ASSIGNMENT: In this unit, you learned some of the reasons for studying religion. You also learned
that religion is universally recognizable, yet difficult to define. A narrow definition of religion that ties
it to a belief in and worship of a higher, supernatural power, can exclude religions like Buddhism. On
the other hand, definitions of religion that eliminate mention of the otherworldly or divine by
equating it simply with “faith” or “belief” yield an understanding that is overly-broad.
Due to the challenges of studying religion, various methodologies have arisen including:
phenomenology, theology, historical approaches, comparison, philosophy, and sociology. This
Touchstone gives you an opportunity to reflect on these major approaches to studying religion.
In a 400-600 word short essay, you will explain the difficulties involved in defining religion. Then
you will select one method for studying religion that you believe to be most thought-provoking, and
explain its strengths and weaknesses.
A. Assignment Guidelines
DIRECTIONS: Explain, in your own words, two reasons why religion is difficult to define. Review the
lessons in Unit 1 as you consider your response. Then, select one method for studying religion that you
believe to be most thought-provoking and explain what you believe to be its strengths and weaknesses.
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the Unit before you can submit it.
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UNIT 1 — TOUCHSTONE 1: Reflecting on
Major Approaches to Studying Religions
SCORE
-/25
Your short essay should include four parts:
Explain, in your own words, two reasons why religion is difficult to define.
Select one method for studying religion that you believe to be most thought-provoking and
summarize the approach in your own words.
Explain a strength of this approach to studying religion.
Explain a weakness of this approach to studying religion.
The methods for studying religion discussed in Unit 1 include:
Phenomenology
Theology
Historical Approaches
Comparative Religion
Philosophy of Religion
Sociology of Religion
As you develop your reflection, be sure to engage with the course material from Unit 1. You will use
information from the Sophia tutorials to support your response. When citing material from a tutorial,
please include the name of the tutorial and use the following format (using Sophia’s Primal Religions
tutorial as an example):
In-text citation: (Primal Religions, n.d.)
Reference: (n.d.). Primal Religions [MOOC]. In Approaches to Studying Religions. Sophia Learning.
https://app.sophia.org/spcc/approaches-to-studying-religions–2/unit1/study-guide/7845/primalreligions-2