Religious studies

"The study of religion is guided by what academics call methodological agnosticism. We believe, however, that irrespective of any theological issue scholars can and should take a firm stand for [natural] rights and freedom of religion or belief."

"As scholars of religions, we do not evaluate theological declarations—we leave these to clergy, theologians, and to some extent religious practitioners—but analyze the empirically detectable effects of these statements in the surrounding contemporary world. We aim to objectively describe, contextually analyze, and analytically provide the most accurate scholarly interpretation of an examined phenomenon."

"When researching a religious group, it’s essential not only to hear from its members and leaders, but also to consider what independent and credible observers have said about it. Balanced external perspectives can help separate truth from bias, offering a more complete understanding."

"When one permits those whom one studies to define the terms in which they will be understood, suspends one’s interest in the temporal and contingent, or fails to distinguish between “truths,” “truth-claims,” and “regimes of truth,” one has ceased to function as historian or scholar, In that moment, a variety of roles are available: some perfectly respectable (amanuensis, collector, friend and advo­ cate), and some less appealing (cheerleader, voyeur, retailer of import goods). None, however should be confused with scholarship."