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215 Religion Research Paper Topics for College Students

religion research paper topics

Studying religion at a college or a university may be a challenging course for any student. This isn’t because religion is always a sensitive issue in society, it is because the study of religion is broad, and crafting religious topics for research papers around them may be further complex for students. This is why sociology of religion research topics and many others are here, all for your use. As students of a university or a college, it is essential to prepare religious topics for research papers in advance. There are many research paper topics on religion, and this is why the scope of religion remains consistently broad. They extend to the sociology of religion, research paper topics on society, argumentative essay topics, and lots more. All these will be examined in this article. Rather than comb through your books in search of inspiration for your next essay or research paper, you can easily choose a topic for your religious essay or paper from the following recommendations:

World Religion Research Paper Topics

If you want to broaden your scope as a university student to topics across religions of the world, there are religion discussion topics to consider. These topics are not just for discussion in classes, you can craft research around them. Consider:

  • The role of myths in shaping the world: Greek myths and their influence on the evolution of European religions
  • Modern History: The attitude of modern Europe on the history of their religion
  • The connection between religion and science in the medieval and modern world
  • The mystery in the books of Dan Brown is nothing but fiction: discuss how mystery shapes religious beliefs
  • Theocracy: an examination of theocratic states in contemporary society
  • The role of Christianity in the modern world
  • The myth surrounding the writing of the Bible
  • The concept of religion and patriarchy: examine two religions and how it oppresses women
  • People and religion in everyday life: how lifestyle and culture is influenced by religion
  • The modern society and the changes in the religious view from the medieval period
  • The interdependence of laws and religion is a contemporary thing: what is the role of law in religion and what is the role of religion in law?
  • What marked the shift from religion to humanism?
  • What do totemism and animalism denote?
  • Pre Colonial religion in Africa is savagery and barbaric: discuss
  • Cite three religions and express their views on the human soul
  • Hinduism influenced Indian culture in ways no religion has: discuss
  • Africans are more religious than Europeans who introduced Christian religion to them: discuss
  • Account for the evolution of Confucianism and how it shaped Chinese culture to date
  • Account for the concept of the history of evolution according to Science and according to a religion and how it influences the ideas of the religious soul
  • What is religious education and how can it promote diversity or unity?7
  • Workplace and religion: how religion is extended to all facets of life
  • The concept of fear in maintaining religious authorities: how authorities in religious places inspire fear for absolute devotion
  • Afro-American religion: a study of African religion in America
  • The Bible and its role in religions
  • Religion is more of emotions than logic
  • Choose five religions of the world and study the similarities in their ideas
  • The role of religious leaders in combating global terrorism
  • Terrorism: the place of religion in promoting violence in the Middle East
  • The influence of religion in modern-day politics
  • What will the world be like without religion or religious extremists?
  • Religion in the growth of communist Russia: how cultural revolution is synonymous with religion
  • Religion in the growth of communist China: how cultural revolution is synonymous with religion
  • The study of religions and ethnic rivalries in India
  • Terrorism in Islam is a comeback to the crusades
  • The role of the Thirty Years of War in shaping world diplomacy
  • The role of the Thirty Years of War in shaping plurality in Christianity
  • The religion and the promotion of economics
  • The place of world religions on homosexuality
  • Why does a country, the Vatican City, belong to the Catholic Church?
  • God and the concept of the supernatural: examine the idea that God is a supernatural being
  • The influence of religion in contemporary Japan
  • Religion and populism in the modern world
  • The difference between mythical creatures and gods
  • Polytheism and the possibility of world peace
  • Religion and violence in secular societies?
  • Warfare and subjugation in the spread of religion
  • The policies against migrant in Poland is targeted against Islam
  • The role of international organizations in maintaining religious peace
  • International terrorist organizations and the decline of order

Research Paper Topics Religion and Society

As a student in a university or MBA student, you may be requested to write an informed paper on sociology and religion. There are many sociology religion research paper topics for these segments although they may be hard to develop. You can choose out of the following topics or rephrase them to suit your research interest:

  • The influence of religion on the understanding of morality
  • The role of religion in marginalizing the LGBTQ community
  • The role of women in religion
  • Faith crisis in Christianity and Islamic religions
  • The role of colonialism in the spreading of religion: the spread of Christianity and Islam is a mortal sin
  • How does religion shape our sexual lifestyle?
  • The concept of childhood innocence in religion
  • Religion as the object of hope for the poor: how religion is used as a tool for servitude by the elite
  • The impact of traditional beliefs in today’s secular societies
  • How religion promotes society and how it can destroy it
  • The knowledge of religion from the eyes of a sociologist
  • Religious pluralism in America: how diverse religions struggle to strive
  • Social stratification and its role in shaping religious groups in America
  • The concept of organized religion: why the belief in God is not enough to join a religious group
  • The family has the biggest influence on religious choices: examine how childhood influences the adult’s religious interests
  • Islamophobia in European societies and anti-Semitism in America
  • The views of Christianity on interfaith marriage
  • The views of Islam on interfaith marriage
  • The difference between spirituality and religion
  • The role of discipline in maintaining strict religious edicts
  • How do people tell others about their religion?
  • The features of religion in sociology
  • What are the views of Karl Marx on religion?
  • What are the views of Frederic Engels on religion?
  • Modern Islam: the conflict of pluralism and secularism
  • Choose two religions and explore their concepts of divorce
  • Governance and religion: how religion is also a tool of control
  • The changes in religious ideas with technological evolution
  • Theology is the study of God for God, not humans
  • The most feared religion: how Islamic extremists became identified as terrorist organizations
  • The role of cults in the society: why religious people still have cults affiliations
  • The concept of religious inequality in the US
  • What does religion say about sexual violence?

Religion Essay Topics

As a college student, you may be required to write an essay on religion or morality. You may need to access a lot of religious essay topics to find inspiration for a topic of your choice. Rather than go through the stress of compiling, you can get more information for better performance from religion topics for research paper like:

  • The origin of Jihad in Islam and how it has evolved
  • Compare the similarities and differences between Christian and Judaism religions
  • The Thirty Years War and the Catholic church
  • The Holocaust: historic aggression or a religious war
  • Religion is a tool of oppression from the political and economic perspectives
  • The concept of patriarchy in religion
  • Baptism and synonym to ritual sacrifice
  • The life of Jesus Christ and the themes of theology
  • The life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and the themes of theology
  • How can religion be used to promote world peace?
  • Analyze how Jesus died and the reason for his death
  • Analyze the event of the birth of Christ
  • The betrayal of Jesus is merely to fulfill a prophecy
  • Does “prophecy” exist anywhere in religion?
  • The role of war in promoting religion: how crusades and terrorist attacks shape the modern world
  • The concept of Karma: is Karma real?
  • Who are the major theorists in religion and what do they say?
  • The connection of sociology with religion
  • Why must everyone be born again according to Christians?
  • What does religious tolerance mean?
  • What is the benefit of religion in society?
  • What do you understand about free speech and religious tolerance?
  • Why did the Church separate from the state?
  • The concept of guardian angels in religion
  • What do Islam and Christianity say about the end of the world?
  • Religion and the purpose of God for man
  • The concept of conscience in morality is overrated
  • Are there different sects in Christianity?
  • What does Islam or Christianity say about suicide?
  • What are the reasons for the Protestant Reformation?
  • The role of missionaries in propagating Christianity in Africa
  • The role of the Catholic church in shaping Christianity
  • Do we need an international religious organization to maintain international religious peace?
  • Why do people believe in miracles?

Argumentative Essay Topics on Religion

Creating argumentative essay topics on religion may be a daunting exercise regardless of your level. It is more difficult when you don’t know how to start. Your professor could be interested in your critical opinions about international issues bordering on religion, which is why you need to develop sensible topics. You can consider the following research paper topics religion and society for inspiration:

  • Religion will dominate humanity: discuss
  • All religions of the world dehumanize the woman
  • All men are slaves to religion
  • Karl Marx was right when he said religion is the return of the repressed, “the sigh of the oppressed creature”: discuss
  • Christianity declined in Europe with the Thirty Years War and it separated brothers and sisters of the Christian faith?
  • Islamic terrorism is a targeted attack on western culture
  • The danger of teen marriage in Islam is more than its benefits
  • The church should consider teen marriages for every interested teenager
  • Is faith fiction or reality?
  • The agape love is restricted to God and God’s love alone
  • God: does he exist or is he a fiction dominating the world?
  • Prayer works better without medicine: why some churches preach against the use of medicine
  • People change religion because they are confused about God: discuss
  • The church and the state should be together
  • Polygamous marriage is evil and it should be condemned by every religion
  • Cloning is abuse against God’s will
  • Religious leaders should also be political leaders
  • Abortion: a sin against God or control over your body
  • Liberty of religious association affects you negatively: discuss
  • Religious leaders only care about themselves, not the people
  • Everyone should consider agnosticism
  • Natural laws are the enemy of religion
  • It is good to have more than two faiths in a family
  • It is hard for the state to exist without religion
  • Religion as a cause of the World War One
  • Religion as a tool for capitalists
  • Religion doesn’t promote morality, only extremisms
  • Marriage: should the people or their religious leaders set the rules?
  • Why the modern church should acknowledge the LGBTQ: the fight for true liberalism
  • Mere coexistence is not religious tolerance
  • The use of candles, incense, etc. in Catholic worship is idolatrous and the same as pagan worship: discuss
  • The Christian religion is the same as Islam

Christianity Research Paper Topics on Religion

It doesn’t matter if you’re a Christian or not as you need to develop a range of topics for your essay or project. To create narrow yet all-inclusive research about Christianity in the world today, you can consider research topics online. Rather than rack your head or go through different pages on the internet, consider these:

  • Compare and contrast Christian and Islam religions
  • Trace the origin of Christianity and the similarity of the beliefs in the contemporary world
  • Account for the violent spread of Christianity during the crusades
  • Account for the state of Christianity in secular societies
  • The analysis of the knowledge of rapture in Christianity
  • Choose three contemporary issues and write the response of Christianity on them
  • The Catholic church and its role towards the continuance of sexual violence
  • The Catholic church and the issues of sexual abuse and scandals
  • The history of Christianity in America
  • The history of Christianity in Europe
  • The impact of Christianity on American slaves
  • The belief of Christianity on death, dying, and rapture
  • The study of Christianity in the medieval period
  • How Christianity influenced the western world
  • Christianity: the symbols and their meaning
  • Why catholic priests practice celibacy
  • Christianity in the Reformation Era
  • Discuss the Gnostic Gospels and their distinct historic influence on Christianity
  • The catholic church in the Third Reich of Germany
  • The difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament
  • What the ten commandments say from a theological perspective
  • The unpredictable story of Moses
  • The revival of Saul to Paul: miracle or what?
  • Are there Christian cults in the contemporary world?
  • Gender differences in the Christian church: why some churches don’t allow women pastors
  • The politics of the Catholic church before the separation of the church and the state
  • The controversies around Christian religion and atheism: why many people are leaving the church
  • What is the Holy Trinity and what is its role in the church?
  • The miracles of the New Testament and its difference from the Old Testament’s
  • Why do people question the existence of God?
  • God is a spirit: discuss

Islam Research Paper Topics

As a student of the Islamic religion or a Muslim, you may be interested in research on the religion. Numerous Islam research paper topics could be critical in shaping your research paper or essay. These are easy yet profound research paper topics on religion Islam for your essays or papers:

  • Islam in the Middle East
  • Trace the origin of Islam
  • Who are the most important prophets in Islam?
  • Discuss the Sunni and other groups of Muslims
  • The Five Pillars of Islam are said to be important in Islam, why?
  • Discuss the significance of the Holy Month
  • Discuss the significance of the Holy Pilgrimage
  • The distinctions of the Five Pillars of Islam and the Ten Commandments?
  • The controversies around the hijab and the veil
  • Western states are denying Muslims: why?
  • The role of religious leaders in their advocacy of sexual abuse and violence
  • What the Quran says about rape and what does Hadiths say, too?
  • Rape: men, not the women roaming the street should be blamed
  • What is radicalism in Islam?
  • The focus of Islam is to oppress women: discuss
  • The political, social, and economic influence of modernity on Islam
  • The notable wives of prophet Muhammad and their role in Islam: discuss
  • Trace the evolution of Islam in China and the efforts of the government against them
  • Religious conflict in Palestine and Israel: how a territorial conflict slowly became a religious war
  • The study of social class and the Islamic religion
  • Suicide bombers and their belief of honor in death: the beliefs of Islamic jihadists
  • Account for the issues of marginalization of women in Muslim marriages
  • The role of literature in promoting the fundamentals of Islam: how poetry was used to appeal to a wider audience
  • The concept of feminism in Islam and why patriarchy seems to be on a steady rise
  • The importance of Hadiths in the comprehension of the Islamic religion
  • Does Islam approve of democracy?
  • Islamic terrorism and the role of religious leaders
  • The relationship of faith in Islam and Christianity: are there differences in the perspectives of faith?
  • How the Quran can be used as a tool for religious tolerance and religious intolerance
  • The study of Muslims in France: why is there religious isolation and abuse in such a society?
  • Islam and western education: what are the issues that have become relevant in recent years?
  • Is there a relationship between Islam and Science?
  • Western culture: why there are stereotypes against Muslims abroad
  • Mythology in Islam: what role does it play in shaping the religion?
  • Islam and the belief in the afterlife: are there differences between its beliefs with other religions’?
  • Why women are not allowed to take sermons in Islam

Can’t Figure Out Your Religion Paper?

With these religious research paper topics, you’re open to change the words or choose a topic of your choice for your research paper or essay. Writing an essay after finding a topic is relatively easy. Since you have helpful world religion research paper topics, research paper topics on religion and society, religion essay topics, argumentative essay topics on religion, Christianity research paper topics, and Islam research paper topics, you can go online to research different books that discuss the topic of your choice. However, if you require the assistance of professional academic experts who offer custom academic help, you’ll find them online. There are a few writing help online groups that assist in writing your essays or research paper as fast as possible. You can opt for their service if you’re too busy or unmotivated to write your research paper or essay.

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80 Religious Studies Research Topics

FacebookXEmailWhatsAppRedditPinterestLinkedInIf you are a student seeking compelling research topics in Religious Studies, you have come to the right place. Embarking on the challenging yet profoundly rewarding journey of selecting research topics for your Religious Studies thesis or dissertation? Look no further, for in this comprehensive guide, we will explore a diverse array of captivating and […]

Religious Studies Research Topics

If you are a student seeking compelling research topics in Religious Studies, you have come to the right place. Embarking on the challenging yet profoundly rewarding journey of selecting research topics for your Religious Studies thesis or dissertation? Look no further, for in this comprehensive guide, we will explore a diverse array of captivating and thought-provoking research topics that span the spectrum of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. Religious Studies is a discipline that delves into the profound intricacies of belief systems, practices, and their socio-cultural impact. The choices for research topics are as vast as the multitude of faiths and spiritual traditions in our world today, allowing you to explore and contribute to the rich tapestry of human spirituality. So, whether you’re seeking to investigate the historical evolution of religious practices or dissect the contemporary interplay between religion and society, you’ll find a wealth of inspiration within these pages to embark on your scholarly journey of discovery.

Religious Studies, often referred to as theology, divinity, or the study of religion, is a multidisciplinary field that explores the beliefs, practices, and cultural significance of various faith traditions and spiritual phenomena. It encompasses the academic examination of religion, spirituality, and the diverse ways they shape societies and individuals.

A List Of Potential Research Topics In Religious Studies:

  • Analyzing the role of religion in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts.
  • Investigating the Use of Comparative Religion in Cross-Cultural Understanding.
  • Investigating the role of religious beliefs in shaping attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights.
  • Examining the relationship between religion and mental health among adolescents in urban settings.
  • Exploring the role of religious beliefs in shaping attitudes toward immigration and refugees.
  • Evaluating the influence of religious institutions on political decision-making in a secular society.
  • Investigating the portrayal of religious themes in contemporary cinema.
  • Analyzing the evolution of religious syncretism in diaspora communities.
  • Evaluating the historical significance of religious pilgrimages in shaping cultural identities.
  • Assessing the Impact of UK Immigration Policies on Religious Diversity and Pluralism.
  • Exploring the role of music and chanting in religious rituals and spiritual experiences.
  • Analyzing the influence of religious traditions on dietary choices and food ethics.
  • Investigating the relationship between religious identity and social integration among immigrants.
  • Analyzing Religious Freedom and Discrimination in the UK in a Post-Brexit Context.
  • Investigating the impact of religious beliefs on end-of-life decision-making and medical ethics.
  • Investigating the impact of interfaith dialogue on religious tolerance and coexistence in multicultural societies.
  • Assessing the role of religious leaders in promoting social justice and human rights.
  • Analyzing the Intersection of Religion, Environment, and Sustainability in Recent Scholarship.
  • Examining the intersections of religion and technology in virtual religious communities.
  • Exploring the Relationship Between Religion and Nationalism in Contemporary UK Politics.
  • Exploring the interplay of religion and international diplomacy in contemporary global affairs.
  • Analyzing the role of religious rhetoric in shaping public perceptions of social justice issues.
  • Investigating the impact of religious beliefs on attitudes toward vaccination.
  • Exploring the intersections of religion and virtual reality in religious experiences.
  • Investigating the portrayal of religious diversity in children’s literature.
  • Analyzing the Economic Challenges Faced by Religious Institutions in the Wake of COVID-19.
  • Analyzing the influence of religious values on ethical decision-making in business.
  • Examining the use of technology in preserving and disseminating religious texts and traditions.
  • Analyzing the role of religious NGOs in addressing global humanitarian crises.
  • Assessing the Role of Gender Studies in Shaping the Study of Religion.
  • Exploring the Shifts in Religious Identity and Conversion Trends Post-COVID.
  • Investigating the Role of Religious Narratives in Shaping Public Perception of the Pandemic.
  • Evaluating the influence of religious traditions on attitudes toward assisted reproductive technologies.
  • Analyzing the Evolution of Religious Studies as an Interdisciplinary Field.
  • A Comprehensive Review of Contemporary Approaches to the Study of Religion.
  • Exploring the relationship between religious practices and mental health outcomes in prison populations.
  • Exploring the psychological effects of religious conversion and deconversion.
  • Exploring the intersections of religion and environmental ethics in the context of climate change.
  • Exploring the representation of religious diversity in online gaming communities.
  • Investigating the impact of religious education on attitudes toward religious diversity.
  • Assessing the influence of religious values on attitudes toward animal rights.
  • The Influence of Brexit on Religious Minorities’ Rights and Integration in the UK.
  • Evaluating the influence of religious traditions on views of environmental conservation.
  • Studying the Interplay Between Religion and Mental Health in the Post-Pandemic Era.
  • Examining the impact of religious literacy programs on interfaith understanding.
  • A Review of Contemporary Debates on Secularism and Secularity in Religious Studies.
  • Evaluating the role of religious institutions in humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts.
  • Investigating the role of religious beliefs in shaping attitudes toward mental health treatment.
  • Analyzing the influence of religious beliefs on political activism and social justice movements.
  • Examining the relationship between religious practices and mental well-being in the elderly.
  • Investigating the impact of religious music on emotional and spiritual experiences.
  • Investigating the Role of Religious Institutions in Providing Social Services in the UK.
  • Assessing the Influence of Religious Leaders in Promoting Vaccination and Public Health Measures.
  • Assessing the Influence of UK Religious Leaders in Shaping Public Opinion and Policy Debates.
  • Assessing the portrayal of religious figures in popular media and its implications for religious identity.
  • Examining the role of religious leaders in promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
  • Exploring the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Religious Practices and Beliefs Worldwide.
  • Evaluating the influence of religious traditions on ethical considerations in artificial intelligence.
  • Theoretical and Methodological Trends in the Study of Sacred Texts and Scriptures.
  • Evaluating the impact of religious tourism on local economies and cultural preservation.
  • Analyzing Interfaith Relations and Dialogue Initiatives in the United Kingdom.
  • Examining the role of religious texts in promoting gender equality and women’s rights.
  • Analyzing the impact of religious rituals on mental well-being during times of crisis.
  • Examining the role of religious communication in shaping public discourse and belief systems.
  • Examining Changes in Religious Rituals and Traditions in Response to COVID-19 Restrictions.
  • Examining the Representation of Religion in British Media and Its Influence on Public Perception.
  • Assessing the Future Directions and Challenges Facing the Field of Religious Studies.
  • Investigating the role of religious beliefs in shaping attitudes toward medical advancements.
  • Analyzing the ethics of religious proselytism in a globalized world.
  • Exploring the Ethical and Moral Dimensions of Religious Studies Research.
  • Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation.
  • Exploring the intersections of religion and artificial intelligence in ethical discussions.
  • Examining the portrayal of religious themes in contemporary fashion and design.
  • Assessing the impact of religious education on the moral development of children.
  • Investigating the role of religious leaders in promoting peace and conflict resolution.
  • Examining the cultural significance of religious festivals and their role in preserving traditions.
  • Exploring the representation of religious minorities in contemporary literature.
  • Analyzing the influence of religious beliefs on attitudes toward reproductive rights.
  • Analyzing the Role of Technology and Online Worship Services in the Post-COVID Religious Landscape.
  • Examining the role of gender in religious leadership and its implications for gender equality.

