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Southern New Hampshire University *

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RELIGON

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Religion

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Feb 20, 2024

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docx

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Trenita Sanson Approaches to Studying Religion February 11, 2024 There are various interpretations of religion, which can vary from person to person. For me, religion denotes a set of beliefs that individuals adhere to or put into practice. On the other hand, some may define religion as a collection of beliefs, rituals, or regulations utilized to venerate one or more deities. The diverse definitions of religion also lead to different methodologies for studying it, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Defining religion is a complex undertaking due to the lack of a universally recognized definition. While it is commonly understood to involve a belief in a supernatural entity, this is not always the case, leading to multiple interpretations of the term. One of the reasons for this difficulty is the narrowness of defining religion as a "belief in God," given that it excludes atheistic and polytheistic religions such as Buddhism and Jainism, which do not follow a creator. Furthermore, the definition of religion may be vague, allowing almost anything to be considered a religion. Therefore, establishing a comprehensive and widely accepted definition of religion is crucial for effective communication and understanding. (Sophia Tutorial, 2024) The study of religion is a complex and multifaceted subject, with several approaches available to explore its various aspects. Scholars and academics pursue the study of religion for different reasons, including gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and others. The approaches to studying religion comprise Phenomenology, Theology, Historical Approaches, Comparative Approaches, Philosophy of Religion, and Sociology of Religion. Among these, the Historical Approach, which has a rich history and was formalized during the 18th century, is particularly

intriguing. The Historical Approach is rooted in science and offers valuable tools for observing, studying, and reporting on the relationship between faith and reason. Over time, religion has been a topic of much discussion and debate, especially in connection to the Bible. The Historical Approach presents an effective methodology for studying the Bible, with a focus on historical-critical analysis of its content, including logical consistency, documented evidence, and historical accuracy. By using social and physical sciences, this approach enables the identification of changes and consistencies over time, as well as a deeper understanding of religious beliefs and practices throughout the ages. However, this approach has its limits. It has primarily focused on the origins and nature of religion, leaving several unanswered questions about its prehistoric existence. The study of religion, therefore, is crucial to understanding it, as religion is hard to define and encompasses distinct religions that differ from each other. Sources: JSTOR: Access Check. (2024). JSTOR. //www.jstor.org/stable/2504525 Sophia Tutorial. (2024). What is Religion?

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