism is of one species and that another is of another but there are organisms that appear to be of different species in one aspect but of the same species in another. For example, there are varieties of grasshopper who won't mate in the wild but can be 'tricked' to mate and produce fertile offspring. I m not sure we can say these varieties interbreed! Monolingual English speakers are not that aware of this but a lot of people speak so-called languages that are really close to other so-called languages. And for perhaps extra-linguistic reasons we treat as one "language" forms of speech that are so varied that one variety has trouble understanding speakers from the other (like with Arabic). Gravity does things. It has an effect on stuff. But what it _is_ I don't think anybody really understands. Light does stuff but it's also _is_ something. It's electromagnetic radiation, it's photons moving through space etc. but I don't think you can describe gravity other than to say what its effects are. And what's alive? Are viruses alive? I think the consensus is that they are not but it's not universal. Doctors call a time of death all the time but death is a process and life isn't extinguished like a candle. People who appear to permanently dead (even that phrase sounds odd) "come back" to life. All their vital signs say they are gone but they are not gone for good which is what makes death...well, death! I think religion is like that. I think we can talk about it as a process, as something that causes other things to happen, and something that has "fuzzy borders." You have activities that are obviously religious and others that are very religion-like without really being what we think of as religion.

[@ianjohnson458]

Well, that is what RS does. In a nutshell it asks 'What is religion?' over and over again, taking on different and sometimes overlapping methodologies to approach the question. Purpose of the video was just to make a fundamental distinction between, on one hand, studies of theology as divinely oriented and, on the other, studies of religion as human oriented. Then he makes the right move, recognizing potential for a 'false dichotomy.' Great video!

[@hebekiah3623]

Roger Metzger - theism "belief in miracles and special revelation" about an active supreme being. Deism can have a "creator" god or spirit of nature or the universe without the singular identity (god as a person) or active role in the world (watchmaker). People without a formal religion still tend toward supernatural beliefs that their actions can affect. Is that enough to be called religion? a personal supernatural cause & effect system? That's an interesting question. Especially as those people tend to cherry-pick parts from many formal religions that justify their beliefs. Also, even without formal church religious membership, a culture can still act on the tenets of religion without being aware of its source, just handed down in families and nations as "normal". In that case do we still define it as "religion"? Most folks I know define it as an unquestionable allegiance (faith) to whatever (God, football, money) that grants *surety*. That's the most important thing, surety.

[@amante2443]

My basic beliefs based on the above six minute video. Theology sort of = How does (&/or should) mystical beliefs influence humans? Religious Studies sort of = How do (&/or have) humans influence mystical beliefs? Philosophy of Religion sort of = What came first the mystical or the mystic?

[@socksumi]

My understanding is that "religious studies" is a generic term that subsumes many religions whereas "theology" is more specific and deals with the esoteric and the supernatural. When you teach religion, you are teaching about the historical and cultural impact of mankind's various religions. The teaching of theology (the study of the nature of God and the divine) starts with fundamental assumptions about the existence of God and the supernatural. The study of religion makes no such assumptions, nor does it assume the truth value of any particular religious claim. It's more of an observational look at one or more religions and their influence on civilization and the human condition.

[@onlinealiasuk]

so would would you define Divinity (the study) as a discipline?

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

It is such a vague term, I'm not sure what to do with it. A lot of "Divinity" schools like Harvard and Yale are basically religious studies schools. Plus the "Masters of Divinity" degree is sometimes super "religious studies" and sometimes a pastoral or theology degree. It really depends on the school. All this to say, no, I wouldn't call "Divinity" a separate discipline. It either is lumped into Religious Studies or Theology depending on the institution.

[@nietzschescodes]

what would be the difference between theology and philosophy of religion? in religious studies, don't you have a cursus in philosophy of religion?

[@ayesha36]

I am curious about the distinction between philosophy of religion and religious studies as well.

[@jannikthorsen3531]

@@ayesha36 Its analogous to the distinction between political philosophy and political science.

[@Sazi_de_Afrikan]

Philosophy of religion critique ALL religion and puts them under a philosophical microscope and attempts to explain the origins and use of belief for example. Theology is the "study" of God or the gods.

[@christiandavid_cebu]

I simply picture it out in my mind that Theology is mostly for those who wants to become a pastor/missionary or for church ministry; while Religious Studies are for those who wants to become a teacher/historian. But both can also become a pastor and a professor.