In Religious Studies, the journey of exploration and research is as profound as the topics themselves. Whether you are an undergraduate, a master’s student, or a doctoral candidate, the rich tapestry of religious and spiritual dimensions awaits your scholarly scrutiny. From the historical roots of faith to the contemporary intersections of religion and society, the research topics presented here are but a glimpse of the boundless opportunities for academic inquiry and discovery within this field. As you embark on your chosen path of investigation, remember that Religious Studies is a journey toward understanding the spiritual threads that weave through the human experience, offering a more profound comprehension of our shared beliefs, practices, and the enduring questions that define our existence. May your research endeavors be enlightening and transformative as you contribute to the ever-evolving conversation on faith and meaning.

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The Best 50 Religion Research Topics to Use for Students

Religious Research Paper Topics

In our multi-religious and multicultural society, crafting a great research paper on religion is a challenging task. Indeed, this challenge starts from the first stage of preparing your paper: identifying a good religious research paper topic. Further, it is almost impossible to write a paper without offending one or more religious feelings, especially when working on the history of religion. To make writing your paper easy, you must start by picking good religious paper topics.

In this paper, we list 50 religion research paper topics and a guide for selecting the best. If you want to get good grades, start with the right step- the best topic.

Why You Need the Best Religion Research Paper Topics

When working on any research paper, the most important step is identifying the topic. Indeed, the topic determines the direction you will take with the paper. Here are other benefits of selecting the best topics for a religious research paper.

  • It allows you to work on the preferred area of interest.
  • With a good topic, you do not get bored midway.
  • A great topic offers you the opportunity to fill knowledge gaps in the field of religious studies.
  • It is your opportunity to make your contribution felt.
  • Picking the best topics is the first step to better grades.

How to Pick the Best Topics for a Religious Research Paper

Now that you know the benefits of selecting the best topics for your religious papers, you might be wondering, “How do I pick it?” Here are some useful tips to help you identify the best:

  • Brainstorm your religious study subject. This will help you to get the best ideas to work on.
  • Comprehensively research your area of interest. For example, you might be interested in the history of religion, church and social action, creationism, or modernism and religion.
  • Look at the latest happenings. Things such as religious involvement in economics and education might inspire your paper ideas.
  • Follow your teacher’s recommendation. Often, professors give guidelines to students on the areas they should work on. For example, if you were covering a certain area in your religious education studies class; your teacher might ask you to pick topics from that section only. But in most cases, teachers leave the topics open for students to select on their own.
  • Read other research on religious studies. Most researchers point at gaps that exist in the niche so that later students can work on them. This is a great place to commence your research paper.

The Best Religious Topics for a Research Paper

Whether you prefer working on religious controversial topics or philosophy of religion essay topics, we have listed the best 50 ideas to get you started. Check them and pick them as they are or tweak them to fit your preferred format.

  • Christian and economics.
  • Religion and homosexuality.
  • Black churches.
  • Christianity history.
  • Comparing and contrasting Christian and Islam history.
  • A closer look at world religions without gods.
  • The concept of religion and soul.
  • The impact of religious laws on morality.
  • The phenomenon of trickster gods.
  • The impact of Greek religion on European culture.
  • Impact of religion on American culture.
  • Impact of religion on Chinese culture.
  • Comparing the similarities of images of gods in different religions.
  • How does gender affect religion?
  • Islam in modern India.
  • What is the future of religion?
  • Afterlife: What are the differences in diverse religions?
  • What are the main causes of the faith crisis?
  • Analyzing the influence of female clergy on religion.
  • Relooking at the reincarnation concept.
  • What role do men have in religion?
  • The impacts of yoga on religion.
  • Can faith remove the harshness of adolescence?
  • Why is Ramadhan referred to as the holy month?
  • Comparing religious counselors to classical psychologists.
  • A closer look at the main differences between the bible and Koran.
  • What is the importance of Christmas for Christians?
  • Creationism.
  • Religion and science.
  • How do people implement different religious practices today?
  • Should atheism be considered another form of religion?
  • Judaism: A closer look at its history.
  • Analyzing attitudes towards sex in the Christian religion.
  • Children: Are they considered innocent in all religions?
  • A closer look at the history of Hinduism.
  • A closer look at the existence of God as a supernatural being.
  • Comparing and contrasting monotheistic cultures.
  • Female goddesses.
  • Chaplain-ship: How does it trigger peace and harmony?
  • Impact of women in the history of Christianity.
  • What are the implications of forced religion on people?
  • Religion and terrorism.
  • Religion in the workplace.
  • Religion and evolution.
  • Nordic mythology.
  • A world without religion: Is it possible?
  • Applying religion to address global problems.
  • The primal religions.
  • Do you think religion should play a role in modern politics?
  • Do you think religion influences societal virtues?

Got the Best Religion Topics to Write About – What Next?

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100+ Best Religion Research Paper Topics in 2023

Religion is a vast and diverse field of study, encompassing a wide range of beliefs, practices, and traditions. There are numerous research paper topics that explore various aspects of religion, including its history, philosophy, theology, and sociological implications. Some potential topics may include the role of religion in shaping political ideologies, the impact of globalization on religious practices, the relationship between religion and morality, the evolution of religious practices over time, and the intersection of religion and culture. It's important to approach these topics with sensitivity and respect for different beliefs and perspectives, while also maintaining a critical and analytical mindset. Thorough research and analysis can lead to a deeper understanding of the complexities of religion and its impact on individuals and societies.

RELIGION RESEARCH PAPER TOPICS

How to Choose the Best Religion Research Paper Topic?

Choosing the best religion research paper topic can be a challenging task, but there are several factors to consider when making a selection.

  • Identify your research interests: Consider your personal interests, academic background, and future career aspirations to identify topics that align with your research goals.
  • Narrow down the scope: Religion is a broad topic, so it's important to narrow down your research focus by identifying specific aspects of religion that interest you.
  • Consider the relevance: Choose a topic that is relevant and timely, such as current debates or issues within the field of religion.
  • Consult with your professor or advisor: Seek advice from your professor or academic advisor to ensure that your topic is appropriate and feasible for your research project.
  • Conduct preliminary research: Conduct preliminary research on potential topics to assess the availability of resources and identify any potential challenges or limitations.
  • Choose a manageable topic: Choose a topic that is manageable in terms of scope and depth, given the available time and resources for your research project.

Christianity Research Paper Topics

The role of Christianity in shaping Western civilization: An analysis of the historical, cultural, and social impact of Christianity in the West.

Christian ethics and morality: A study of the moral principles and ethical considerations that guide Christian behavior.

The diversity of Christianity: An exploration of the different branches, denominations, and traditions within Christianity and their beliefs and practices.

Christianity and politics: An analysis of the intersection between Christianity and political ideologies, including the role of religion in public policy.

Christian art and architecture: A study of the artistic and architectural expressions of Christianity and their cultural significance.

The history of Christian theology: An exploration of the development of Christian theology, including its major figures, movements, and controversies.

The influence of Christianity on literature: An analysis of the impact of Christian themes and motifs on literature throughout history.

Christianity and science: A study of the relationship between Christianity and scientific inquiry, including debates over evolution and creationism.

Christian education: An exploration of the role of Christian education in shaping religious beliefs and values.

Christianity and social justice: An analysis of Christian perspectives on social justice issues, including poverty, inequality, and human rights.

Christian mission and evangelism: A study of the history, methods, and impact of Christian mission and evangelism around the world.

Christianity and gender: An exploration of Christian teachings on gender roles and sexuality, including debates over LGBTQ+ rights.

Christian spirituality: An analysis of the practices and beliefs that form the core of Christian spirituality, including prayer, worship, and meditation.

The influence of Christianity on politics and public life: A study of the impact of Christian thought and values on political and public life throughout history.

Christianity and the environment: An exploration of Christian perspectives on environmentalism and sustainability.

The history and influence of Christian music: A study of the evolution of Christian music and its role in shaping religious culture and identity.

Christianity and globalization: An analysis of the impact of globalization on Christianity, including the spread of Christianity to new regions and cultures.

Theology of forgiveness in Christianity: An exploration of the concept of forgiveness in Christianity and its implications for interpersonal relationships and social justice.

Christianity and interfaith dialogue: A study of the opportunities and challenges of interfaith dialogue between Christianity and other religious traditions.

The impact of Christianity on human rights: An analysis of the role of Christianity in the development of human rights and its ongoing influence on human rights discourse.

Islam Research Topics

The historical and cultural impact of Islam: An analysis of the spread of Islam and its influence on art, architecture, and culture.

Islamic philosophy and theology: A study of the development of Islamic philosophical and theological thought and its impact on Muslim societies.

Women in Islam: An exploration of the role of women in Islam, including debates over gender roles and equality.

Islam and politics: An analysis of the relationship between Islam and political ideologies, including the role of Islam in public policy.

Islamic education: A study of the role of Islamic education in shaping religious beliefs and values.

Islam and social justice: An exploration of Islamic perspectives on social justice issues, including poverty, inequality, and human rights.

Islamic art and architecture: A study of the artistic and architectural expressions of Islam and their cultural significance.

Islam and science: An analysis of the relationship between Islam and scientific inquiry, including debates over evolution and creationism.

Islam and globalization: An exploration of the impact of globalization on Islam, including the spread of Islam to new regions and cultures.

Islam and human rights: A study of the relationship between Islam and human rights, including debates over freedom of religion and expression.

Islamic finance and economics: An analysis of Islamic finance and economic systems and their impact on Muslim societies.

The diversity of Islam: An exploration of the different branches, denominations, and traditions within Islam and their beliefs and practices.

Islamophobia: An analysis of the causes and consequences of Islamophobia in Western societies.

The history of Islamic civilization: A study of the rise and fall of Islamic empires and their impact on world history.

Islamic spirituality: An exploration of the practices and beliefs that form the core of Islamic spirituality, including prayer, worship, and meditation.

Islam and interfaith dialogue: A study of the opportunities and challenges of interfaith dialogue between Islam and other religious traditions.

Islamic law and governance: An analysis of Islamic legal systems and their impact on Muslim societies.

The Islamic Golden Age: A study of the intellectual, scientific, and cultural achievements of the Islamic Golden Age.

Islam and terrorism: An exploration of the relationship between Islam and terrorism, including the role of extremist groups.

Islamic environmentalism: A study of Islamic perspectives on environmentalism and sustainability.

Siddhartha Essay Topics

The journey of self-discovery in Siddhartha: An analysis of the theme of self-discovery and personal growth in Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha.

Siddhartha's search for enlightenment: A study of Siddhartha's spiritual journey and his quest for enlightenment.

The role of nature in Siddhartha: An exploration of the role of nature in Siddhartha's spiritual awakening and self-discovery.

The impact of society on Siddhartha's spiritual journey: An analysis of the societal and cultural factors that shape Siddhartha's spiritual quest.

The significance of the river in Siddhartha: A study of the symbolic and metaphorical importance of the river in Siddhartha's spiritual journey.

The role of relationships in Siddhartha: An exploration of the impact of relationships and human connections on Siddhartha's journey of self-discovery.

Siddhartha and the Buddhist philosophy: A study of the influence of Buddhist philosophy on Siddhartha's spiritual journey.

Siddhartha's struggle with attachment: An analysis of Siddhartha's struggle with attachment and his journey towards detachment and inner peace.

The theme of duality in Siddhartha: An exploration of the theme of duality and the reconciliation of opposites in Siddhartha's spiritual journey.

The impact of mentors and teachers on Siddhartha: A study of the role of mentors and teachers in Siddhartha's spiritual development.

The impact of suffering on Siddhartha's spiritual growth: An analysis of the role of suffering and hardship in Siddhartha's spiritual awakening and growth.

The concept of time in Siddhartha: An exploration of the theme of time and the transience of life in Siddhartha's spiritual journey.

Siddhartha's spiritual evolution: A study of Siddhartha's spiritual evolution and the changes in his worldview throughout the novel.

The role of music in Siddhartha: An analysis of the significance of music and sound in Siddhartha's spiritual journey.

Siddhartha's relationship with his father: An exploration of the complex relationship between Siddhartha and his father and its impact on his spiritual journey.

The symbolism of the lotus in Siddhartha: A study of the symbolic significance of the lotus flower in Siddhartha's spiritual journey.

The theme of self-reliance in Siddhartha: An analysis of the theme of self-reliance and the pursuit of individuality in Siddhartha's spiritual quest.

The impact of Eastern and Western philosophies on Siddhartha: An exploration of the influence of Eastern and Western philosophies on Siddhartha's spiritual journey.

The theme of detachment in Siddhartha: A study of the theme of detachment and the pursuit of inner peace in Siddhartha's spiritual quest.

The role of symbolism in Siddhartha: An analysis of the use of symbolism and allegory in Siddhartha to convey spiritual and philosophical themes.

Buddhism Essay Topics

The life and teachings of the Buddha: A study of the historical and philosophical aspects of Buddhism and the life of the Buddha.

The spread of Buddhism: An analysis of the spread of Buddhism from its origins in India to other parts of Asia and the world.

Buddhist philosophy: A study of the philosophical principles and concepts of Buddhism, including karma, rebirth, and enlightenment.

Buddhism and meditation: An exploration of the role of meditation in Buddhist practice and its benefits for mental and physical health.

Buddhist art and architecture: A study of the artistic and architectural expressions of Buddhism and their cultural significance.

Buddhism and mindfulness: An analysis of the relationship between Buddhism and the practice of mindfulness, including its applications in modern psychology.

Buddhism and ethics: A study of the moral principles and ethical considerations that guide Buddhist behavior.

Buddhist psychology: An exploration of Buddhist approaches to the study of human behavior and the mind.

Buddhism and social justice: An analysis of Buddhist perspectives on social justice issues, including poverty, inequality, and human rights.

Buddhist monasticism: A study of the history and practices of Buddhist monasticism, including the role of monastic communities in Buddhist societies.

The role of women in Buddhism: An exploration of the role of women in Buddhist history, practice, and leadership.

Buddhist education: An analysis of the role of Buddhist education in shaping religious beliefs and values.

Buddhism and the environment: An exploration of Buddhist perspectives on environmentalism and sustainability.

Buddhism and modernity: A study of the impact of modernity on Buddhist practice and belief.

Buddhist social engagement: An analysis of Buddhist approaches to social and political engagement, including advocacy and activism.

Buddhism and interfaith dialogue: A study of the opportunities and challenges of interfaith dialogue between Buddhism and other religious traditions.

The relationship between Buddhism and science: An exploration of the relationship between Buddhism and scientific inquiry, including the intersection of Buddhist philosophy and modern science.

The diversity of Buddhism: An analysis of the different branches, schools, and traditions within Buddhism and their beliefs and practices.

Buddhism and globalization: An exploration of the impact of globalization on Buddhism, including the spread of Buddhism to new regions and cultures.

Buddhism and economics: A study of the economic systems and policies influenced by Buddhist beliefs and practices.

Research Paper Topics Religion and Society

Religion and social change: An exploration of the role of religion in shaping social movements and cultural transformations.

Religion and identity: A study of the relationship between religion and individual and group identities.

Religion and social stratification: An analysis of the role of religion in shaping social hierarchies and inequality.

Religion and education: An exploration of the role of religion in shaping educational practices and beliefs.

Religion and social justice: A study of religious perspectives on social justice issues, including poverty, inequality, and human rights.

Religion and politics: An analysis of the intersection between religion and political ideologies, including the role of religion in public policy.

Religion and the family: An exploration of the role of religion in shaping family structures and relationships.

Religion and gender: A study of the role of religion in shaping gender roles and sexuality.

Religion and healthcare: An analysis of the role of religion in shaping healthcare practices and beliefs.

Religion and crime: An exploration of the relationship between religion and criminal behavior, including the role of religion in rehabilitation and reintegration.

World Religion Research Paper Topics

Religious pluralism: An exploration of the coexistence of multiple religious traditions in a globalized world.

Religion and conflict: An analysis of the role of religion in shaping conflicts, including sectarianism, extremism, and terrorism.

Comparative study of major world religions: A study of the similarities and differences between major world religions, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism.

Religion and globalization: An analysis of the impact of globalization on religious practices and beliefs.

Religion and human rights: An exploration of the relationship between religion and human rights, including debates over freedom of religion and expression.

Religion and ethics: A study of the moral principles and ethical considerations that guide religious behavior.

Religion and gender: An analysis of the role of religion in shaping gender roles and sexuality.

Religion and science: An exploration of the relationship between religion and scientific inquiry, including debates over evolution and creationism.

Theology Research Paper Topics

The historical development of theology: An exploration of the evolution of theological thought and its influence on religious traditions.

The relationship between theology and philosophy: A study of the intersection of theology and philosophical inquiry, including debates over the existence of God and the nature of faith.

The role of scripture in theological inquiry: An analysis of the role of religious texts in shaping theological beliefs and practices.

Theology and ethics: An exploration of the moral principles and ethical considerations that guide theological inquiry.

Theology and social justice: A study of theological perspectives on social justice issues, including poverty, inequality, and human rights.

Theology and interfaith dialogue: An analysis of the opportunities and challenges of interfaith dialogue between different theological traditions.

Theology and spirituality: A study of the practices and beliefs that form the core of theological spirituality, including prayer, worship, and meditation.

Theology and science: An exploration of the relationship between theology and scientific inquiry, including debates over evolution and creationism.

Theology and politics: An analysis of the intersection between theology and political ideologies, including the role of religion in public policy.

Theology and identity: A study of the role of theology in shaping individual and group identities.

Theology and gender: An exploration of the role of theology in shaping gender roles and sexuality.

Theology and culture: An analysis of the impact of theology on cultural practices and beliefs.

Theology and art: A study of the artistic expressions of theology and their cultural significance.

Theology and environmentalism: An exploration of theological perspectives on environmentalism and sustainability.

Theology and economics: An analysis of the economic systems and policies influenced by theological beliefs and practices.

