Philosophy and Religious Studies constitute two interrelated yet distinct disciplines that critically explore the nature of reality, knowledge, and values alongside the diverse manifestations of faith ...

The Bible is a cultural force unlike no other. As a book, it outsells all others combined. As a source of authority, only the Constitution competes with it for influence. But what is the Bible, really ...

The program in Jewish studies at Smith College explores the history, literature, arts, politics, philosophy, culture, religion and languages of the Jewish people from its origins in ancient Israel ...

Many questions in the 2023-24 Religious Landscape Study (RLS) previously were asked in the 2007 and 2014 landscape studies. Measuring change over time on these questions is one key goal of the new RLS ...

There have been numerous calls recently for a better understanding of religion. Of course, many of those were heard after September 11, 2001, when it became clear how little most Americans know of ...

Sociology can help us see neglected drivers of religious beliefs. But it shouldn’t lose focus on the beliefs themselves. You should read Religion for Realists: Why We All Need the Scientific Study of ...

One year, for Hanukkah, my grandmother gave me the Book of Mormon. She was not trying to convert me. She was not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was Jewish, though a ...

The Religious Studies Department educates students in religious and theological disciplines, including the study of religious texts, histories, beliefs, practices, and ethics. Rooted in Santa Clara’s ...