[@glorfindelchocolateflowery6392]

Amen

[@themaestro5338]

Have you done a video about the Council of Nicea. I don’t trust other stuff I’ve seen on the internet and obviously haven’t gone to the library yet to see what they have.

[@comixknight3843]

I find it when I read books like Dune or comics like Lucifer or Sandman I notice how infatuated I become with the religious aspects. Even the TV series “Vikings” what i found the most interesting was the protagonist “Ragnar” being torn between his faith to the All father & his newfound interest in Jesus Christ. Since I was a kid, religion has always peaked my interest. Thought I was weird for that 😂

[@justmonika3365]

Lol religion is also my hobby and it sounds so weird to people. My favorite show is litrealy Lucifer and many other shows that I watch are inspired by religions 😂 btw I think that the Lucifer comics that you read could be what inspired people to create my now favorite show because it is DC comic inspired but I don't know how many similarities it has to the comics

[@comixknight3843]

100% that show was inspired by DC “Lucifer”. From what I hear that’s where the similarities mostly stop. The character Lucifer was first introduced/created as far as DC by Neil Gaiman in his Sandman run. Mike Carey picked up the character & went on to give him his own 75 issue solo series which more or less is what the show based it off on but according to many it’s a very loose version. Lol the comic run by Carey was phenomenal by the way.

[@kabaressi]

thank you for this lecture

[@hifiunicorn]

This was really helpful. I find myself interested in the intersection between theology and religion. Can you suggest how one can go about finding the best university for ones particular interests in such subjects? What are some questions we should be asking or considering when narrowing down programs or courses suited to our pursuit of higher learning? Thanks in advance!

[@lovingmelodies2644]

Commenting so I get notified if anyone answers :)

[@davidrajubudumuri39]

Hi sir you are a great talking about the theology the greatest thing ever never has been talking you bro

[@rickschrager]

Jeepers, for someone who studies religion you'd think he would have a better understanding of the Four Noble Truths. The Buddha never said "All life is suffering." If that were true there would be no way to ameliorate the problem. The first Noble Truth defines suffering. No more, no less. He declared this to the five ascetics whom he once practiced with: "The Noble Truth of Suffering (dukkha), monks, is this: Birth is suffering, aging is suffering, sickness is suffering, death is suffering, association with the unpleasant is suffering, dissociation from the pleasant is suffering, not to receive what one desires is suffering - in brief the five aggregates subject to grasping are suffering." -SN 57:11 (Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta)

[@txvoltaire]

I once heard of a psychiatrist who, when he went on vacation, lied about his profession because otherwise he would be ignored once he said it.

[@Pitusha]

Now I want to know... What kind of factors gave rise to the notion of suffering in Buddhism at that time? :(

[@Patmahan__]

I think this would explain it perfectly !!!! 💫

[@jaredengland1955]

This explanation is gold

[@hebekiah3623]

Konrad Lorenz, the animal behaviorist/ethologist, said to understand our institutions and what role they play in filling human drives before we attempt to replace them. EO Wilson echoed all that, saying religion and God belief satisfy many needs in humans (for belonging, authority, surety, security, relationship) because of our social origins, humans as social animals. Religious Studies can help unearth those principles and the drives they seek to fill, their role in human society and the individual; or just be fun comparative religion subject without a goal.

[@morthim]

i'd probably refer to it not as religious studies but religious anthropology. religious studies seems to me to be studying something about the religions themselves as opposed to their human component. "these are questions theologians should answer because they are raise by specific religions" are they though? are they raised by the religions or by spiritual leaders within communities? is teh comparison of religious communities and political parties an athiestic projection presented from the assumption of a world view, or is there irrellevance to the worldview of teh speaker and a polymorphic interpretation depending on the audience? if you say you study religions, as oppose to the societal expression of religion, or interpersonal impression of various permutations of religiousity (etc), you come across as interested not in the general but the minutea. to say you study religions implies you synthesize and contrast different religious value sets not in terms of their impact on human productivity but in there intergroup conflict or agreement. this may not be what you mean, but it is what you communicate. to clarify a poor explanation may be tedious, but you could also use a term which isn't misleading to your audience. "i wish i could succinctly explain that to the guy on the airplane" say " i study religion's human aspect. all perpetual miscommunication is deliberate.

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

You're probably right. "Religious studies" is too vague, and I usually say I am a historian (which is just as accurate to say than 'scholar of religion'). I wish religious studies was an "-ology" like "sociology" and "anthropology."