Theology and human rights: A study of the relationship between theology and human rights, including debates over freedom of religion and expression.

Theology and migration: An exploration of the impact of theology on migration patterns and the experiences of migrants.

Theology and media: An analysis of the role of theology in shaping media representations and the impact of media on theological practices and beliefs.

Theology and death: A study of theological perspectives on death and the afterlife.

Theology and technology: An exploration of the impact of technology on theological practices and beliefs.

Conclusion 

Religion is a complex and fascinating field of study that offers numerous research paper topics for students to explore. Whether you are interested in the historical, philosophical, or social aspects of religion, there is a wide range of topics to choose from. Some popular areas of research include the role of religion in shaping society and culture, the intersection of religion and politics, and the impact of religion on individual and collective identities. Additionally, topics related to specific religions, such as Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism, offer rich opportunities for analysis and inquiry. No matter what your interests are, researching religion can offer valuable insights into human beliefs, values, and practices.

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topics for research in religious studies

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Digital Commons @ USF > College of Arts and Sciences > Religious Studies > Theses and Dissertations

Religious Studies Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2022 2022.

Interpreting 9/11: Religious or Political Event? , Fadime Apaydin

The need to address religious diversity at work: an all-inclusive model of spirituality at work , Ivonne Valero Cázares

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

The Mass is the Medium: Marshall McLuhan and Roman Catholic Liturgical Change , Ashil D. Manohar

White Too Long: Christianity or Nationalism? , Rachel E. Osborne

"Theology" in the Public University , Sarah T. White

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Warfare in Christianity and Islam: Unveiling Secular Justifications and Motivations Behind So-Called Religious Violence , Onur Korkmaz

Legitimizing Violence: Functional Similarities of the Religious and the Secular Violence , Tahir Topal

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

“Living Creatures of Every Kind:” An Ecofeminist Reading of Genesis 1-3 , T. G. Barkasy

Three Theorists on Religious Violence in an Islamic Context: Karen Armstrong, Mark Juergensmeyer, and William T. Cavanaugh , Ayse Camur

Complex Tripartite Hydro Politics of River Ganges , Muttaki Bin Kamal

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Solid Metaphor and Sacred Space: Interpreting the Paradigmatic and Syntagmatic Relations Found at Beth Alpha Synagogue , Evan Carter

Growth, and Development of Care for Leprosy Sufferers Provided by Religious Institutions from the First Century AD to the Middle Ages , Philippa Juliet Meek

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Altering Tian: Spirituality in Early Confucianism , Jacob Thomas Atkinson

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

The U.S. Department of State Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives: What does the U.S. engage when they engage `religion'? , Belgica Marisol Cucalon

Rising Above a Crippling Hermeneutic , Luke Steven, Carlos, Armando Thompson

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

From Cosmogony to Anthropogony: Inscribing Bodies in Vedic Cosmogony and Samskara Rituals , Christine Boulos

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Gadamer and Nāgārjuna in Play: Providing a New Anti-Objectivist Foundation for Gadamer’s Interpretive Pluralism with Nāgārjuna’s Help , Nicholas Byle

Shamanism, Spiritual Transformation and the Ethical Obligations of the Dying Person: A Narrative Approach , Ellen W. Klein

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Finding Confucianism in Scientology: A comparative analysis , John Albert Kieffer

Sympathy for the devil: A character analysis of Gibreel Farishta in Salman Rushdie's The satanic verses , Catherine Mary Lafuente

The Babel paradox , Michel Machado

Theology, Spirituality, and the Academic Study of Religion in Public Universities , Don Saunders

Broadening the Spectrum: The Religious Dimensions of the Rainbow Gatherings , Seth M. Walker

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

Poetry and Ritual: The Physical Expression of Homoerotic Imagery in sama , Zachary Holladay

Religious Exiles And Emigrants: The Changing Face Of Zoroastrianism , Tara Angelique Migliore

Metropolitan Community Church: A Perfectly Queer Reading Of The Bible , Matthew D. Stewart

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

(Dis)continuity between Sikhism and Islam: The development of hukam across religions , Mark Horowitz

Natural Law Ethics: A Comparison of the Theravāda and Thomistic Traditions , David Lantigua

An analysis Of Origen's charismatic ideology in his Commentary on the Gospel of John , Kimberly W. Logan-Hudson

The proliferating sacred: Secularization and postmodernity , Donald Surrency

Theses/Dissertations from 2006 2006

The commodification of yoga in contemporary U.S. culture , Michelle E. Demeter

The Middle-Class Religious Ideology and the Underclass Struggle: A Growing Divide in Black Religion , Franklin Hills Jr.

The ethics of the spirit in Galatians: Considering Paul's paranesis in the interpretation of his theology , Steven Douglas Meigs

Cicero and St. Augustine's Just War Theory: Classical Influences on a Christian Idea , Berit Van Neste

Theses/Dissertations from 2005 2005

The Origins of Jewish Apocalyptic Literature: Prophecy, Babylon, and 1 Enoch , Sarah Robinson

Theses/Dissertations from 2004 2004

Sports and the American Sacred: What are the Limits of Civil Religion? , Frank Ferreri

Radical Religious Groups and Government Policy: A Critical Evaluation , Tori Chambers Lockler

“Symbolism of Language: A Study in the Dialogue of Power Between the Imperial Cult and the Synoptic Gospels” , Sharon Matlock-Marsh

Near-Death Experiences, Religion, and Life After Death , Holly Wallace

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35 Inspiring Theology and Religion Research Topics for Undergraduates

Adela B.

Table of contents

Picture this – you're sitting at your desk, a blank document open on your screen, the cursor blinking back at you. The task? A research paper for your theology and religious studies class. The problem? You have no idea what your topic should be. We've all been there. Whether you're a novice researcher or a seasoned academic, choosing a research paper topic can be daunting.

But fear not, brave scholar! Whether you're interested in the spiritual beliefs that have shaped societies over millennia or the philosophical debates that underpin religious thought, theology and religious studies offer a vast, rich field to explore. So, let's turn that daunting task into an exciting opportunity. In this blog post, we'll explore 30 inspiring research topic ideas for undergraduate theology and religious studies students. But first, let's better understand this intriguing field of study.

The Power of Interfaith Dialogue

Interfaith dialogue plays an instrumental role in promoting understanding, respect, and peace between people of different religious and cultural backgrounds. It encourages constructive conversations that facilitate empathy and respect for diversity. Here are several aspects to focus on:

1. Necessity of Interfaith Dialogue in a Multicultural Society

  • Explore how interfaith dialogue can help create cohesive multicultural societies.
  • Potential sources: Studies on multicultural societies, case studies on successful interfaith dialogue initiatives.

2. The Role of Interfaith Dialogue in Peacebuilding

  • Analyze how interfaith dialogue has been used as a tool for peacebuilding in areas of religious conflict.
  • Potential sources: Reports from international peacekeeping organizations, historical accounts of conflict resolution.

3. Interfaith Dialogue and Mutual Understanding

  • Discuss the significance of interfaith dialogue in promoting mutual understanding and respect among diverse religious communities.
  • Potential sources: Interfaith dialogue guides, accounts of interfaith initiatives.

4. Education and Interfaith Dialogue

  • Examine the role of education in fostering interfaith dialogue and how it can be integrated into educational curricula.
  • Potential sources: Educational policies, studies on religious education.

5. The Role of Religious Leaders in Interfaith Dialogue

  • Investigate the influence of religious leaders in encouraging or discouraging interfaith dialogue.
  • Potential sources: Statements and speeches of religious leaders, accounts of interfaith meetings.

6. Interfaith Dialogue and the Media

  • Discuss the role of media in promoting or impeding interfaith dialogue, and how it can be used constructively.
  • Potential sources: Media studies on religious coverage, case studies on media's role in interfaith initiatives.

7. Obstacles to Effective Interfaith Dialogue

  • Identify common obstacles to interfaith dialogue and propose strategies to overcome them.
  • Potential sources: Studies on interfaith dialogue, reports on religious conflicts.

8. Interfaith Dialogue and Social Justice

  • Explore how interfaith dialogue can contribute to social justice movements and the advocacy for human rights.
  • Potential sources: Reports from human rights organizations, accounts of social justice movements involving interfaith dialogue.

9. The Future of Interfaith Dialogue

  • Consider the future of interfaith dialogue in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world.
  • Potential sources: Futuristic studies on religion, expert opinions on the future of interfaith dialogue.

10. Case Studies of Successful Interfaith Dialogue

  • Analyze case studies of successful interfaith dialogue initiatives and draw lessons from them.
  • Potential sources: Records of successful interfaith dialogues, interviews with participants.

In this journey of understanding the power of interfaith dialogue, it's crucial to approach each topic with respect and sensitivity, acknowledging the diversity of beliefs and practices within and across religious traditions.

Exploring World Religions: Comparative Studies

Exploring world religions through a comparative lens allows for a deeper understanding of the diversity, complexity, and richness of different religious traditions. This section of the dissertation could delve into the following areas:

1. Methodologies in Comparative Religion

  • Discuss various approaches to comparative religion studies, their benefits, and potential limitations.
  • Potential sources: Academic texts on comparative religious studies, methodology guides.

2. Comparative Analysis of Major World Religions

  • Examine key religious concepts, beliefs, practices, and rituals across major world religions such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and others.
  • Potential sources: Religious texts, scholarly articles, ethnographic studies.

3. Similarities and Differences in Religious Practices

  • Identify and discuss similarities and differences in the ways that different religions approach worship, ritual, and community life.
  • Potential sources: Ethnographic studies, scholarly articles on religious practices, religious texts.

4. Comparative Analysis of Religious Philosophies

  • Analyze the philosophical underpinnings of different religions, comparing their approaches to questions of morality, existence, knowledge, and the nature of the divine.
  • Potential sources: Religious philosophy texts, scholarly articles on religious philosophies, expert opinions.

5. Comparative Study of Religious Myths and Stories

  • Compare and contrast the myths, stories, parables, and legends that form part of the narrative traditions of different religions.
  • Potential sources: Religious texts, scholarly articles on religious narratives, studies on mythology.

6. Interactions and Influences among Religions

  • Discuss historical interactions between different religions and how they have influenced each other's development and practices.
  • Potential sources: Historical accounts, scholarly articles on religious interactions, studies on syncretism.

7. The Role of Religion in Society: A Comparative Analysis

  • Analyze the societal roles of religion in different cultures and societies, examining how different religions interact with and influence social structures, norms, and values.
  • Potential sources: Sociological studies on religion, case studies, historical accounts.

8. Comparative Study of Religious Reform Movements

  • Compare and contrast various religious reform movements across different religions, examining their causes, impacts, and outcomes.
  • Potential sources: Historical texts, scholarly articles on religious reform movements, case studies.

9. The Evolution of Religions Over Time

  • Explore how various religions have evolved over time, comparing the ways in which they have adapted to changes in society, science, and technology.
  • Potential sources: Historical studies, scholarly articles on the evolution of religions, religious texts.

10. Case Studies in Comparative Religion

  • Conduct in-depth case studies of particular aspects of different religions, drawing out points of comparison and contrast.
  • Potential sources: Case study reports, academic articles, religious texts.

Comparative studies of world religions can serve to broaden our perspectives, deepen our understanding, and foster greater respect for the variety of religious experiences and expressions around the world.

Religious Influences on Society and Culture

Religion profoundly influences society and culture. It is a force that shapes our understanding of morality, law, and human relationships, influences our arts and literature, and plays a key role in social cohesion and conflict. This section of the dissertation would explore these influences in the following ways:

1. The Role of Religion in Shaping Morality

  • Investigate how religion forms moral codes and principles in different societies, examining the ways in which these codes shape behavior and social norms.
  • Potential sources: Sociological and philosophical texts, religious doctrines, scholarly articles on morality and religion.

2. Religion and the Formation of Law

  • Explore how religious principles have influenced legal systems around the world, from religious laws themselves to secular laws influenced by religious thought.
  • Potential sources: Legal texts, religious scriptures, scholarly articles on law and religion.

3. Religious Influences on Arts and Literature

  • Examine how religion has influenced various art forms and literature, from religious iconography in visual arts to religious themes in literature.
  • Potential sources: Art history texts, literary analysis, scholarly articles on religion in arts and literature.

4. The Impact of Religion on Social Cohesion and Conflict

  • Discuss the dual role of religion in promoting social unity and causing conflict, drawing from historical and contemporary examples.
  • Potential sources: Sociological and historical texts, case studies, news articles, scholarly articles on religion and conflict.

5. Religion and Cultural Identity

  • Explore how religion contributes to the formation of cultural identities and how these identities can influence religious practices and beliefs.
  • Potential sources: Cultural studies, ethnographic research, scholarly articles on religion and identity.

6. Religious Influences on Gender Roles

  • Examine the role of religion in shaping gender norms and expectations in different societies.
  • Potential sources: Gender studies, sociological texts, scholarly articles on religion and gender.

7. The Role of Religion in Education

  • Investigate the role of religion in shaping education systems, curricula, and philosophies of education.
  • Potential sources: Education policy documents, scholarly articles on religion and education.

8. Religion and Social Change

  • Analyze the role of religion in social movements and societal changes, such as civil rights movements, environmental movements, or movements for gender equality.
  • Potential sources: Historical texts, sociological studies, scholarly articles on religion and social change.

9. The Influence of Religion on Healthcare and Well-being

  • Discuss how religious beliefs and practices can influence attitudes towards health, disease, medical ethics, and well-being.
  • Potential sources: Medical ethics texts, scholarly articles on religion and health, case studies.

10. Case Studies in Religious Influence

  • Conduct in-depth case studies of specific instances of religious influence on society and culture.
  • Potential sources: Case studies, historical texts, academic articles, cultural analyses.

Religion's pervasive influence on society and culture is a fascinating area of study. Understanding these influences can provide insight into how societies function, how cultures develop, and how individuals form their identities and worldviews.

Religion and LGBTQ+ Rights: A Comparative Study

The intersection of religion and LGBTQ+ rights is a hotly debated topic in both academic and public spheres. Understanding how different religions view and influence LGBTQ+ rights can provide valuable insights into broader societal attitudes and legal frameworks. Here are some aspects you could delve into:

1. Religious Doctrines and LGBTQ+ Rights: A Comparative Analysis

  • Compare the doctrines of different religions regarding LGBTQ+ issues.
  • Explore how these doctrines have evolved over time.
  • Potential sources: Religious texts, theological studies, writings from religious leaders.

2. The Role of Religion in Shaping Societal Attitudes Towards the LGBTQ+ Community

  • Analyze the influence of religious beliefs on societal attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Explore differences and similarities across various cultures and religions.
  • Potential sources: Sociological studies, surveys on religion and societal attitudes, academic papers on religion and LGBTQ+ rights.

3. The Impact of Religious Lobbying on LGBTQ+ Legislation

  • Examine the influence of religious lobbying on laws related to LGBTQ+ rights.
  • Consider both progressive and conservative religious movements.
  • Potential sources: Legislation history, records of religious lobbying activities, studies on religion and public policy.

4. LGBTQ+ Rights Advocacy Within Religious Communities

  • Explore the role of LGBTQ+ advocacy groups within religious communities.
  • Discuss how these groups navigate the intersection of religious beliefs and LGBTQ+ rights.
  • Potential sources: Statements and publications from advocacy groups, news articles, interviews with advocacy group members.

5. Religion, Conversion Therapy, and Mental Health

  • Investigate the practice of conversion therapy within religious communities.
  • Discuss its impacts on mental health and legal responses to this practice.
  • Potential sources: Psychological studies, survivor testimonies, legislation documents.

In this part, your objective is to shed light on the complex relationship between religion and LGBTQ+ rights. Ensure that your analysis respects the diversity of views within each religion and emphasize the importance of promoting understanding and human rights.

Choosing Your Topic: A Handy Guide

Having established a broad context of the study of religion, it's now time to choose your specific research topic. The selection of a topic is critical as it sets the direction for your research and, ultimately, the success of your dissertation. Here are some guidelines that may help you:

Personal Interest : Select a topic that genuinely interests you. Your passion for the subject will help to sustain your motivation during the often arduous process of researching and writing your dissertation.

Familiarity : While it can be exciting to venture into new territory, choosing a topic you are already familiar with can often prove beneficial, especially if you're already well-versed in some of the literature or theoretical approaches related to your topic.

Originality : Although your topic should be based on established scholarship, it should also make an original contribution to the field. Avoid merely summarizing existing research; instead, seek to provide a new perspective or uncover previously unexplored aspects.

Feasibility : Keep in mind practical considerations such as the availability of resources, time constraints, and the scope of your project. You want your project to be challenging, but also achievable within your given timeframe and resources.

Relevance : Consider the relevance of your topic to the current academic discourse. Selecting a topic that relates to ongoing debates or recent developments in the field can help to ensure that your research will be of interest to others.

To guide you through the process of choosing your topic, here are a few steps you might follow:

Brainstorming : Start by brainstorming a list of potential topics. Don't worry about being too precise at this stage.

Preliminary Research : Conduct some preliminary research on each of your potential topics. Read recent journal articles, check out related books, and familiarize yourself with the current discourse surrounding each topic.

Narrowing Down : After conducting your preliminary research, narrow down your list of potential topics. Discard topics that don't seem feasible or that don't hold as much interest for you as others.

Refinement : Once you have a shortlist of potential topics, refine each one. Develop a research question for each topic and consider what kind of research would be necessary to answer it.

Final Selection : After refining each topic, make your final selection. Choose the topic that you are most interested in, that is most feasible, and that will make the most significant contribution to the field.

Seek Feedback : Once you've selected your topic, seek feedback from your dissertation advisor and other mentors. They can provide valuable insight and help to further refine your topic.

Remember, your dissertation is a significant piece of work that represents a culmination of your academic journey. Choose a topic that not only fulfills the requirements of your degree but also allows you to showcase your intellectual curiosity and scholarly skills.

Understanding Theology and Religious Studies

Theology and religious studies is a diverse and fascinating field, delving into the depths of human history, culture, philosophy, ethics, and more. It's not just about studying religious texts and rituals; it's also about understanding how these beliefs and practices shape societies, influence individual behavior, and impact global events.

Whether you're studying a mainstream religion like Christianity, Islam, or Buddhism, or exploring the philosophies of lesser-known or ancient religions, you'll find that this field is ripe with intriguing research questions. This field allows for a broad array of research approaches, encompassing historical, philosophical, anthropological, sociological perspectives, and even engaging with modern debates around politics, human rights, and scientific progress.

So, whether you're drawn to the metaphysical questions or the practical implications, theology and religious studies provide a rich field of research that can help illuminate the world in surprising and insightful ways.

Now that we have a good grasp of the field let's delve into some potential research topics that might pique your interest. The following topics are designed to be diverse, covering a wide range of areas within theology and religious studies. Each topic will come with some bullet-pointed guidelines on how you might approach your research. Ready? Let's jump in!

The study of religion is a broad and multi-faceted field that offers numerous potential topics for dissertation research. The intersection of religion with society, culture, politics, and personal identity provides a fertile ground for intriguing questions and deep scholarly exploration.

Whether examining the theological complexities of a single faith, comparing the similarities and differences between multiple religious traditions, investigating the societal impact of religious practices and beliefs, or diving into the transformative potential of interfaith dialogues, the opportunities are vast and varied. The key is to choose a topic that resonates personally, offers a chance for original research, and contributes meaningfully to the ongoing academic discourse.

In this ever-evolving world, understanding religion’s role and impact becomes increasingly significant. By choosing a topic that contributes to this understanding, you engage in a conversation that spans across cultures, continents, and centuries, gaining insights that extend well beyond the academic sphere and into the diverse realities of human existence.

