Studying religion involves a cross-cultural, interdisciplinary, critical exploration of the variety of religious experiences and expressions. This can be done from within a religious tradition, or outside or independent of a religious perspective.

Scholars in religion studies produce and/or read:

• books, which offer extended broad and/or in-depth critical analyses of, religious experiences and expressions
• articles and essays, typically providing either a detailed critique of a narrow, focused topic or question; or a short summary of a broader idea
• a wide variety of religious publications, presentations, and productions by religious adherents