comparative religion

Various religious symbols representing the world's largest religions (from left to right): 1st row: Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism 2nd row: Islam, Buddhism, Shinto 3rd row: Sikhism, the Baháʼí Faith, Jainism

Comparative religion is the branch of religious studies that systematically compares the doctrines, practices, themes and impacts (including migration) of the world's religions. In general, the comparative study of religion yields a deeper understanding of the fundamental philosophical concerns of religion such as ethics, metaphysics and the nature and forms of salvation. It also considers and compares the origins and similarities shared between the various religions of the world. Studying such material facilitates a broadened and more sophisticated understanding of human beliefs and practices regarding the sacred, numinous, spiritual and divine.