Your dissertation is more than a paper; it is an intellectual endeavor that can have an impact in academia and beyond. It is a testament to your commitment, intellect, and passion in your chosen field. Choose wisely, dedicate earnestly, and let your work add a valuable brick to the edifice of knowledge that the study of religion is.

Writing a dissertation can be a daunting task, but you don't have to go through it alone. At Writers Per Hour, we offer professional research paper help and dissertation writing services . Our team of experienced writers is ready to help streamline the process, from topic selection to final editing, ensuring that your paper is not only well-researched and well-written but also uniquely tailored to your interests and academic goals.

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Religious Studies: Topics

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  • Specific Religions

General Websites

  • American Religious Identification Survey Funded by the Institute for the Study of Secularism in Society & Culture, the ARIS surveys the religious affiliations of the American public through direct telephone surveys. In contrast to reports from church leaders or organizations, this methodology makes it a unique study of how people self-identify their religious affiliations.
  • Association of Religion Data Archives Data on American religion; membership numbers and surveys and polls. Browse by category, alphabetically, most popular, or newest additions, or use a search engine.
  • US Religion Census Provides a county-by-county measure of religious bodies in the US. The study is currently sponsored by the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. The survey includes maps, reports, and data sets of survey results. 2010 RCMS was released May 1, 2012. An overview of the study can be found here. Full regional reports can be searched through the ARDA.
  • Divining American: Religion in American History Contains essays by leading scholars on various aspects of religion in American history.
  • The Pluralism Project Harvard University's Pluralism Project uses affiliates (including WKU) to document America's multi-religious society.
  • Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life The Pew Forum conducts surveys, demographic analyses and other social science research on important aspects of religion and public life in the U.S. and around the world. The site has landing pages for reports based on religious affiliations: Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Other Affiliations (incl. Hindus, Buddhists, Baha’is, Sikhs, Zoroastrians, Unitarians, New Age groups and Native American religions), and Unaffiliated.
  • International Religious Freedom Reports The International Religious Freedom Report is an annual report issued by the Department of State documenting religious freedom around the world. The report is organized by country and provides a look at how much freedom governments grant to religion.

Professional Societies

  • American Academy of Religion AAR are the largest scholarly society dedicated to the academic study of religion, with more than 5,000 members around the world. Their mission is to foster excellence in the academic study of religion and enhance the public understanding of religion.
  • Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability ECFA is an accreditation agency dedicated to helping Christian ministries earn the public’s trust through adherence to Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship™, which focus on board governance, financial transparency, integrity in fundraising, and proper use of charity resources.
  • The Society of Christian Ethics The purpose of the Society is to promote scholarly work in Christian ethics and in the relation of Christian ethics to other traditions of ethics, and to social, economic, political and cultural problems; to encourage and improve the teaching of these fields in colleges, universities and theological schools; and to provide a community of discourse and debate for those engaged professionally within these general fields.
  • Society of Christian Philosophers The Society of Christian Philosophers mission is to promote fellowship between Christian philosophers and to provide occasions for intellectual interchange among Christian philosophers on issues that arise from their joint commitment.
  • The Council of Societies for the Study of Religion The Council of Societies for the Study of Religion is a federation of learned societies in religion interested in developing greater coordination of the field as a whole.
  • John Templeton Foundation The John Templeton Foundation funds research and catalyzes conversations that inspire people with awe and wonder.

Religious News

  • Religion News Service Daily postings from “the only secular news and photo service devoted to unbiased coverage of religion and ethics exclusively.” Other parts of the site are available via a paid subscription.
  • Religion News on the Web The Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life “seeks to promote a deeper understanding of issues at the intersection of religion and public affairs . . . The Pew Forum conducts surveys, demographic analyses and other social science research on important aspects of religion and public life in the U.S. and around the world. It also provides a neutral venue for discussions of timely issues through roundtables and briefings.”
  • The Revealer “A daily review of religion in the news and the news about religion. We’re not so much nonpartisan as polypartisan-- interested in all sides, disdainful of dualistic arguments, and enamored of free speech as a first principle. We publish and link to work by people of all persuasions, religious, political, sexual, and critical.”
  • BeliefNet A popular-level site that covers all religions as well as news and aspects of life connected with religion
  • ReligionWriters.com Religion Stylebook An authoritative guide created for journalists who report on religion in the mainstream media.

Religious Ethics & Religious Justice

  • Catholic Theological Ethics in the World Church Catholic Theological Ethics in the World Church recognizes the need to dialogue from and beyond local culture and interconnect within a world church. The network fosters cross-cultural, interdisciplinary conversations about critical issues in theological ethics, shaped by shared visions of hope.
  • Encyclopedia of Religion and Society from Hartford Institute for Religious Research at Hartford Seminary
  • Ethics & Moral Values From the Virtual Religion Index, articles and links on topics like moral theory, social justice, welfare, and the environment.
  • The Society of Jewish Ethics The Society of Jewish Ethics is an academic organization dedicated to the promotion of scholarly work in the field of Jewish ethics, including the relation of Jewish ethics to other traditions of ethics and to social, economic, political and cultural problems.

Religious Liberty in the United States

  • Public Religion Research Institute A non-profit, non-partisan think tank and advocacy organization dedicated to the research and encouragement of cooperation between religion, ethics and morality and government, politics, and policy in both the domestic and foreign arenas.
  • American Center for Law and Justice A public interest law firm committed to ensuring the ongoing viability of constitutional freedoms in accordance with principles of justice as outlined in scripture.
  • American Civil Liberties Union Works to guarantee that all are free to follow and practice their faith – or no faith at all – without governmental influence or interference.
  • Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life Promotes a deeper understanding of issues at the intersection of religion and public affairs by delivering impartial information.
  • Anti-Defamation League The ADL fights anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, defends democratic ideals and protects civil rights for all.
  • Religion and the Founding of the American Republic An online exhibition from the Library of Congress with over 200 objects including early American books, manuscripts, letters, prints, paintings, artifacts, and music from the Library's collections and complemented by loans from other institutions.
  • Freedom from Religion Foundation The Freedom From Religion Foundation works as an umbrella for those who are free from religion and are committed to the cherished principle of separation of state and church. As FFRF’s principal founder Anne Gaylor noted, “To be free from religion is an advantage for individuals; it is a necessity for government.”

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220 Amazing Religious Research Paper Topics and Ideas

Table of Contents

Religious studies or theology is an interesting field of study that predominantly deals with the beliefs, rituals, traditions, culture, and philosophy of various religions followed across the globe. The subject also focuses on the relationship of religion with society and mental health. Remember, if you are pursuing your degree in religious studies, then to obtain graduation, you must definitely submit a research paper on any unique topic related to religion. In case, you are unsure what topic to choose for your religious research paper, take a look at this blog. For your convenience, we have presented a list of 200+ amazing religious research paper topics and ideas. In addition to that, we have also explained how to find a good religious topic and compose a brilliant research paper on it. Just explore and get ideas for religious research paper writing.

Religious Research Paper Topics

Tips for Choosing a Good Religious Research Paper Topic

In the academic paper writing task, topic selection is the first step that you can’t skip. Usually, the success of your academic paper will mainly depend on the topic you choose and the content you create in the essay. So, when it comes to choosing a topic for a religious research paper, make sure to keep the following tips in mind during the topic selection stage.

  • Select a topic that is familiar to you.
  • Pick a topic that syncs with your area of interest and is comfortable for you to perform research.
  • Never consider topics that are opinion-based.
  • Choose a topic that is flexible to conduct deep research.
  • Give preference to the topic that supports different perspectives.
  • Avoid choosing a topic that is biased towards any specific religion.
  • Go with the topic that satisfies your professor’s research paper writing instructions, if there are any.

Steps for Writing an Excellent Religious Research Paper

By following all the above-mentioned tips, you can come up with a good research paper. However, once you have identified a perfect religious research paper topic , you can start writing your research paper. Instead of directly jumping into the writing process, execute the following

  • First, do complete research on the topic you have selected and collect several ideas by exploring the topic from different perspectives.
  • After you have gathered the ideas for your discussion, sketch an outline that includes the essential elements such as introduction, body, and conclusion. As religion is a sensitive subject, when drafting your essay content on the topic you have selected, be careful and share your ideas without damaging the feelings of others.
  • The introductory paragraph of your research paper should begin with a catchy hook sentence and end with a powerful thesis statement. In the middle, add brief background information on the topic.
  • Next, write the body paragraphs by explaining your thesis statement with supporting evidence or facts. The entire information you include in your research paper should be from credible sources.
  • After completing the body paragraphs, close your essay with a conclusion paragraph. The conclusion section should restate the thesis statement and summarize all the major points already discussed in the academic paper.
  • Finally, before submitting the research paper, proofread the whole essay content and edit if it contains any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors. Never skip revision. The final draft of the religious research paper should be flawless and structured coherently in a way that is easy for the readers to understand.

Religious Research Paper Writing Tips

Mentioned below are a few significant tips you should keep an eye on while writing a religious research paper.

  • Write your research paper by considering all the perspectives on your topic.
  • Never include your personal opinions about any religion in your academic paper.
  • To explain your religious viewpoints, use specific scientific methods.
  • Avoid criticizing any religion.
  • Instead of getting locked in contradictions, give a detailed explanation for all your critical statements.

List of Religious Research Paper Topics

Our world is filled with many religions and each religion consists of a lot of research topics. So, for writing a top-quality religious research paper, you can very well choose a religious topic from any theme such as faith, culture, tradition, etc.

Are you struggling to find out the best religious research topics? Cool! Here, we have suggested a list of the best religious research paper topic ideas in various categories.

Explore the entire list and choose a topic that fits you perfectly.

Religious Research Paper Topics

Easy Religious Research Paper Topics

  • The history and origin of religion.
  • What are the political effects of religion?
  • Discuss the role of women in religion.
  • Explain the belief systems without gods.
  • What are the common rituals in different religions?
  • Generational details of religions.
  • Explain the role of religion in literature.
  • What is the significance of religion in the political economy?
  • Discuss the role of religion in science.
  • Discuss the postmodern thoughts on religion.
  • Explain religion and space.
  • Discuss the link between religion and mental health.
  • Who benefits from religion?
  • Explain the significance of religion in environmental issues.
  • Is a single-world religion possible?
  • Discuss the importance of religious worship in Christianity
  • Analysis of the Bible’s definition of worship
  • Discuss the impact of politics on religion
  • Describe the Christian teachings on forgiveness and punishment as per the Bible
  • Compare and contrast the religious teachings of the Quran and the Bhagavad Gita
  • Explore the different traditions, branches, and denominations within Christianity
  • Compare and contrast the religious beliefs and practices of Hindu and Muslim
  • Discuss the religious similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism
  • How did politics influence Christianity in medieval Europe?
  • Discuss the religious impact of Islam on South Africans

Christianity Research Paper Topics

  • Talk about the origin and history of Christianity.
  • What are the different Christian symbols?
  • Describe the life of Jesus Christ and the themes of theology.
  • Discuss the role of missionaries in spreading Christianity.
  • What is the role of an individual in Christianity?
  • The state of Christianity in secular societies.
  • Explain the views of Christianity on interfaith marriage.
  • What are the major roles played by men in Christianity?
  • Compare the Gnostic faith and modern Christianity.
  • Christianity in the Reformation Era.
  • The belief of Christianity on death and its views on suicide.
  • What are the different Christian branches?
  • The role of the Catholic Church in shaping Christianity.
  • What is the effect of Christianity on American slaves?
  • Discuss Christian music development.
  • The Christian view of gay marriage.
  • The difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament.
  • Is cloning acceptable in Christianity?
  • Explain the significance of Christmas to Christians.
  • Discuss the myths and rituals in the Church.
  • Explain Jesus’ view of crime and punishment
  • Critical analysis of the ethics of the Bible
  • Discuss the theological controversies in Christianity
  • Explore the religious beliefs and practices of Jainism
  • Discuss the spiritual journey of Gautama Buddha
  • Compare and contrast the religious philosophy of Jainism and Buddhism
  • Discuss the impact of religion on society
  • Explore the coexistence of different religious traditions in the globalized world

Hinduism Research Topics

  • Describe the origin and history of Hinduism.
  • Discuss the role of women in Hinduism.
  • Explain Hinduism philosophy in the Upanishads.
  • Ethical beliefs in the Hindu faith.
  • How does Hinduism influence modern Indian life?
  • What is the connection between Yoga and Hinduism?
  • Describe the different scriptures in Hinduism.
  • How do rituals permit the practice of worship in Hinduism?
  • Explain the cultural and religious opinions of Hinduism.
  • Explain the importance of cow protection and vegetarianism in Hinduism.
  • How does reincarnation occur in Hinduism?
  • The Funeral rituals of the Hinduism tradition.
  • The major Gods of Hinduism.
  • The practice of worship in Hinduism.
  • Explain the meaning of Dharma in Hinduism.
  • Analyze the teachings of the Vedas

Islam Research Paper Topics

  • Discuss the history of Islamic civilizations.
  • The role of a woman in Islam.
  • Explain the origin and evolution of Jihad in Islam.
  • What is radicalism in Islam?
  • The formation of Islam in the West.
  • The study of social class and the Islamic religion.
  • Does Islam support democracy?
  • The polygamous marriages in Islam.
  • What are the religious and cultural reasons behind wearing a hijab?
  • Who are the most important prophets in Islam?
  • Talk about the perspectives of Islam on interfaith marriage.
  • Islam and Western education.
  • The conflict of pluralism and secularism in modern Islam.
  • What role does Islamic mythology play in shaping the religion?
  • The political, social, and economic influence of modernity on Islam.
  • Civil Islamic practices.
  • The significance of Ramadan month to Islam.
  • The traditions of the Islamic world.
  • How the Quran can be used as a tool for religious tolerance and religious intolerance?
  • Why are women not allowed to take sermons in Islam?
  • How and why does Islam promote authoritarianism?

Buddhism Research Topics

  • Discuss the origin and evolution of Buddhism.
  • Can Buddhism coexist with science?
  • The role of women in Buddhism .
  • What are the meditative practices of Buddhism?
  • Psychoanalysis and Buddhism.
  • Is Buddhism a religion or philosophy?
  • Human rights and Buddhism.
  • Explain what Buddhism talks about nature and ecology.
  • Explain the political effect of Buddhism.
  • Discuss Chinese Buddhism.

Research Topics on Religion and Society

  • What are the views of Karl Marx on religion?
  • What is the role of discipline in maintaining strict religious edicts?
  • Governance and religion: how religion is also a tool of control.
  • Discuss the impact of traditional beliefs in today’s secular societies.
  • Explain the concept of childhood innocence in religion.
  • How religion promotes society.
  • Discuss the influence of religion on the understanding of morality.
  • Explain the features of religion in sociology.
  • Describe religion from the eyes of a sociologist.
  • Explain the role of social stratification in shaping religious groups in America.

Captivating Religious Research Paper Topics

  • How to form a religion?
  • What is the role of religion in marriages?
  • Will religion ever end?
  • Share the religious myths in modern society.
  • What are the effects of religion on wars?
  • What are the different types of non-belief?
  • Religion and medicine.
  • Magic and illusions in religions.
  • Compare prayer and meditative techniques.
  • The importance of sacrifice in religious practices.

Outstanding Religious Research Paper Topics

  • How to lead a spiritual life?
  • Is Mormonism true in American religion?
  • How can religion be used to guide teenagers?
  • Explain the relationship between religion and law.
  • Provide an elaborative overview of the Buddhist religion.
  • The various thoughts on contraception.
  • The major causes of the Protestant Reformation.
  • The significance of tithing in the different religions.
  • The implication of artificial insemination.
  • How do different religions cannibalize the past religions?
  • The impact of mass media on religion.
  • Discuss the link between Nordic mythology and religion.
  • Can the taking of one’s innocent life be justified ethically and religiously?
  • Is it religiously right to freeze embryos?
  • Discuss the concept of the soul in different religions.
  • Compare how different religions convert people into their followers.
  • Do you think debt is Biblically allowed?
  • Is it possible to know God’s will in our lives?
  • Talk about counseling Biblically.
  • Is ethical egoism a logical moral code?

Top-rated Religious Research Paper Topics

  • What are the effects of the Greek religion?
  • Talk about the dynamics of religious systems.
  • Discuss the connection between the soul and religion.
  • Explain the classification of world religions.
  • Discuss the impact of gender on religion.
  • Analyze the reincarnation concept in modern religion.
  • Discuss the Salvation concept in Siddhartha.
  • Explain the impact of religious systems on democracy.
  • Explain the difference between the Bible and the Quran.
  • What are the global cultural models in religious systems?

Best Religious Research Paper Ideas

  • The influence of religion in theocratic states.
  • Explain polytheistic religion.
  • The major triggers of peace and harmony.
  • The relation between religion and the LGBT community.
  • Examine the funeral rituals in different religions.
  • Discuss the similarities and differences found in monotheistic cultures.
  • The influence of the clergy on religion.
  • Can faith be used to reduce the harshness of puberty?
  • The causes of the faith crisis.
  • The implications of trickster gods.
  • Why children are considered innocent souls in religion?
  • The implications of the technological error to religion.
  • The impact of yoga on boosting health.
  • Discuss the world religion.
  • The influence of religious laws on morality.

Amazing Religious Research Topics

  • Explain the basic concepts of religious books.
  • Is polytheism a valid religious choice?
  • The most ancient religions in the world.
  • The endorsement of slavery by religions.
  • The different obligations of religious groups in Arabic countries.
  • Behavior rules in the Orthodox Church.
  • Is Satanism a valid religion?
  • The debate between religious groups and scientists.
  • Big Bang Theory and Religion.
  • The religious view of abortion.
  • The importance of the church in building national well-being.
  • What are the major problems faced by pagans?
  • How to build peace in religion?
  • The holy place of the world according to the Bible.
  • What is the role of religion in society?
  • The major changes were made through religious practices.
  • Religion and Anthropology.
  • Compare atheism and agnosticism.
  • Explain the orthodox sacrament of marriage.
  • Discuss the features of a saint.

Interesting Research Paper Topics on Religion

  • How does the Bible boost religion?
  • How does religion influence societal virtues?
  • Write about Zoroastrianism in the modern world.
  • Explain how atheism is the new world religion.
  • The manifestation of totems in the modern world.
  • The significance of baptism to people and infants.
  • How do wars present politics as a cover when religion is at the core?
  • How to justify military action through religious ethics?
  • What makes different religions different from each other?
  • How to combat terrorism using religion?
  • Do all religious alignments lead to the same destination?
  • Compare shamanism and modern religions.
  • The influence of religion on economics.
  • Which are the major religious cultures?
  • What is the role of religion in politics?

Trending Religion Research Paper Topics

  • Religion and violence: How it affects uprisings and conflicts
  • Why should the government give religion preferential treatment?
  • Do all religious affiliations ultimately lead to the same place?
  • When religion is at the heart of warfare, how can politics serve as a cover?
  • What distinguishes the various religions from one another?
  • Does a candidate’s religious beliefs affect their chances of winning an election?
  • Analyze the tenets of the Western and Eastern world religions.
  • Compare and contrast the religious practices in India now with those practiced during the 20th century.
  • Can one justify the killing of an innocent person morally and religiously?
  • Creation mythologies from many cultures. Review the different myths.