[@hadd5106]

W. C. Smith said [in "The Meaning and End of Religion"] that there is no such "thing" as "religion". So the only "thing" that you can study in "Religious Studies" are people who are more faithful some days than others, and who live in a community.

[@JohnPaul-qi6sd]

Sir, is there any community college where i can study musters in theology at USA?

[@faithlesshound5621]

You study early Christian magic. So you're a wizard, then?

[@marieugorek5917]

A good theologian will benefit from the information and theories of religious studies, and a good religious studies professional is aware of the major theological characteristics and shifts of the religious groups they study, but the disciplines are, indeed, very different.

[@jlmundo2]

What's your job or professio currently with a theology degree? I am pursuing the same degree.

[@RichardRoy2]

I am not fond of the idea of belief in supernatural beings either. I'm more curious as to why it seems all human cultures tend to develop a religion of some sort. My own suspicion, as commented in the previous video, is that the origin of all religions seem drawn from destination, and origin. Those are the brackets of life. These seem to be driven by curiosity. A kind of primordial desire to know. And probably the parent of science.

[@deeptangshudas2661]

I am glad to have discovered your channel. Thanks for sharing such informative videos. I would like to share some personal thoughts in this regard. While I hold a Masters and a Research Degree in English literature, I have always been interested in exploring the representation of religion/gods/goddesses in literary texts. Is it possible for a student to combine the methodology of Literary and Religious Studies?

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

I think literature and religious studies can go well together...studying myths, sacred texts, religious songs/poetry/novels etc. Glad you're enjoying the channel!

[@deeptangshudas2661]

ReligionForBreakfast Thanks for replying!

[@swiftset]

so it's the difference between astrology and astronomy. sort of.

[@newsguy3401]

At the level of discourse and intellectual acuity you suggest: sure :)

[@HassanalBolkiahSoyjak]

More like mathematics vs history. Theology falls within logic and philosophy.

[@chrissonofpear1384]

And sometimes with notable gaps...

[@gothboi4ever]

If an account has any numbers after the name they are a bot. Don't listen to these bots trying to learn...

[@felipercb3245]

is so sad , here in latinamerican there is no Religion degree only Theology... i would love to study Religion!

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

Sad! Well, maybe you can study History, Archaeology, or Politics and focus on religion? Religious Studies is very interdisciplinary!

[@felipercb3245]

yeah dude , could be a good idea . Anyway i study by my own every day hahah :D thanks for the channel !

[@hebekiah3623]

Actually just got to pick the right professor or even priest. Many Jesuits that teach don't really (privately) worry about God or dogma much, they basically study religion and try to be useful to people. They may openly say they do but many know too much (language, history, art, science) to profess a singular opinion.

[@pansepot1490]

I think you kept it too long. The short answer would be: "A theology guy is a priest - A religious studies guy is a scientist." I know, it's an over simplification but it gives the basic idea and you can always refine the definition with more details. When I was a kid I thought I was interested in theology then I got a taste of it and I realised it was religious studies I was really interested in. 😀😀😀 Great channel btw.

[@MrCoddyBoy]

Not exactly; I'm a theologian, but I'm not a priest. I'm glad he kept it too long, so there wouldn't be any misconceptions. When talking about theology or religious studies, you shouldn't over simplify, both of them are sciences, theology more on the philosophy side, and religious studies more on the anthropology/sociology or even history side. When talking about those two sciences, I wouldn't necessarily break them apart. I think that the best theologians should study religious studies, and religious study should have some theology in it. They go hand in hand.

[@newsguy3401]

Unfortunately, you seem to have a severe misconception of both. :) :)

[@MrCoddyBoy]

@@newsguy3401 Me or Pat? :)

[@xenoblad]

@@MrCoddyBoy how is theology or philosophy a science? Doesn't science require empiricism?

[@MrCoddyBoy]

@@xenoblad I'm not a native english speaker so my vocabulary is limited, I know I used a wrong term, but I'm not familiar with a better term that maybe should have been used. But I believe you get my point, not only priests are theologians, theology is a discipline which requires a lot of studying, both Christianity and other religions/cultures, which is why I said that theology and religious studies complete each other. Maybe you could help me with finding another term for what I wanted to say?

[@dynamic9016]

Great content.

[@lorken22]

considering I grew up both watching lots of religion history shows on History channel (religious studies) AND went to a UU church which has RE (religious education) as it's form of Sunday school which explores the connecting theologies of many different religions (theology) I'd probably be able to have a long, involved conversation with you ether way lol

[@credterfe]

You're broadening the definition of theology.

