What are the critical issues in the study of religion?

There is a great diversity of opinion on religious matters, and chances are, every religious authority, or every religious person to whom you ask this question would give you a different answer. Some people are interested in observing the common elements that are found in many or all religions, some are interested rather in the unique aspects of a particular religion, some are interested in tracing the historical process by which religions come into existence and develop into well established parts of human society, some are interested in very theoretical issues of theology, such as, will we be re-united with our pets in heaven, etc. There is a very vigorous debate about whether God does or does not exist, or whether it is even meaningful to ask the question about whether God exists, or whether we would even recognize Him if we met Him on the bus. I tend to think that the most critical issue in religion today, in the age of terrorism, is how people of different religions can live in the same world without killing each other. Your mileage may vary.

Another issue, which is probably resolved unconsciously by the choice of study course, is whether to study religion as a broad concept or whether to study a particular religion, such as Christianity.

A further issue is motivation. Are you studying a religion in order understand the faith more fully, to be a better follower of that religion, or perhaps hoping to become a priest or pastor? These are issues that will affect not only the choice of topics but also the degree to which you pursue these studies. This is also critical in the choice of college at which to study, as this should be compatible with your objectives.

Of course, if you are studying comparative religion at high school, one issue is to put aside, for the moment, your personal religious beliefs, so that you can better understand what followers of other religions believe. Or if you are studying scripture at a religious school or at Sunday school, this is even easier, as you can ask questions and try to learn the assigned scriptures.