Informative Religious Research Topics

  • Examine the emergence of the new religion and its subsequent effects.
  • Analyze the negative effects of Buddhism.
  • Examine the similarities and differences of the afterlife in diverse religions
  • Explain how the Jewish people have navigated persecution so well over the centuries.
  • Analyze the effects of forced religion on an individual
  • Discuss Yoga and its subsequent impacts on health and religion
  • Examine the role of female preachers in the congregation
  • Write about the global cultural models in religious systems
  • How does divinity exist in Egyptian beliefs?
  • Write about the Religion in modern Japan

Final Words

To prepare your religious research paper, choose any topic from the list of ideas recommended in this blog. In case, you experience difficulties in identifying the right religious research topic or if you need expert help for preparing your religious research paper, call us immediately. On our platform, we have skilled academic writers with a Ph.D. degree in religion and theology to offer cheap and best religion assignment help . in accordance with your requirements. Most importantly, with the guidance of our scholarly writers, you can also prepare plagiarism-free religious research papers in advance of the deadline and fetch top grades.

Instead of pressurizing yourself, just utilize our assignment writing service online by submitting the order form available on our website. Note that, our talented research paper helpers will handle all your requirements and dispatch a personalized solution on any topic related to religion.

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topics for research in religious studies

Welcome to the Tisch Library research guide for Religion. Use the table of contents to find definitions, topic overviews, books, articles, and more that will help you with your research. 

If you don't find what you are looking for or need help navigating this guide or any of the resources it contains, don't hesitate to contact the author of this guide or  Ask a Librarian .

Specialized reference sources--like dictionaries and subject encyclopedias, provide overviews of topics and descriptions of concepts and ideas. They can also provide definitions, statistics, and other details. You can use this type of source to help narrow your research topic, find data to support your thesis, and identify keywords and main ideas to use as search terms.

The sources mentioned here normally also include bibliographies written by experts, which can provide a direct introduction to the important scholarly literature.

Online Encyclopedias and Dictionaries:

  • Oxford Reference Online: Religion A quick search of a small shelf of specialty dictionaries covering Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and other world religions. Excellent for people, places, things, and ideas.
  • Encyclopedia of Religion The Encyclopedia of Religion is an electronic version of a classic source, a fifteen-volume scholarly overview of religions, ritual, mythology, dogma, the history of churches and their leaders, and much else. A good place to start for almost any topic. Articles are written by top scholars, and typically include strong bibliographies of primary and secondary literature on the topics discussed.
  • New Dictionary of the History of Ideas Takes ideas such as "free will" and provides a systematic overview of the work all of the major thinkers on the subject. Includes excellent bibliographies.
  • Encyclopaedia of Islam Sets out the present state of knowledge of the Islamic World. A source not only on the religion, but also on the believers and the countries in which they live.

Single Topics in Religion:

topics for research in religious studies

  • Oxford Reference Provides web access to more than 100 major Oxford University Press dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other reference works in the humanities, social sciences, foreign languages, science, technology and medicine, the performing arts, and religion. Works can be searched separately or across the entire databases. Includes over 1.5 million entries.
  • Credo Reference Online reference resources from numerous publishers. This reference resource can be searched by individual title, broad subject headings, cross-references, audio and images. Use its research mapper to search for terms and topics that are interconnected and displayed in (a) visual form. Examples of titles are: Bloomsbury Guide to Art, Bridgeman Art Library Archive, Columbia Encyclopedia, Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, Harvard Dictionary of Music, and the Concise Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology and Behavioral Science. The complete list of titles is available on the CREDO Reference site.
  • Gale eBooks Gale eBooks is a database of encyclopedias, almanacs, and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research.
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Religious Studies

Theoretical/methodological approaches, the enlightenment.

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Use the tabs under "Approaches to Religion", on the left, to find some reading suggestions for each of the major academic approaches to the study of religion. These include anthropological, phenomenological, psychological, and sociological approaches, which trace their roots back to the Enlightenment.

During the European Enlightenment (17th and 18th centuries), important thinkers reworked the intellectual understanding of religion.  No longer strictly a matter of theological and devotional study, religion came to be investigated by philosophers and scientists seeking to uncover "positive knowledge" of the human motivations for religious beliefs and behaviors that were increasingly thought to be irrational.  The Enlightenment paradigm—whereby religion would fade away as empirical knowledge about nature increased—set much of the tone for various other social scientific approaches to religion, and indeed for much of social science as a whole. It fostered a series of new epistemologies focused on knowledge of various aspects of human life—social, psychological, and political—that were increasingly being divorced from earlier theological forms of knowledge .   It may prove useful to consider the Enlightenment's reformulations of religion as you develop your own research.

  • Principal Writings on Religion by David Hume Call Number: B1493 .D52 1993 ISBN: 9780199251889 David Hume is arguably the most important Enlightenment figure in the study of religion. His "Natural History of Religion" advanced the thesis that polytheism predated theism, and that religious impulses were initially the product of negative emotions, such as fear and insecurity. Of chief importance in Hume’s argument is the idea that religious phenomena are human creations. This volume includes Hume's "Natural History of Religion."
  • Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals, and What Is Enlightenment by Immanuel Kant Call Number: B2766.E6 B4 1990 ISBN: 0023078251 Immanuel Kant is another important figure for the Enlightenment's understanding of religion, as demonstrated by his essay “What Is Enlightenment?”
  • The Second Treatise of Government, and a Letter Concerning Toleration by John Locke Call Number: JC153 .L85 2002 ISBN: 0486424642 Another major Enlightenment thinker, Locke's “Letter Concerning Toleration” is a significant text in religious studies, philosophy, and political science.
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Religion, Theology and Philosophy Dissertation Topics

Published by Alvin Nicolas at January 6th, 2023 , Revised On March 17, 2023

Introduction

As part of the religious, theology, and philosophy studies course, dissertation writing is inherently vital to the final result. Various religions are practised in the world today. Some of the major religions include; Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, and Sikhism.

In the contemporary world, religion is often not associated with politics and worldly life. Nevertheless, we can not deny its relationship and influence on humans and global peace. Therefore it is vital to choose a research topic that adds to the current body of literature.

To help you choose an appropriate topic and its subsequent research methodology, below is a list of issues classified using the thematic and exploratory approach for the religious studies dissertation.

PhD qualified writers of our team have developed these topics, so you can trust to use these topics for drafting your dissertation.

You may also want to start your dissertation by requesting  a brief research proposal  from our writers on any of these topics, which includes an  introduction  to the problem,  research question , aim and objectives,  literature review ,  along with the proposed  methodology  of research to be conducted.  Let us know  if you need any help in getting started.

Check our  dissertation example  to get an idea of  how to structure your dissertation .

W“Our expert dissertation writers can help you with all stages of the dissertation writing process including topic research and selection, dissertation plan, dissertation proposal, methodology, statistical analysis, primary and secondary research, findings and analysis, and complete dissertation writing.“

2022 Religion, Theology and Philosophy Research Topics

Does religion make society patriarchal, or does society make religion patriarchal a historical analysis of islam and hinduism in southasia.

Research Aim: This research aims to find the relationship between patriarchal society and religion. It will analyse a causal link between both phenomena by discovering whether faith makes society patriarchal or a particular social structure that makes religion patriarchal. And to show this relationship, this research will use Islam and Hinduism as a case study to establish whether these religions made SouthAsian countries patriarchal or these countries with their specific cultures and traditions made these religions patriarchal.

The Role of Feminist Religious Movements in Promoting Gender Equality- A Feminist Critique of Christianity and Islam on Lacking Gender Equality

Research Aim: This research explores the impact of feminist religious movements on gender equality worldwide. It presents a historical view of how changing women’s religious ideologies helped them attain their rights worldwide. Moreover, it offers a thorough feminist critique of the world’s two most followed religions, Christianity and Islam, on how they cannot provide women with their due rights. Keeping in view how these religions failed to give women their rights, it will show how the increasing role of women in these religions helped them get their rights.

Who Does it Better? Western vs Eastern Philosophy in Defining the Role of Genders in Society- An Analysis Through a Plutonic Lens

Research Aim: This research compares Western and Eastern philosophies in defining the gender roles in society through a Platonic point of view. It will reach and contrast both perspectives regarding treating men and women in various societal parts. Then it will use Pluto’s philosophical theories to show which philosophy has defined these roles better by providing a detailed critique on both. Lastly, as objectively as possible, it will show which philosophy is better through various metrics defined by Pluto and other Western and Eastern Philosophers.

Does God Promote Wars? The Role of Religion in the World Wars: A Critique of Richard Dawkins

Research Aim: This research sheds light on a crucial debate in religion and wars studies whether religion has something to do with wars. It will analyse the world wars to show whether religious elements made conflicts worse or other factors that overshadowed the spiritual aspects. Furthermore, it will include the viewpoint of famous evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, a part of the neo-atheist movement. His critique of God and religions will help to understand the relationship comprehensively.

Does Power Corrupt Religion? The Role of State in Using Religious Actors for its Political Motives- A Case of the US and Al Qaeda

Research Aim: This research shows how enormous political powers can use religion as a tool for their political motives. It will analyse a state’s channels to influence religion in a country or other countries. Moreover, it will identify which immense political powers fulfilled primary political motives throughout history. And more specifically, it will use US and AlQaeda as a case study of how the US used them for their reasons and what happened when they weren’t able to control them.

Covid-19 Religion, Theology and Philosophy Research Topics

Religious communities and coronavirus pandemic.

Research Aim: This study will focus on reviewing the contribution of religious communities to combat the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Indian religious politics during the Coronavirus pandemic

Research Aim: This study will investigate the issues and conflicts that arose in India during the outbreak of COVID-19 and the response of the international countries on it.

Theology and Coronavirus crisis

Research Aim: This study will focus on theological studies on the Coronavirus pandemic.

Philosophy, science, and religion during Coronavirus

Research Aim: This study will address the importance of philosophy, science, and religion in combatting Coronavirus.

World Religions Dissertation Topics

Under the category of world religion, the teaching courses cover a range of topics, including the traditional aspects and forms of religion found globally, including the mainstream practising religions such as Buddhism or Catholicism, fastest-growing religion like Islam, and belief systems such as the traditions of the Samurai tribe.

Given the highly diverse nature of faith, it is pertinent to explore and analyse this diversity in terms of the continuous evolution of the human race. The list of topics below provides a focused thematic and exploratory approach that may be used for world religion research dissertation purposes.

Topic 1: Increasing Islamophobia in the Western Countries, Its Causes and Possible Remedies

Research Aim: The hatred, intolerance, prejudice, or hostility towards the religion of Islamic and its followers are termed Islamophobia. In the last few years, the increasing trend of Islamophobia has been witnessed in the Western Countries, which at some instances lead to the act of violence and killing of Muslims, for example, the New Zealand mosque shooting in 2019 where 51 Muslims were shot dead by an Islamophobic was extreme evidence of the existence of Islamophobia. Therefore, in today’s time, when millions of Muslims live in Western Countries, it is essential to identify the causes of increasing Islamophobia and how it can be controlled.

Topic 2: Prevention of blasphemy and its Role in Global Peace

Research Aim: When someone speaks or writes profanely about a sacred or religious personality, place, or object, it amounts to blasphemy. The seculars and proponents of freedom of speech and expression do not hesitate to malign, mock and insult religion and the holy personages. However, blasphemy can enrage thousands and millions of believers worldwide as they cannot tolerate any disrespect towards their religion or holy personages, and they can become violent. In this study, the global blasphemy laws and how much they prevent blasphemy are explored, and their role in developing global peace is explored based on a survey-based study.

Topic 3: Religious Violence and its Association with Religious Intolerance

Research Aim: When religion is a subject or an object of violence, it is categorized as religious violence. In situations where people show no or lack of religious intolerance towards another religion and its followers, they tend to disapprove, criticize, and even use violence to show their dominance. Given this, it is argued that people have intolerance towards another religion, then their intolerance, if it remains unchecks, can even lead to violence. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate religious intolerance’s causal relationship with religious violence to identify if religious intolerance can trigger religious violence.

Topic 4: The notion of Atheism in the modern world. A critical analysis

Research Aim: Atheism is a belief in the non-existence of any God. In the contemporary world, scientific advancements and modern technology have made significant breakthroughs that have unravelled many unexplained phenomena and have consequently changed people’s lives and beliefs. As people’s reliance on science and technology has increased, anything that cannot be proven logically or through scientific evidence is rejected, even if it is God’s existence. In this research past, literature will be critically analyzed to identify what atheism means in today’s modern world and how it has altered people’s beliefs.

Topic 5: An analysis of belief and culture of African Christians in Diaspora.

Research Aim: During recent history, many African Christians have migrated to Western or Developed Countries to save their lives or attain better life prospects and living standards. After living in other Countries, African Christians came into contact with new cultures, traditions, religions, languages, and beliefs, altering their ideas and culture. In this regard, this survey-based study aims to identify whether African Christians have preserved their beliefs and culture while living in Diaspora.

Topic 6: The evolution of religious beliefs in India posts 20th century: A critical analysis.

Research Aim: In this research, the molecular structure of various tumors is discussed along with the therapeutic issues faced for these ailments and their treatments. Target spots for treatment and different chemical mixes for its treatments are also explained in this research.

Topic 7: The inherent belief of all religions lies in following the teachings prescribed by a higher authority. Discuss.

Research Aim: All religions have some guidelines recorded in holy books and religious scriptures that their believers have to follow. Whether obeying a higher authority’s commands is a common notion in all religions is critically discussed by conducting a thematic analysis of past literature.

Topic 8: Religious diversity and terrorism: An empirical analysis.

Research Aim: There are hundreds of religions practised globally that are significantly diversified in terms of beliefs, characteristics, traditions, festivals, and customs. In the past three decades, the increased occurrence of religious-based terrorism worldwide gives rise to a need to explore any causal link present between religious diversity and terrorism.

Topic 9: A Comparative study between Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity

Research Aim: The similarities and differences between Hinduism, Islam and Christianity are compared by conducting a thematic analysis. These religions’ religious scriptures will be discussed and compared to identify the shared characteristics present amongst them.

Topic 10: Why Islam is the Fastest Growing Religion in the World?

Research Aim: Islam has been linked with global terrorism in the media, yet still, it is number one in the list of fastest-growing religions of the world. In this regard, an in-depth exploratory study is to be conducted to identify the underlying reasons. A growing number of people are accepting the religion of Islam.

History and Religion Dissertation Topics

History and religion have been a topic of interest throughout previous decades and gained particular importance amongst researchers focusing on the impact and influence of religion on culture throughout history.

Based on  a literature review of the religious references, the researchers have drawn a connection between literature and culture. History and religion are not confined to the evolution or impact of a particular religion. Still, it goes beyond the diversity of religion and focuses on developing the human race throughout time. Below is a list of suggested topics that can be used for history and religion research dissertations.

Topic 11: The comparative study between ancient Judaism and Hinduism

Research Aim: The similarities present between ancient Judaism and Hinduism are critically reviewed. For instance, both religions have a distinct class system that divides people into superior and lower classes. In Judaism, people are divided into Jews and non-Jews, referred to as gentiles, and as per Judaism, gentiles are animals in human form. Similarly, Hinduism divides people into four classes; Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, where Shudras are given animal status.

Topic 12: How the Renaissance altered Christian religion and beliefs during the 15th and 16th Century Europe

Research Aim: Renaissance was a revolt against the supremacy of Christian theology, pope, the prohibition of learning science and logic, and interference of Church in the personal life of individuals during middle ages starting from 500 to 1400 Century. The renaissance proposed a new idea of humanism where religion must not intervene in an individual’s worldly and religious affairs, and people are free to have their own religion and beliefs. This study will critically analyse how the renaissance impacted the Christian religion and beliefs of European people during the 15th and 16th centuries.

Topic 13: Was Christ really crucified? A critical analysis of the contradictory evidence found in Christian and Islam

Research Aim: As per Christian belief, Jesus Christ was crucified, and he gave his life on the cross so that all Christians can be forgiven for their sins and go to paradise. However, as per Islamic belief, Christ was never crucified. Instead, God ascended Jesus Christ and made the betrayed companion look like Jesus Christ, and the Romans crucified him thinking that he was Jesus Christ.

Topic 14: Illicit affairs between Monks and Nuns in Christian Monasticism, a myth or a reality?

Research Aim: The mass grave of newly born babies found beneath the Catholic Church in Ireland provides evidence to support the myths about secret sex lives of monks and nuns throughout the history of Christian Monasticism. Based on the thematic analysis of the historical evidence found in literature and media, the immorality and hypocrisy of Catholic Monasticism will be critically reviewed.

Topic 15: Historical account of the destruction of Jerusalem and Jewish exile by King Nebuchadnezzar

Research Aim: The King of ancient Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, had destroyed Jerusalem along with the temple of Solomon and exiled all Jews from Jerusalem in 586 BC. Many Jews were taken to Babylon as slaves, while many were dispersed and wandered in the desert for many years. Thematic analysis will be conducted in this study. The historical evidence found in the past literature will be critically reviewed to understand the Jewish Diaspora and their hardships.

Topic 16: Islam: The religious foundations and evolution through the 7th century into the modern world.

Research Aim: The religion of Islam, which came in the 7th Century in Arab, has spread to every part of the world today. Today more than 350 million Muslims exist and follow the religion of Islam, which was introduced around 1400 years ago. Although they have been divided into different groups and sects, they still share some common fundamental beliefs. Therefore, an exploratory study will be conducted to identify how Islam has evolved and how its religious foundations are compatible with the modern world.

Topic 17: The life of Adolf Hitler: impact of religious doctrine and belief.

Research Aim: Adolf Hitler was born and raised in a Roman Catholic family. As per his public speeches, he considered Jews to be the true enemy of Christianity, and by fighting against them, he was actually doing God’s work. Therefore, a thematic analysis is to be conducted on the life of Adolf Hitler to ascertain whether his religious doctrine and belief impacted his life.

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Religion and the Contemporary World Dissertation Topics

This theme focuses on topics that analyse the effect of religion within the contemporary world, including the media’s influence and the application of religious beliefs to the modern-day world.

This is an interesting topic for those aiming to look at theology and religion together since the implications of religion to the contemporary world has become the focus of discussion and dichotomy. Below is a list of topics that can be used for Religion and the Contemporary World Research Dissertation purposes.

Topic 18: Islam subjugate or uplift women: A critical analysis

Research Aim: Islam is criticized for women subjugation and inequality. Still, women in Western countries willingly accept Islam and follow Islamic practices such as wearing Hijab and covering their heads and faces. If Islam actually subjugates women, then why are independent and educated women in Western countries like France and the UK becoming Muslim. To unrevealed this mystery, an exploratory study is to be conducted where the women who accepted Islam will be interviewed to find out whether Islam subjugated them or uplift their status.

Topic 19: Religion is redundant in today's contemporary world.

Research Aim: Religion tends to hinder scientific developments because religion does not permit anything in line with religious law and guidelines. Today’s contemporary world can no longer follow any such restrictions, which can become a hurdle in scientific advancements and medical breakthroughs. Besides, nowadays, people use scientific evidence and logic to justify something rather than blindly relying on religious explanations. In view of this, a survey-based study is to be performed to determine whether religion has become unnecessary in today’s modern world.

Topic 20: Religions and faith communities can be a source of social stability and progress in today’s contemporary world.

Research Aim: In today’s socially and economically unstable and uncertain environment, association with religions and faith communities can enable individuals to have social stability and progress. People tend to look after each other in faith communities. For instance, black Church organisations in London provide work, education and training to black Christians. A thematic analysis will be performed in this research to evaluate whether people can gain social security, better work and prospects by being associated with religious communities.

Topic 21: Various religions, including Christianity and Islam, do not recognize the relationship between same-sex genders. Discuss in light of recent legalization and the global evolution for equality of all people.

