宗教研究旨在发展对各种宗教传统和实践宗教的人们的理解和同情。它使用来自各个学科的方法从多学科的角度进行宗教研究。最常见的方法是人类学
Religious studies seeks to develop understanding and empathy for diverse religious traditions and the people who practise them. It approaches the study of religion from a multidisciplinary perspective using methods drawn from various disciplines. The most common approaches are anthropological, sociological, historical, philological, and philosophical. In many cases, more than one method is used to illuminate a religion or a religious issue. Thus, the field is identified in terms of its subject matter (i.e., religion), and not the disciplinary approach taken by scholars. Within the field, understanding is seen to precede criticism, with critical discussions of religious beliefs and traditions developing in a normal academic manner once understanding has been achieved.<br><br>Outcomes<br>Former students have become academics, teachers, social workers, hospital chaplains, journalist and human relations professionals some have even entered the diplomatic service.