'Anthropology-Lite': An Education Perspective on the Ideology of Religious Studies

There has been considerable criticism of religious studies as a separate discipline, focusing on the category of religion. This article aims to develop this debate by defending the religion category but nevertheless criticizing religious studies in terms of its practical consequences for scholarship. Working on the view that scholarship aims to criticize accepted knowledge in pursuit of truth and foster a rational atmosphere for discussion, the article will argue that religious studies, as a separate discipline within the restrictions in which it often operates, potentially damages this aim. Solutions will be proposed to the religious studies problem and the article will aim to open-up a debate.