Research Aim: The recent laws and legalization made to give rights and equality to the LGBL community are legally permitting people of the same sexual orientations to marry or live in relationships as partners. However, various religions like Christianity and Islam does not permit any such relationships and legalizing the same-sex marriage and relationship would create more differences in the society. This study will focus on identifying the in-depth view of Christians and Muslims on same-sex marriages and their likely impact on their rights, belief and practices.

Topic 22: Equality of women is a blessing or a curse?

Research Aim: Women in western countries like America and the UK are given equal rights and responsibilities. In eastern countries like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, women have lower rights and responsibilities than men. It is argued that when women have equitable rights, they get higher or lower rights than men based on situations. For instance, a woman as a mother has more rights than a man as a father. In view of this, equitable rights give women more privileges as they don’t have to bear the hardships and exploitation. An exploratory study will be conducted in Pakistan to ascertain whether women feel more blessed or cursed by having equality.

Topic 23: The miracle of splitting of the Moon in the light of scientific evidence.

Research Aim: According to the Islamic belief when people of Mecca in Arab asked the Prophet Muhammad to show a miracle if he is actually a messenger of God, then Prophet Muhammad split the moon in two halves with the movement of this index finger and then rejoined them together. In 1969 the photograph of moon taken by NASA spaceship clearly showed the splitting mark on the surface of moon. Modern astronomers also provide scientific evidence to support the splitting of moon. In this research the scientific evidence to support or oppose the splitting of moon will be critically analysed to determine whether moon was splitting actually splitted.

Topic 24: Why religions and faith are gaining popularity in today’s time.

Research Aim: In today’s time when economic and social problems are on rise, it is worth identifying the reasons because of which more and more people are evidently moving towards religions and faith. Therefore a thematic analysis is to be conducted to explore the reasons why people around the world are becoming more religious by demonstrating and practicing their faith.

Topic 25: Eastern religions, especially Islam have suffered greatly post 9/11 in terms of media representation and fair trial. Discuss.

Research Aim: Since the 9/11 terrorist attack, Eastern religions like Sikhism, Hinduism and especially Islam has been suffered greatly as the followers of these religions were perceived terrorists/extremists and were being victimized. The negative portrayal by media created negative image which may have negatively impacted the fair trial of Muslims and followers of other Eastern religions. Therefore an exploratory study is to be conduct to identify the problem which Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus faced in America after 9/11.

Also Read: Politics Dissertation Topics

Ethics and Religion Dissertation Topics

The notion of ethics in religion encompasses morality and various morality components to apply to modern life and daily situations. Morality and religion have gone hand in hand throughout history, and it has been observed that multiple moral conducts are justified with the notion of religious beliefs.

For researchers who wish to get a deeper understanding of this relationship, below is a list of topics that can be used for dissertation purposes.

Topic 26: Religious beliefs and morality are deeply entrenched within each other. Critically discuss.

Research Aim: The concept of morality is found in every religion. The concept of right and wrong given by religious beliefs and morality are alike. For instance, telling a lie is bad, while speaking the truth is good for both religions and moral values. In this study, the similarities between religious convictions and moral ethics are reviewed to determine whether religious convictions and moral ethics are intertwined.

Topic 27: Military Action: Ethical justification through religion.

Research Aim: When military action is to be taken against a militant group or terrorists, it would be ethically right to do so in self-defence and protect innocent human lives. Because of this, different religions’ ethical justification to justify military action will be critically reviewed in this study.

Topic 28: Ethical egoism and its relation with moral code.

Research Aim: Ethical egoism is a notion which states that people tend to behave morally only if the moral act would maximize their self-interest. However, a moral code is a set of rules that people follow to live a good life, determining their morals and actions. In this study, the relationship between ethical egoism and moral code will be empirically analyzed.

Topic 29: There is no moral code to justify Islamic Terrorism

Research Aim: Islam is a religion that prohibits killing innocent people, and killing of an innocent soul is regarded as killing the whole of humanity. In this study, the Islamic teachings and moral code will be critically analyzed to identify whether the Islamic moral code justifies the Terrorism done by Islam’s followers.

Topic 30: How is morality entrenched within the teachings of Islam?

Research Aim: Morality means the sense of right and wrong or good or bad behaviour. It is claimed that Islam is a religion that is based on goodness, righteousness and teaches to do good in society and be good with everyone. The Islamic teachings will be critically reviewed in this study to determine how it is entrenched with morality.

Topic 31: Human rights and the ethical dichotomy of religious beliefs.

Research Aim: Human rights are based on all human beings’ equality. However, religious beliefs tend to show ethical dichotomy because it divides people’s rights based on believers and non-believers or piety, where the believers or pious people like religious leaders tend to have more rights than the non-believers or followers. This study is important to identify how religious ethics contradiction with human rights.

Topic 32: Situational ethics through religion. Discuss critically the impact of situational ethics in a multi ethnic community.

Research Aim: When an act in a particular context or situation is judged following a religion’s ethical standards, instead of by the usual morality standards, it is referred to as situational ethics through faith. It can be argued, and if everyone starts justifying their unethical acts with situational ethics in a multi-ethnic community, they will be going against usual standards of morality. This research aims to identify the impact of situational ethics through religion on a multi-ethnic community and how it can create chaos and injustice in society.

Religion and Philosophy Dissertation Topics

Religion and philosophy have been going hand in hand throughout history. Philosophy has been used to justify and question God’s supreme power and the fundamentals of religious faith.

The basic premise of philosophy and its application to religion is based on trying to ascertain the existence of religion as a possibility. You can find a topic that interests you from the list of religion and philosophy dissertation topics below.

Topic 33: Relationship between existence of life and existence of God. Critically discuss with examples.

Research Aim: When a small object like a clock can never be made on its own unless someone creates it, then how it is possible that such a big and complex world and life can be created on its own without a creator. Because of this notion, in this research, God’s existence is critically analyzed based on its relationship with the existence of life.

Topic 34: If there is a God, who was he created by? An in-depth analysis based on fundamental religious beliefs

Research Aim: Based on the argument that nothing can be created on its own and there must be a creator for everything, this idea gives rise to a question that if God exists, then who created God. This question will be critically analyzed by reviewing the fundamental religious beliefs found in the religious literature of various religions.

Topic 35: Christianity is actually Paulism: A Critical Review

Research Aim: It is argued that today’s Christianity is not what Jesus Christ taught, but it is the beliefs and doctrines developed based on what Saint Paul wrote and taught about Christ and Christianity. Saint Paul wrote the thirteen books of the New Testament, and scholars believe that Paul’s teachings greatly deviated from the actual teachings of Jesus Christ. In this study, Paul and the contribution of Saint Paul in developing today’s Christianity will be critically reviewed to evaluate the argument.

Topic 36: Life after death and accountability is a necessity to remedy the injustice done in the world.

Research Aim: In this world, many of the times, the wrongdoers get away from punishment and justice is not provided to the innocent victims. Therefore it is essential that in the hereafter, people can be answerable for their good or bad deeds where they cannot get away after doing injustice, and the victims can be compensated. In this research, the justification for life after death is reviewed in line with the world’s injustice.

Topic 37: God is known to be an all loving, all-encompassing being. How can the evil in the world be justified in the face of an omnipotent God?

Research Aim: It is argued that when God is all-loving, and he is present everywhere, how so much evil, violence, and injustice may be possible in his presence, so much evil violence and injustice is possible taking place in the world. Given this statement, this research aims to justify the existence of evil in the world.

Topic 38: If God cannot be seen then it does not prove that he does not exist.

Research Aim: few things in the world cannot be seen or measured, but they exist, such as pain or magic. Based on this notion, it can be argued that it is not sufficient to deny God’s existence if we cannot see him. This research focuses on determining why it is not enough to disprove God’s presence only because he cannot be seen.

Topic 39: God is only a figments of a believer’s imagination. Discuss.

Research Aim: In different religions, God’s idea and characteristics are different. Some worship idols, some worship animals and supernatural beings, while others worship non-living objects like the moon, stars, sun, trees, and fire. Therefore in this research, God as an invention by the imagination of believers will be critically discussed.

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Architecture and Religion: Built Heritage Dissertation Topics

Architecture has played an essential role within the religious communities since it provides a tangible component of the community’s belief in substantiating their religious faith.

To understand the true essence of an architectural building within the religious faith, it is essential to look beyond the buildings’ structural aesthetics and understand the deeper engraved intangible value of religious faith that drives the community. Below is a list of topics that might be interesting for architecture and religion-based dissertation.

Topic 40: Architectural buildings such as churches and mosques have great religious significance. Discuss.

Research Aim: Religious architectural buildings like the synagogue, cathedral, church, shrine, temple, and mosques carry unique religious importance because it symbolizes religious history, culture, give exalted appeal and have a great influence on the religious community. In this research, architectural buildings’ religious importance, namely, synagogue, cathedral, church, shrine, temple, and mosques, will be discussed to identify their religious followers’ respective significance.

Topic 41: What are the components of a Church?

Research Aim: A church is a structure used by Christians to carry out their religious activities and worship. Traditionally, its interior is built in the Christian cross’s shape, and its components included; center aisle, alter, bema, and seats. However, the church building may also have a courtyard, apse, and mausoleum. The modern church buildings may have different structures and components. Therefore in this study, the traditional and modern church buildings are compared and contrasted to identify the mandatory components of a Christian Church.

Topic 42: Without religious buildings to substantiate faith, followers would lose their religion. Discuss.

Research Aim: Religious buildings like churches, temples, and mosques are the holy places where religious followers can worship, practise their faiths, and socialize with their fellow believers to substantiate their beliefs. This research aims to discuss whether, in the absence of religious buildings where followers can affirm their faiths, there are chances that they would lose their religion.

Topic 43: How far would you agree with the belief that divine presence can only be felt within religious architectural spaces?

Research Aim: The religious buildings are believed to have a divine presence, and people tend to go to such places so that they can feel that divine presence. Given this, it can be argued that a true believer may not necessarily need to visit a religious building to feel the divine presence. Therefore an exploratory study will be conducted to determine whether it is necessary to visit religious architectural spaces to feel the divine presence.

Topic 44: Demolishing a building that is fundamental to a religious belief is tantamount to disgracing the divine God. Discuss.

Research Aim: Destroying a religious building with significant importance to a religious belief would be equal to disrespecting the divine God and religion. The believers of that religion would not tolerate if their religious building is demolished, and they can react violently and create havoc. Therefore, in this study, what a religious building’s demolition would mean for their religious followers will be evaluated by conducting an in-depth analysis.

Topic 45: What is the purpose of religious architectural buildings? Discuss with a comparative analysis of different religious faiths.

Research Aim: All religious architectural buildings serve one common purpose: to provide a place for the religious followers to worship, congregate, and practice religious activities. However, different religious architectural buildings may also serve different or additional purposes. This study aims to conduct a comparative study between different religions to determine whether all religious architectural buildings serve the same purpose.

Topic 46: An expensive religious building does not encompass the basic human right of equality amongst all mankind. Discuss.

Research Aim: In today’s world where millions of people live below the poverty line, constructing an expensive religious building seems to contradict the notion of equality amongst all humankind and basic human rights. However, it can be argued that the poor people who do not have access to luxuries can avail comfort by visiting the expensive religious building. Therefore it is necessary to determine whether expensive religious buildings give all humankind equality and are in line with human rights. Get Free Custom Dissertation Topic .

Politics and Religion: Dissertation Topics

The study of religion and politics aims to draw an interconnecting relationship between the two subject areas and analyze their impact upon each other’s application. Below is a list of topics that may help aim to research the relationship between  Politics and Religion .

Topic 47: There needs to be clear distinction between political views and religious beliefs. Discuss.

Research Aim: As per secularist ideology, politics and religion are two different aspects and therefore should be clearly separated. However, religious doctrines tend to suggest that politics and religious beliefs go hand in hand. Given this argument, the present study adopts exploratory research to determine whether there must be a clear distinction between political views and religious beliefs.

Topic 48: Politics is used as a mask to cover up religious fanaticism. Critically analyse.

Research Aim: Politics include various activities which are used to govern a country. In a country where the governance is controlled or influenced by religious leaders or religious parties, religious fanaticism may be accepted and cultivated under political authority. In this research, the relationship between politics and religious fanaticism is critically analyzed to identify whether politics is used as a cover to foster religious fanaticism.

Topic 49: The fading association between religion and politics in a secular state.

Research Aim: secularism is a belief which segregates politics and state from religious affairs. Based on this notion, it can be argued that people tend to disassociate religion from worldly affairs in a secular state. Therefore the affiliation between religion and politics has been diminishing. In this study, the relationship between religion and politics is to be determined in a secular state to evaluate the extent to which religion is disassociated from politics.

Topic 50: Should religious leaders be equipped with some form of political or legal authority

Research Aim: Religious leaders have a great degree of power and influence over their religious communities, and their followers tend to obey their orders without questioning them. This shows that religious leaders can even use their position and religious authority to direct their followers wherever they want. Therefore this study focuses to critically analyze whether it would be correct to give religious leaders any political or legal authority.

Topic 51: The only reasons politicians bow to religious authority is to gain popularity. Critically analyse.

Research Aim: In countries where religious leaders have great influence and control over many people, the politicians sometimes join hands with religious leaders to win elections by gaining support from their religious followers. However, the politicians’ collation with the religious leaders may not necessarily mean that they bow down to the religious leaders. Still, it is a diplomatic step to gain their own political authority.

Topic 52: How has the religion Islam succumbed under political pressures? Critically analyse.

Research Aim: In the post 9/11 world, the religion Islam came under immense political pressure. The political activism by Islamic organizations and religious parties has been restricted to moderate the religion of Islam. In this research, a critical analysis is to be conducted to determine whether religion Islam surrendered under political pressures.

Topic 53: The role of Hindu extremists and politicians in Indian society.

Research Aim: In India, the Hindu extremist party RSS played a significant role in rising Hindu Nationalism in Indian politics. Since its independence, India has been identified as a secular state. Still, under the Hindu Nationalist party’s new rule, the Indian political landscape has been altered, and Hinduism dominance is forcefully implemented in Indian society. Given this, the present study aims to evaluate what impact the Hindu extremists and Hindu Nationalist politicians would have on Indian culture in terms of violence and injustice towards low-caste people and Muslims living in India.

Important Notes:

As a student of religion, philosophy and theology looking to get good grades, it is essential to develop new ideas and experiment on existing religion, philosophy and theology theories – i.e., to add value and interest in your research topic.

The field of religion, philosophy and theology is vast and interrelated to many other academic disciplines like  civil engineering ,  construction ,  law , and even  healthcare . That is why it is imperative to create a religion, philosophy and theology dissertation topic that is articular, sound, and actually solves a practical problem that may be rampant in the field.

We can’t stress how important it is to develop a logical research topic; it is based on your entire research. There are several significant downfalls to getting your topic wrong; your supervisor may not be interested in working on it, the topic has no academic credit-ability, the research may not make logical sense, there is a possibility that the study is not viable.

This impacts your time and efforts in  writing your dissertation  as you may end up in the cycle of rejection at the initial stage of the dissertation. That is why we recommend reviewing existing research to develop a topic, taking advice from your supervisor, and even asking for help in this particular stage of your dissertation.

Keeping our advice in mind while developing a research topic will allow you to pick one of the best religion, philosophy, and theology dissertation topics that fulfill your requirement of writing a research paper and adds to the body of knowledge.

Therefore, it is recommended that when finalizing your dissertation topic, you read recently published literature to identify gaps in the research that you may help fill.

Remember- dissertation topics need to be unique, solve an identified problem, be logical, and be practically implemented. Please look at some of our sample religion, philosophy and theology dissertation topics to get an idea for your own dissertation.

How to Structure your Dissertation

A well-structured   dissertation can help students   to achieve a high overall academic grade.

  • A Title Page
  • Acknowledgements
  • Declaration
  • Abstract: A summary of the research completed
  • Table of Contents
  • Introduction : This chapter includes project rationale, research background, key research aims and objectives, and the research problems. An outline of  the structure of a dissertation can also be added to this chapter.
  • Literature Review :  This chapter presents relevant theories and frameworks by analyzing published and unpublished literature on the chosen research topic to address  research questions . The purpose is to highlight and discuss the selected research area’s relative weaknesses and strengths while identifying any research gaps. Break down the topic and key terms that can positively impact your dissertation and your tutor.
  • Methodology: The  data collection  and  analysis  methods and techniques employed by the researcher are presented in the Methodology chapter, which usually includes  research design,  research philosophy, research limitations, code of conduct, ethical consideration, data collection methods and  data analysis strategy .
  • Findings and Analysis: Findings of the research are analyzed in detail under the Findings and Analysis chapter. All key findings/results are outlined in this chapter without interpreting the data or drawing any conclusions. It can be useful to include  graphs ,  charts  and  tables  in this chapter to identify meaningful trends and relationships.
  • Discussion and  Conclusion:  The researcher presents his interpretation of the results in this chapter and states whether the research hypothesis has been verified or not. An essential aspect of this section is establishing the link between the results and evidence from the literature. Recommendations with regards to the implications of the findings and directions for the future may also be provided. Finally, a summary of the overall research, along with final judgments, opinions, and comments, must be included in the form of suggestions for improvement.
  • References:  Make sure to complete this following your University’s requirements
  • Bibliography
  • Appendices: Any additional information, diagrams, and graphs used to  complete the dissertation  but not part of the dissertation should be included in the Appendices chapter. Essentially, the purpose is to expand the information/data.

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Religious Studies Guide

Introduction, reference essays (from encyclopedias & dictionaries), scholarly books, scholarly journal articles (search databases), religious studies; professional associations, primary source collections at libraries, archives, museums.

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This guide will help you find published scholarship (essays, books, chapters, journal articles, etc.) and primary sources on a topic.

  • Choose a topic that interests you and fits within your assignment's parameters.
  • Read good summaries of the topic in subject encyclopedias, like those listed below, to gain a basic overview of your topic.
  • Search for published scholarship in library discovery systems, catalogs, databases, research organization websites, etc.
  • Identify primary source material (e. g. documents, records, artifacts, surveys, data, etc.) through your scholarly readings, and by searching or browsing the digital collections of libraries, archives, museums, and other scholarly organizations.

Remember to evaluate the accuracy of your sources, and think critically about their content and arguments.

For remote login to the Library's electronic resources, see our instructions for Off-Campus Access .

Remember to consult with your instructor in Religious Studies about your project!

Subject encyclopedias and other reference guides can provide good background information on a topic. Many reference books are in printed format, while others are available in electronic resource collections such as:

Gale eBooks (formerly Gale Virtual Reference Library)

Oxford Reference

topics for research in religious studies

This database is an essential resource for religious and theological studies, providing bibliographic records covering topics such as biblical studies, world religions, church history, and religion in social issues.  Catalogue Link: OneSearch . 

E-Journals

Humanities Source is a valuable full-text database covering literary, scholarly, and creative thought.  Catalogue Link: OneSearch .

E-Books

JSTOR is a multi-disciplinary collection of scholarly journals and e-books that include primary sources, images, and more.  Catalogue Link: OneSearch . 

JSTOR provided expanded access during the pandemic (June 2020-June 2023). Expanded access expires on June 30, 2023. CUNY will reinstate that access beginning in January 2024.You may review the Electronic Resources Status Dashboard for updates. Questions? Email: [email protected] or Open a Ticket!

Google Scholar provides a simple way to broadly search for scholarly literature. Please sign to QC Library when prompted to browse articles within the Queens College Library collections.  Catalogue Link: OneSearch . 