[@KingArtexerxes]

I know this isn’t exactly what you are talking about here, but I’ve always seen a major distinction between “head knowledge” and “heart knowledge.” This works primarily within a single religion, such as Christianity, which I’m intimately familiar with. A person can study the Bible and other writers on biblical topics and come away with a better understanding, but this bypasses the purpose of the religion. The purpose of Christianity is heart knowledge. Heart knowledge is discovering a personal relationship with Jesus/God and everything you’ve learned now becomes incorporated into your being, through what Jesus dubbed as a born-again experience. Your inward drive switches from a self-centered motive to a God-centered and communal centered motive, or other-centered, where you live to indoctrinate others so that they can discover “truth/Jesus” that will lead them from death to life, eternally.

[@wabangwalling8786]

Very thankyou now I know different between . Sir

[@Hegemonicmarxism]

Very good video :)

[@PracticalBibleStudies]

You could have almost done a third category of "Divinity."

[@pernordin2641]

Well explained.

[@endikamartinezgutierrez6899]

Seriously, you cannot take what theology is from an introductory book. There are plenty of schools in theology. Theology presupposes the existence of God and studies God from faith and reason. Aquinas would be better defining theology.

[@gracebrown3733]

I did religious studies at AS level (high school). However I think that we studied was actually closer to theology. We studied about the nature of God etc but not from the human perspective at all.

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

Yeah, depending on the instructor, religious studies could easily mix into theological studies. Its the teacher's responsibility to know the difference.

[@gracebrown3733]

I think she probably did know the difference. She didn't decide the name of the course though. The course is called " A-level religious studies" but it's really more of a theology course. Does that mean the UK's board of education doesn't know the difference?

[@brd8764]

There is no harm in not touching religious beliefs however. If grass in a park is good for all kinds of people why not let it be then. Most people live to live i think unless they have some pyschological issues.

[@rainraihan9681]

ReligionForBreakfast - the priest! Healing +4 power when placed in your party!

[@kwepalohohumyando2633]

syalom good night mafa sir I want theology but I want to ask about tuition fees, can you explain about tuition fees?

[@user-zh2cm4ur4n]

I wonder if you could recommend some introductory books for religious studies.

[@josephpaul928]

Sir in this, if you’re want to study which one will be your choice of , religion’s studies or theological studies? Which one you and why

[@moroii]

Hi, I just discovered the channel and I find it very interesting. If you don't mind my asking, where did you study?

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

Getting my PhD at Boston University. Still finishing the dissertation.

[@Khethatipet]

1:31 evidently ceasing to live is the way out of desire? great...

[@marksieving7925]

No. Rather the opposite. Freeing oneself from desire is the way to escape the cycle of reincarnation. Ceasing to live while still bound to desire simply means you start over.

[@conjurehoodoo8529]

So well put! The distinction between these two is a popular misunderstanding. But why do you think that formal theological studies is expanding, while academic religious studies (and other humanities) appears to be contracting?

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

+CONJURE HOODOO I'd be curious to see data on theological studies expanding. I would argue that theology is declining too since I see seminaries closing all over the place. The broader decline in the humanities is a very complex question. I always say that religious studies (and all humanities) need to do a better job convincing the public that their research is useful for society and has plenty of utility on the job market. A recent survey just came out that found Classics majors and religious studies majors are among the best majors for getting into and succeeding in law school. So the idea that these majors are "useless" is absurd.

[@sarahharris2729]

Secularism still hasn't fully addressed the depression, existentialism and anxiety of loss associated from the death of a loved one or our own mortality despite the fact I'm currently (attempting to) write a burdensome dissertation on bereavement within the field of C.B.P. The area of NDE studies as pioneered by Kubler-Ross, Raymond Moody and has now expanded to current figures with anecdotal essays such as Anita Moorjani and Eben Alexander or more science based writing from Penny Sartori. Modern mystics such as Lorna Byrne also have their place. There is a current renaissance in the "alternative" that may bring a new appreciation of theology and religious studies and inform many professions from doctors to social workers, a more diverse appreciation of not only different religions but cultural back grounds in appropriate fields.

[@Kyle-vb3fz]

I get them asking me these questions at work. Just because you have a religion degree, it doesn’t mean you are an expert.

[@ThatFanBoyGuy]

I think you could answer the guy on the airplane any of those example questions. At least he's not asking you to pray for him when he hears you study religion.