Remote access to Google Scholar may not always work. In such cases we advise that you follow the steps below or review the FAQ on Google Scholar

How to access QC subscribed articles via Google Scholar: 1.Access Google Scholar via the un-proxied version: Google Scholar 2. From the Menu Icon on the Top Left select Settings then Library Links 3. In Library Links, search for Queens College then select "Queens College --> Fulltext at QC" 4. SAVE and return to the Google Scholar Homepage 5. You should be able to search for articles. When you see the "Queens College --> Fulltext at QC", select to either be re-directed to the Library Catalogue, OneSearch or asked to login to the library proxy in order to access articles. 6. Please review the FAQ on logging into the library proxy. Should you have any additional questions, please contact our Electronic Resources Librarian by completing the Electronic Resources Access Form.

This current and comprehensive bibliographic database covers scholarly research in all major fields of philosophy.  Catalogue Link: OneSearch . 

RAMBI: The Index of Articles on Jewish Studies is a selective bibliography of academic articles covering all of the fields of Jewish studies as well as the study of Eretz Israel and the State of Israel.  Catalogue Link: OneSearch . 

Indexes the international literature of sociology and related disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences; (1952-current).  Catalogue Link: OneSearch . 

What is a scholarly journal article?

A scholarly journal article is written by a scholar or an expert, and provides a detailed analysis of a topic. It is written in the specialized language of a scholarly discipline (such as Philosophy). It documents the resources the writer used by providing bibliographic citations such as footnotes, endnotes, and bibliography so a reader can check or repeat the research the scholar has completed.

A scholarly journal is edited by scholars, and any article published in the journal has usually been approved by the author's peers or by referees (other scholars expert in the subject who serve as editors or readers and critique the article before it is accepted for publication). This is why most scholarly journals are referred to as a Peer-Reviewed or Refereed journals. Here is a comparison between  popular and scholarly  periodicals. There are usually several databases that can be used to search for journal articles on a topic.

  • American Academy of Religion
  • American Theological Library Association (ATLA): Websites on Religion
  • Association for the Sociology of Religion
  • European Association for the Study of Religions
  • North American Association for the Study of Religion
  • Society for the Scientific Study of Religion
  • Association of Religion Data Archives
  • ATLA Cooperative Digital Resources Initiative
  • DigiVatLib (Digital Vatican Library) "DigiVatLib is a digital library service. It provides free access to the Vatican Library’s digitized collections: manuscripts, incunabula, archival materials and inventories as well as graphic materials, coins and medals, printed materials (special projects)."
  • Internet Sacred Text Archive
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Religious Methodology

What is a methodology in religious studies? Methodologies in religious studies are the interpretive models on which the analysis of religious phenomena and resources are discussed. Methodologies provide a lense of analysis from which to view the field of religous studies. Within religious studies there are three common methodologies : Philosophy of Religion ( Phenomenology ), the study of religious communities ( Functionalism ), and the study of all aspects of the beliefs, practices, and experiences of the followers of a particular religion ( Lived Religion ). There are many subsets within these fields and other methodologies can be used in combination to study a particular faith.

This page provides you with resources on methodology in religious studies.

Methodology Resources: Databases

  • Encyclopedia of Religion This link opens in a new window Considered a standard reference in the field. Presents a cross-cultural approach that emphasizes religion's role within everyday life and as a unique experience from culture to culture.
  • Gale OneFile Religion and Philosophy This link opens in a new window A subset of Gale OneFile, featuring a selection of more than 250 magazines and academic journals covering religion, philosophy and the related areas of archaeology and anthropology. Traces the impact that religion has had on culture throughout history, including literature, arts, and language. Coverage: 1980-.;"Access provided by the Tennessee State Library & Archives and Tennshare; part of the Tennessee Electronic Library"
  • JSTOR This link opens in a new window The JSTOR database consists of complete backfiles of core scholarly journals in all disciplines. Coverage: varies--going back to first year of publication and coming up to 3-5 years ago. See the Project Muse database for scholarly articles from within the past 3-5 years.

Additional Resources

  • PewResearch Religion & Public Life Project This link opens in a new window An excellent resource on religion in American life today.
  • World Religions & Spirituality Project This link opens in a new window
  • The Pluralism Project This link opens in a new window Harvard-sponsored project designed to help Americans engage with the realities of religious diversity through research, outreach, and the active dissemination of resources.
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  • Last Updated: May 23, 2023 10:50 AM
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Religious studies : Getting started

General resources.

The SearchWorks catalog is the best place to begin looking for monographs on specific topics related to the study of religion. The  Articles+ function of SearchWorks  can be used for full-text searching across a number of serials to which the Libraries hold electronic access.

Bibliographies

  • Index Religiosus : international bibliography of theology, church history and religious studies Extensive, searchable bibliography covering publications written in various European languages (English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, etc.).
  • Oxford bibliographies Peer-reviewed and annotated bibliographies compiled by specialists, covering a number of subject areas. Specific bibliographies that may be of interest for those doing research in religious studies include: Anthropology, Biblical Studies, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islamic Studies, Jewish Studies, Medieval Studies, Philosophy, Renaissance and Reformation, and Sociology. Entries on religion and religiosity can also be found in many of the area studies-related bibliographies: African Studies, African-American Studies, Chinese Studies, Latin American Studies, and Latino Studies.

Databases and Serials

  • Adherents.com This website provides tens of thousands of adherent statistics and religious geography citations--references to published membership and congregational statistics for over 4,200 religions, churches, denominations, religious bodies, faith groups, tribes, cultures, movements, concerns, etc.
  • ATLA religion database with ATLASerials PLUS The database of the American Theological Library Association provides access to over four hundred full-text titles, including all the journals within the ATLASerials collection, covering many areas related to religious studies and theology.
  • Database of religious history A centralized clearinghouse for scholarly knowledge of the historical record, bringing together a core of quantified, standardized data with qualitative comments, references to crucial resources, and links to on-line text and image databases. Built-in analytic and data visualization tools are included.
  • Religious magazine archive A searchable archive of magazines devoted to religious topics, spanning 19th-21st centuries. The publications were originally written by/for a wider populace rather than academic/cultural elites and offer insights into, for example, the influence of belief systems on public life, the history of popular religious movements and the means used by religions to gain adherents and communicate their ideologies. A wide variety of religions and denominations are represented, allowing for comparative studies of religions during this period.
  • The Association of Religion Data Archives : ARDA Data included in the ARDA are submitted by the foremost religion scholars and research centers in the world. The ARDA allows you to interactively explore the highest quality data on American and international religion using online features for generating national profiles, GIS maps, church membership overviews, denominational heritage trees, tables, charts, and other reports. The ARDA utilizes data from the World Religion Database, which is based on the World Christian Database. Further information on the methodology used to create that database and recommendations on its use can be found in Hsu, et al., "Composition of All Nations: An Empirical Assessment of the World Christian Database," Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion 47, no. 4 (2008), 678-693, available here (copy DOI link into a new window): doi:10.1111/j.1468-5906.2008.00435.x
  • World religion database: international religious demographic statistics and sources The World Religion Database (WRD) contains detailed statistics on religious affiliation for every country of the world. It provides source material, including censuses and surveys, as well as best estimates for every religion to offer a definitive picture of international religious demography. It offers best estimates at multiple dates for each of the world's religions for the period 1900 to 2050. The World Religion Database employs data from the World Christian Database. Further information on the methodology used to create that database and recommendations on its use can be found in Hsu, et al., "Composition of All Nations: An Empirical Assessment of the World Christian Database," Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion 47, no. 4 (2008), 678-693, available here (copy DOI link into a new window): doi:10.1111/j.1468-5906.2008.00435.x
  • Ethnographic video online Large collection of streaming ethnographic video includes material related to religion.
  • EVIA digital archive: ethnographic video for instruction & analysis The EVIA Digital Archive Project is a collaborative effort to create a digital archive of ethnographic field video for use by scholars and instructors.
  • The index of Medieval art Based on the Index of Christian Art, but expanded to encompass a more broad collection of religious and secular imagery.
  • Cambridge histories online Provides full text online access to the complete 250-plus volumes of Cambridge Histories reference series.
  • Encyclopedia of religion Online access to the latest edition of the Encyclopedia of Religion, a standard reference work in fifteen volumes that contains articles and bibliographies compiled by specialists.
  • Oxford reference online Provides online access to a number of dictionaries, companions, and encylopedias published by Oxford University Press, featuring many entries and articles on a variety of subjects related to the study of religion.
  • Oxford research encyclopedias Peer-reviewed articles on a number of specific topics. Includes the contents of the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Religion and other titles.
  • Routledge handbooks online: Religion The Religion collection of Routledge Handbooks Online contains a number of companions, handbooks, and other reference works that provide in-depth introductions to specific topics related to the study of religion.
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Theology and Religious Studies Research Guide

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Welcome to the Theology and Religious Studies subject guide.  Be sure to click on main pages before proceeding to sub-pages as you explore the areas of your interest. 

Most reference material in Theology and Religious Studies can be found in the Religious Studies/Philosophy Library located on the 3rd floor of Mullen Library. These items are non-circulating. The majority of printed works in this area are cataloged in the BJ – BX Library of Congress Classification System (with some local adaptation). Circulating material can be found in the Mullen Library stacks.

The latest issues of current periodicals in the above subject areas are arranged in call number order. They are located in room 1 Center in Mullen stacks. Many journal articles are available online at CU e-journals . Check the WRLC catalog for material that could be applicable to your topic.

Visit the School of Theology and Religious Studies

Research Guides for Theology and Religious Studies

Major religion & theology databases.

  • ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials This link opens in a new window ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials is the major bibliographic database for journal articles, monographs, book reviews, and collections of essays in all fields of religion. More than 600 journals are indexed annually with ATLA Serials containing the full text articles from 60 journals in religion and theology with varying coverage going back more than 50 years. This database is produced by the American Theological Library Association.
  • List of Catholic Periodicals Indexed by ATLA
  • New Catholic Encyclopedia This link opens in a new window A standard in public, academic, and high school libraries worldwide, and prized for its scholarly presentation of persons and subjects related to Catholicism and the humanities, this book is the first place to turn for answers for questions on topics such as abortion, divorce, cloning, and reproductive technologies. In addition to the hundreds of new, signed articles on a wide variety of topics, this edition also features biographies of contemporary religious figures, thousands of photos, maps, and illustrations, and completely updated bibliographical citations. The 15th volume is a cumulative index to the entire encyclopedia.
  • New Testament Abstracts This link opens in a new window Covers the New Testament and its historical period: specifically, New Testament criticism, the Gospels, Epistles, Biblical Theology, early Rabbinical literature, ancient history, and the Greco-Roman era. Citations to journal articles and scholarly monographs.
  • Old Testament Abstracts This link opens in a new window The database indexes and abstracts journal articles from 450 publications, monographs, multi-author works, and software pertinent to Old Testament studies. Major topics covered include antiquities, archaeology, biblical theology, and philology.
  • Encyclopedia of American Religions This link opens in a new window Contains general essays that historically trace the major religious families and traditions, as well as directory listings that include contact and descriptive information on individual churches, religious bodies, and spiritual groups.
  • RelResearch Funded by the ReIRes, this database offers integrated and unified access to the following collections: The Dictionnaire d’histoire et de géographie ecclésiastiques (DHGE), The Library of Latin Texts (LLT), Mansi Digitale, Klerus-Datenbank, which covers biographical data of 7466 Roman Catholic clerics of the diocese of Mainz (Germany) from the 17th until the beginning of the 19th century; Digitalisierte hebräische Handschriften aus der Jüdischen Bibliothek an der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, which offers digitized Hebrew manuscripts from 1700 until 1920; Maurits Sabbe Library, offering bibliography of over 200 000 rare books, printed before 1800, and 1200 manuscripts (Bibles, Bible commentaries, the Church Fathers, synodal documents, canon law, liturgical texts, and Jesuitica collection; Cyrillomethodiana (Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Bulgaria).

Citation Guides

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Citation Management Software

Refworks is a bibliographic management tool designed to assist students in organzing their research and creating bibliographies.

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Patristic & medieval texts, biblical studies, early modern history.

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Religious Studies

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Support for the study of religion has been consistent at Indiana University from its founding in 1820 to the present. The Libraries' collections reflect the Department of Religious Studies' breadth and depth, with very strong collections in Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Buddhism, and rapidly growing collections in Hinduism, and other religions. 

Getting Started

In a rush? Try the tabs below.

  • Background Information
  • Scholarly Articles
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  • OneSearch@IU Overview

The main catalog of books at Indiana University is IUCAT. Watch the video below if you need help finding e-books in IUCAT.

Search IUCAT:

If you are just starting a research project and need to know some basic information to get started, encyclopedias and historical dictionaries are great tools. I particularly recommend the Oxford Research Encyclopedia .

  • Encyclopedia of Global Religion by Mark Juergensmeyer Call Number: E-resource ISBN: 9781452266565 Publication Date: 2012 The multi-volume Encyclopedia of Global Religion provides a comprehensive overview of the globalization of religious culture and society around the world in both its historical and contemporary aspects. The encyclopedia includes topics related to the diaspora of cultures and dispersions of peoples; the transitional aspects of religious ideas and practices; the cultural diversity of religious traditions; and the responses of religion--both negative and positive--to multicultural society. The volumes include essays on the contemporary religious society of every country in the world. The contributors to the encyclopedia are leading authorities on these topics from around the world.

Most databases allow you click a box with a name like "scholarly articles," which does a reasonably good job of limiting your results to high-quality, academic articles.

Although IU has access to newspapers from around the world, most of our large collections of historical newspapers center on the United States. Check out the "Old News" link below for non-American newspapers.

  • Old News: Historical Newspapers and Periodicals by Scholars Commons Staff Last Updated Feb 8, 2024 423 views this year

For most Religious Studies research, at least through the undergraduate level, you can probably find plenty of sources right in Bloomington (or wherever you are, using your IUB login). In addition to all the physical collections at IU  (including the Lilly Library  and University Archives ), many of which include collections relevant to the study of religious cultures, IU has paid for access to online databases that include primary sources from all over the world and all periods of human history. Finally, libraries, archives, museums, and other institutions have digitized many of their collections and made them freely available. Contact me  if you need help.

  • American Historical Review Digital Primary Sources by Catherine Minter Last Updated Feb 24, 2023 139 views this year
  • History Research Guide by Catherine Minter Last Updated Feb 23, 2024 551 views this year

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  • Resource available to authorized IU Bloomington users (on or off campus) OneSearch@IU
  • Resource available to authorized IU Bloomington users (on or off campus) Academic Search (EBSCO)
  • Resource available to authorized IU Bloomington users (on or off campus) ERIC (EBSCO)
  • Resource available to authorized IU Bloomington users (on or off campus) Nexis Uni
  • Resource available without restriction HathiTrust Digital Library
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  • Resource available to authorized IU Bloomington users (on or off campus) Google Scholar
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Vatican announces synod assembly dates; formation of study groups

Theologians, canon lawyers and other experts will be asked to study a variety of questions raised at the synod on synodality last October, and members of the synod will have a two-day retreat before the second assembly begins this fall.

Cindy Wooden

Members of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops pray before a working session in the Vatican's Paul VI Audience Hall Oct. 26, 2023. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The second assembly of the Synod of Bishops on synodality will meet Oct. 2-27 and will be preceded by several formal studies coordinated by the synod general secretariat working with various offices of the Roman Curia.

The Vatican announced the dates for the assembly Feb. 17, indicating that the desire of some synod members to spend less time in Rome was not accepted. The fall assembly will be preceded by a retreat for members Sept. 30-Oct. 1, the Vatican said.

And in response to a formal call by members of the first assembly of the synod, Pope Francis has agreed to the establishment of "study groups that will initiate, with a synodal method, the in-depth study of some of the themes that emerged."

In a chirograph, or brief papal document, released Feb. 17, the pope said that "these study groups are to be established by mutual agreement between the competent dicasteries of the Roman Curia and the General Secretariat of the Synod, which is entrusted with coordination."

Pope Francis at synod assembly

Pope Francis' note focused on the obligation of the offices of the Roman Curia to work with the synod since both bodies, though distinct, are established "to promote in a synodal spirit the mutual relations of the bishops and of the particular Churches over which they preside, among themselves and in communion with the Bishop of Rome."

In their synthesis report at the end of the first synod assembly, members voted to ask Pope Francis for several studies before the 2024 assembly, including on "the terminological and conceptual understanding of the notion and practice of synodality" itself; and another study on "the canonical implications of synodality," conducted by "an intercontinental special commission of theological and canonical experts."

Synod members also called for further theological study on the permanent diaconate and said, "theological and pastoral research on the access of women to the diaconate should be continued, benefiting from consideration of the results of the commissions specially established by the Holy Father, and from the theological, historical and exegetical research already undertaken."

"If possible," members said, "the results of this research should be presented to the next session of the assembly."

After a request of the women's International Union of Superiors General, Pope Francis established a commission to study the historic identity and role of women deacons. The commission worked from 2016 to 2019, and the pope gave a report on it to the superiors general, but it was not made public. He set up a second commission in 2020 after the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon; its results have not been published either.

Synod members at St. Peter's Basilica

On several occasions after his election in 2013, Pope Francis said he had asked the dicastery for religious to revise "Mutuae Relationes," a set of directives issued jointly with the then-Congregation for Bishops in 1978 to provide guidance to bishops and religious in their relationship. Pope Francis has said the norms need revision to ensure religious are not treated simply as employees or human resources for a diocese and to ensure that the orders' autonomy does not lead them to activities in conflict with a local church.

The synod assembly also called for "a thorough review of formation for ordained ministry in view of the missionary and synodal dimensions of the Church." Assembly members said that involves "reviewing the 'Ratio Fundamentalis' that determines how formation is structured."

The "Ratio Fundamentalis" was last updated in late 2016 and provides guidelines for preparing men for the Latin-rite priesthood and ensuring their continuing education, training and support.

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With its Rome bureau founded in 1950, Catholic News Service has been providing complete, in-depth coverage of the popes and the Vatican for more than 70 years.  CNS Rome continues to be your fair, faithful and informed connection to the Holy See.

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What can super-healing species teach us about regeneration?

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When Albert E. Almada PhD ’13 embarks on a new project, he always considers two criteria instilled in him during his time as a graduate student in the Department of Biology at MIT.

“If you want to make a big discovery, you have to approach it from a unique perspective — a unique angle,” Almada says. “You also have to be willing to dive into the unknown and go to the leading edge of your field.”

This is not without its challenges — but with an innovative spirit, Almada says, one can find ways to apply technologies and approaches to a new area of research where a roadmap doesn’t yet exist.

Now an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery and stem cell biology and regenerative medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC), Almada studies the mechanics of how stem cells rebuild tissues after trauma and how stem cell principles are dysregulated and drive conditions like degenerative disease and aging, exploring these topics through an evolutionary lens. 

He’s also trying to solve a mystery that has intrigued scientists for centuries: Why can some vertebrate species like fish, salamanders, and lizards regenerate entire body parts, but mammals cannot?  Almada’s laboratory  at USC tackles these critical questions in the musculoskeletal system. 

Almada’s fascination with muscle development and regeneration can be traced back to growing up in southern California. Almada’s brother had a degenerative muscle disease called  Duchenne muscular dystrophy — and, while Almada grew stronger and stronger, his brother grew weaker and weaker. Last summer, Almada’s brother, unfortunately, lost his battle with his disorder at the age of 41. 

“Watching his disease progress in those early years is what inspired me to become a scientist,” Almada recalls. “Sometimes science can be personal.” 

Almada went to the University of California at Irvine for his undergraduate degree, majoring in biological sciences. During his summers, he participated in the  Undergraduate Research Program  (URP) at the  Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and the MIT Summer Research Program-Bio (now the Bernard S. and Sophie G. Gould MIT Summer Research Program in Biology, BSG-MSRP-Bio ), where he saw the passion, rigor, and drive that solidified his desire to pursue a PhD. 

Despite his interest in clinical applications, skeletal muscle, and regenerative biology, Almada was drawn to the Department of Biology at MIT , which is focused on basic fundamental research.

“I was willing to bet that it all came down to understanding basic cellular processes and things going wrong with the cell and how it interacts with its environment,” he says. “The MIT biology program really helped me define an identity for myself and gave me a template for how to tackle clinical problems from a molecular perspective.”

Almada’s PhD thesis work was based on a curious finding that  Phillip Sharp , Institute Professor emeritus, professor emeritus of biology, and intramural faculty at the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, had made in 2007 — that transcription, the process of copying DNA into a messenger molecule called RNA, can occur in both directions at gene promoters. In one direction, it was long understood that fully formed mRNA is transcribed and can be used as a blueprint to make a protein. The transcription Sharp observed, in the opposite direction, results in a very short RNA that is not used as a gene product blueprint. 

Almada’s project dug into what those short RNA molecules are — their structure and sequence, and why they’re not produced the same way that coding messenger RNA is. In two papers published in  PNAS  and  Nature , Almada and colleagues discovered that a balance between splicing and transcription termination signals controls the length of an RNA. This finding has wider implications because toxic RNAs are produced and can build up in several degenerative diseases; being able to splice out or shorten RNAs to remove the harmful segments could be a potential therapeutic treatment.

“That experience convinced me that if I want to make big discoveries, I have to focus on basic science,” he says. “It also gave me the confidence that if I can succeed at MIT, I can succeed just about anywhere and in any field of biology.” 

At the time Almada was in graduate school, there was a lot of excitement about transcription factor reprogramming. Transcription factors are the proteins responsible for turning on essential genes that tell a cell what to be and how to behave; a subset of them can even theoretically turn one cell type into another. 

Almada began to wonder whether a specialized set of transcription factors instructs stem cells to rebuild tissues after trauma. After MIT, Almada moved on to a postdoctoral position in the lab of  Amy Wagers , a leader in muscle stem cell biology at Harvard University, to immerse himself in this problem.

In many tissues in our bodies, a population of stem cells typically exists in an inactive, non-dividing state called quiescence. Once activated, these stem cells interact with their environment, sense damage signals, and turn on programs of proliferation and differentiation, as well as self-renewal, which is critical to maintaining a pool of stem cells in the tissue.

One of the biggest mysteries in the field of regenerative biology is how stem cells transition from dormancy into that activated, highly regenerative state. The body’s ability to turn on stem cells, including those in the skeletal muscle system, declines as we age and is often dysregulated in degenerative diseases — diseases like the one Almada’s brother suffered from. 

In a study Almada published in Cell Reports  several years ago, he identified a family of transcription factors that work together to turn on a critical regenerative gene program within hours of muscle trauma. This program drives muscle stem cells out of quiescence and speeds up healing. 

“Now my lab is studying this regenerative program and its potential dysregulation in aging and degenerative muscle diseases using mouse and human models,” Almada says. “We’re also drawing parallels with super-healing species like salamanders and lizards.” 

Recently, Almada has been working on characterizing the molecular and functional properties of stem cells in lizards, attempting to understand how the genes and pathways differ from mammalian stem cells. Lizards can regenerate massive amounts of skeletal muscle from scratch — imagine if human muscle tissue could be regrown as seamlessly as a lizard’s tail can. He is also exploring whether the tail is unique, or if stem cells in other tissues in lizards can regenerate faster and better than the tail, by comparing analogous injuries in a mouse model. 

“This is a good example of approaching a problem from a new perspective: We believe we’re going to discover new biology in lizards that we can use to enhance skeletal muscle growth in vulnerable human populations, including those that suffer from deadly muscle disorders,” Almada says.

In just three years of starting his faculty position at USC, his work and approach have already received recognition in academia, with junior faculty awards from the Baxter Foundation and the Glenn Foundation/American Federation of Aging Research. He also received his  first RO1 award  from the National Institutes of Health with nearly $3 million in funding. Almada and his first graduate student, Alma Zuniga Munoz, were also awarded the  HHMI Gilliam Fellowship  last summer. Zuniga Munoz is  the first to be recognized  with this award at USC; fellowship recipients, student and advisor pairs, are selected with the goal of preparing students from underrepresented groups for leadership roles in science.

Almada himself is a second-generation Mexican American and has been involved in mentoring and training throughout his academic career. He was a graduate resident tutor for Spanish House at MIT and currently serves as the chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee in the Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at USC; more than half of his lab members identify as members of the Hispanic community.

“The focus has to be on developing good scientists,” Almada says. “I learned from my past research mentors the importance of putting the needs of your students first and providing a supportive environment for everyone to excel, no matter where they start.” 

As a mentor and researcher, Almada knows that no question and no challenge is off limits — foundations he built in Cambridge, where his graduate studies focused on teaching him to think, not just do.

“Digging deep into the science is what MIT taught me,” he says. “I’m now taking all of my knowledge in molecular biology and applying it to translationally oriented questions that I hope will benefit human health and longevity.”

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8 facts about atheists.

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Atheists make up 4% of U.S. adults, according to our 2023 National Public Opinion Reference Survey . That compares with 3% who described themselves as atheists in 2014 and 2% who did so in 2007 .

Here are some key facts about atheists in the United States and around the world, based on several Pew Research Center surveys.

This analysis draws on several Pew Research Center studies. Data on the share of atheists in the United States is from the  2023 National Public Opinion Reference Survey , as well as the Center’s  2007  and  2014 Religious Landscape Studies .

Other data on U.S. atheists comes from various waves of the American Trends Panel, collected in  September and December 2017 ,  February 2019 ,  September 2022 , and  July and August 2023 .

For data from countries other than the U.S., this analysis draws on nationally representative surveys conducted in 2019, 2022 and 2023. Read more details about our  international survey methodology and country-specific sample designs .

For the purposes of this analysis, “wealthy nations” are those that were classified as “high income” according to the  World Bank Income Classifications .

In the U.S., atheists are mostly men and are relatively young,  according to a Center survey conducted in summer 2023 . Around six-in-ten U.S. atheists are men (64%). And seven-in-ten are ages 49 or younger, compared with about half of U.S. adults overall (52%).

Atheists also are more likely than the general public to be White (77% vs. 62%) and have a college degree (48% vs. 34%). Roughly eight-in-ten atheists identify with or lean toward the Democratic Party.

Almost all U.S. atheists (98%) say religion is not too or not at all important in their lives, according to the same summer 2023 survey. An identical share say that they seldom or never pray.

At the same time, 79% of American atheists say they feel a deep sense of wonder about the universe at least several times a year. And 36% feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and well-being at least that often.

U.S. atheists and religiously affiliated Americans find meaning in their lives in some of the same ways. In a 2017 survey , we asked an open-ended question about this. Like a majority of Americans, most atheists mentioned family as a source of meaning.

However, atheists (26%) were far more likely than Christians (10%) to describe their hobbies as meaningful or satisfying. Atheists were also more likely than Americans overall to describe finances and money, creative pursuits, travel, and leisure activities as meaningful. Very few atheists (4%) said they found life’s meaning in spirituality.

A map showing that western Europeans are more likely than Americans to identify as atheists.

Atheists make up a larger share of the population in many Western European countries than in the U.S.,  according to a spring 2023 Center survey that included 10 European countries. For example, nearly a quarter of French adults (23%) identify as atheists, as do 18% of adults in Sweden, 17% in the Netherlands and 12% in the United Kingdom.

Most U.S. atheists express concerns about the role religion plays in society. An overwhelming majority of atheists (94%) say that the statement “religion causes division and intolerance” describes their views a great deal or a fair amount, according to our summer 2023 survey. And 91% say the same about the statement “religion encourages superstition and illogical thinking.” Nearly three-quarters (73%) say religion does more harm than good in American society.

At the same time, 41% of atheists say religion helps society by giving people meaning and purpose in their lives, and 33% say it encourages people to treat others well.

Atheists may not believe religious teachings, but they are  quite informed about religion . In our 2019 religious knowledge survey , atheists were among the best-performing groups. On average, they answered about 18 out of 32 fact-based questions correctly, while U.S. adults overall got roughly 14 questions right. In particular, atheists were twice as likely as Americans overall to know that the U.S. Constitution says no religious test is necessary to hold public office.

Atheists were also at least as knowledgeable as Christians on Christianity-related questions. For example, roughly eight-in-ten in both groups knew that Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus.

Most Americans don’t think believing in God is necessary to be a good person, according to the summer 2023 survey. When we asked people which statement came closer to their views, 73% selected “it is possible to be moral and have good values without believing in God,” while 25% picked “it is necessary to believe in God in order to be moral and have good values.”

Adults in some other wealthy countries tend to agree with this sentiment, based on responses to a similar question we asked in 2019 and 2022 . For example, nine-in-ten Swedish adults say belief in God is not necessary to be moral and have good values, while 85% in Australia, 80% in the Czech Republic and 77% in France say this.

However, fewer than one-in-ten adults in some other countries surveyed say that a person can be moral without believing in God. That includes 5% of adults in Kenya, 4% in the Philippines and 2% in Indonesia. In all three nations, more than nine-in-ten say instead that a person must believe in God to be a moral person.

About three-quarters of U.S. atheists (77%) do not believe in God or a higher power  or in a spiritual force of any kind, according to our summer 2023 survey. At the same time, 23% say they do believe in a higher power of some kind, though fewer than 1% of U.S. atheists say they believe in “God as described in the Bible.”

This shows that not all self-described atheists fit the literal definition of “atheist,” which is “a person who does not believe in the existence of a god or any gods,”  according to Merriam-Webster .

Note: This is an update of a post originally published on Nov. 5, 2015. It was last updated Dec. 6, 2019.

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Stanford Medicine study identifies distinct brain organization patterns in women and men

Stanford Medicine researchers have developed a powerful new artificial intelligence model that can distinguish between male and female brains.

February 20, 2024

sex differences in brain

'A key motivation for this study is that sex plays a crucial role in human brain development, in aging, and in the manifestation of psychiatric and neurological disorders,' said Vinod Menon. clelia-clelia

A new study by Stanford Medicine investigators unveils a new artificial intelligence model that was more than 90% successful at determining whether scans of brain activity came from a woman or a man.

The findings, published Feb. 20 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, help resolve a long-term controversy about whether reliable sex differences exist in the human brain and suggest that understanding these differences may be critical to addressing neuropsychiatric conditions that affect women and men differently.

“A key motivation for this study is that sex plays a crucial role in human brain development, in aging, and in the manifestation of psychiatric and neurological disorders,” said Vinod Menon , PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and director of the Stanford Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Laboratory . “Identifying consistent and replicable sex differences in the healthy adult brain is a critical step toward a deeper understanding of sex-specific vulnerabilities in psychiatric and neurological disorders.”

Menon is the study’s senior author. The lead authors are senior research scientist Srikanth Ryali , PhD, and academic staff researcher Yuan Zhang , PhD.

“Hotspots” that most helped the model distinguish male brains from female ones include the default mode network, a brain system that helps us process self-referential information, and the striatum and limbic network, which are involved in learning and how we respond to rewards.

The investigators noted that this work does not weigh in on whether sex-related differences arise early in life or may be driven by hormonal differences or the different societal circumstances that men and women may be more likely to encounter.

Uncovering brain differences

The extent to which a person’s sex affects how their brain is organized and operates has long been a point of dispute among scientists. While we know the sex chromosomes we are born with help determine the cocktail of hormones our brains are exposed to — particularly during early development, puberty and aging — researchers have long struggled to connect sex to concrete differences in the human brain. Brain structures tend to look much the same in men and women, and previous research examining how brain regions work together has also largely failed to turn up consistent brain indicators of sex.

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Vinod Menon

In their current study, Menon and his team took advantage of recent advances in artificial intelligence, as well as access to multiple large datasets, to pursue a more powerful analysis than has previously been employed. First, they created a deep neural network model, which learns to classify brain imaging data: As the researchers showed brain scans to the model and told it that it was looking at a male or female brain, the model started to “notice” what subtle patterns could help it tell the difference.

This model demonstrated superior performance compared with those in previous studies, in part because it used a deep neural network that analyzes dynamic MRI scans. This approach captures the intricate interplay among different brain regions. When the researchers tested the model on around 1,500 brain scans, it could almost always tell if the scan came from a woman or a man.

The model’s success suggests that detectable sex differences do exist in the brain but just haven’t been picked up reliably before. The fact that it worked so well in different datasets, including brain scans from multiple sites in the U.S. and Europe, make the findings especially convincing as it controls for many confounds that can plague studies of this kind.

“This is a very strong piece of evidence that sex is a robust determinant of human brain organization,” Menon said.

Making predictions

Until recently, a model like the one Menon’s team employed would help researchers sort brains into different groups but wouldn’t provide information about how the sorting happened. Today, however, researchers have access to a tool called “explainable AI,” which can sift through vast amounts of data to explain how a model’s decisions are made.

Using explainable AI, Menon and his team identified the brain networks that were most important to the model’s judgment of whether a brain scan came from a man or a woman. They found the model was most often looking to the default mode network, striatum, and the limbic network to make the call.

The team then wondered if they could create another model that could predict how well participants would do on certain cognitive tasks based on functional brain features that differ between women and men. They developed sex-specific models of cognitive abilities: One model effectively predicted cognitive performance in men but not women, and another in women but not men. The findings indicate that functional brain characteristics varying between sexes have significant behavioral implications.

“These models worked really well because we successfully separated brain patterns between sexes,” Menon said. “That tells me that overlooking sex differences in brain organization could lead us to miss key factors underlying neuropsychiatric disorders.”

While the team applied their deep neural network model to questions about sex differences, Menon says the model can be applied to answer questions regarding how just about any aspect of brain connectivity might relate to any kind of cognitive ability or behavior. He and his team plan to make their model publicly available for any researcher to use.

“Our AI models have very broad applicability,” Menon said. “A researcher could use our models to look for brain differences linked to learning impairments or social functioning differences, for instance — aspects we are keen to understand better to aid individuals in adapting to and surmounting these challenges.”

The research was sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (grants MH084164, EB022907, MH121069, K25HD074652 and AG072114), the Transdisciplinary Initiative, the Uytengsu-Hamilton 22q11 Programs, the Stanford Maternal and Child Health Research Institute, and the NARSAD Young Investigator Award.

About Stanford Medicine

Stanford Medicine is an integrated academic health system comprising the Stanford School of Medicine and adult and pediatric health care delivery systems. Together, they harness the full potential of biomedicine through collaborative research, education and clinical care for patients. For more information, please visit med.stanford.edu .

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  12. Getting to Know Your Topic: Background & Context

    The Encyclopedia of Religion is an electronic version of a classic source, a fifteen-volume scholarly overview of religions, ritual, mythology, dogma, the history of churches and their leaders, and much else. A good place to start for almost any topic. Articles are written by top scholars, and typically include strong bibliographies of primary ...

  13. Research Guides: Religious Studies: Approaches to Religion

    Call Number: B1493 .D52 1993. ISBN: 9780199251889. David Hume is arguably the most important Enlightenment figure in the study of religion. His "Natural History of Religion" advanced the thesis that polytheism predated theism, and that religious impulses were initially the product of negative emotions, such as fear and insecurity.

  14. 18517 PDFs

    Explore the latest full-text research PDFs, articles, conference papers, preprints and more on RELIGIOUS STUDIES. Find methods information, sources, references or conduct a literature review on ...

  15. Religion, Theology and Philosophy Dissertation Topics

    Research Aim: This research aims to find the relationship between patriarchal society and religion. It will analyse a causal link between both phenomena by discovering whether faith makes society patriarchal or a particular social structure that makes religion patriarchal.

  16. Religion

    Home Research Topics Religion Islam Christianity Judaism Non-Religion & Secularism Global Religious Futures Religious Freedom & Restrictions + More report | Jan 24, 2024 Religious 'Nones' in America: Who They Are and What They Believe

  17. Religious Studies Research Introduction (Essays, Articles, Books, etc

    This database is an essential resource for religious and theological studies, providing bibliographic records covering topics such as biblical studies, world religions, church history, and religion in social issues. Catalogue Link: OneSearch.

  18. Methodology

    Methodologies in religious studies are the interpretive models on which the analysis of religious phenomena and resources are discussed. Methodologies provide a lense of analysis from which to view the field of religous studies. Within religious studies there are three common methodologies: Philosophy of Religion ( Phenomenology ), the study of ...

  19. Religious studies : Getting started

    A searchable archive of magazines devoted to religious topics, spanning 19th-21st centuries. The publications were originally written by/for a wider populace rather than academic/cultural elites and offer insights into, for example, the influence of belief systems on public life, the history of popular religious movements and the means used by religions to gain adherents and communicate their ...

  20. Theology and Religious Studies Research Guide

    Welcome to the Theology and Religious Studies subject guide. Be sure to click on main pages before proceeding to sub-pages as you explore the areas of your interest. Most reference material in Theology and Religious Studies can be found in the Religious Studies/Philosophy Library located on the 3rd floor of Mullen Library.

  21. Free Web Resources on Religion: Online Texts

    Books@Atla Open Press Publishes free resources for religious studies and theology scholars and librarians. Titles are published under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial license (CC-BY-NC 4.0 International) and are made available in EPUB and PDF format with some titles also available as Print on Demand for a reasonable price.

  22. Library Research Guides: Religious Studies: Home

    The encyclopedia includes topics related to the diaspora of cultures and dispersions of peoples; the transitional aspects of religious ideas and practices; the cultural diversity of religious traditions; and the responses of religion--both negative and positive--to multicultural society. ... For most Religious Studies research, at least through ...

  23. Christianity

    Religion Among Asian Americans. A rising share of Asian Americans say they have no religion (32%), but many consider themselves close to one or more religious traditions for reasons such as family or culture. Christianity is still the largest faith group among Asian Americans (34%). report | Oct 11, 2023.

  24. Who Are You? The Art and Science of Measuring Identity

    Find related content about our survey practices and methodological research. Download as PDF. CORRECTION (February 20, 2024): An earlier version of this data essay misstated the share of Americans whose religion falls under the 11 main categories offered in the religious affiliation question. The correct share is 97%. This has now been updated.

  25. Vatican announces synod assembly dates; formation of study groups

    Synod members also called for further theological study on the permanent diaconate and said, "theological and pastoral research on the access of women to the diaconate should be continued, benefiting from consideration of the results of the commissions specially established by the Holy Father, and from the theological, historical and exegetical ...

  26. What can super-healing species teach us about regeneration?

    In a study Almada published in Cell Reports several years ago, he identified a family of transcription factors that work together to turn on a critical regenerative gene program within hours of muscle trauma. This program drives muscle stem cells out of quiescence and speeds up healing.

  27. 8 facts about atheists

    This analysis draws on several Pew Research Center studies. Data on the share of atheists in the United States is from the 2023 National Public Opinion Reference Survey, as well as the Center's 2007 and 2014 Religious Landscape Studies.. Other data on U.S. atheists comes from various waves of the American Trends Panel, collected in September and December 2017, February 2019, September 2022 ...

  28. Stanford Medicine study identifies distinct brain organization patterns

    A new study by Stanford Medicine investigators unveils a new artificial intelligence model that was more than 90% successful at determining whether scans of brain activity came from a woman or a man.. The findings, published Feb. 20 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, help resolve a long-term controversy about whether reliable sex differences exist in the human brain and ...