How do religious studies and theology differ?

Religious studies and theology are two distinct fields that explore the nature of religion, but they approach their subject matter from different perspectives. Religious studies is an academic discipline that examines religions from a comparative and analytical standpoint, focusing on their historical, cultural, and social contexts. It seeks to understand the beliefs, practices, and institutions of various religions without necessarily endorsing any particular faith. In contrast, theology is often rooted in a specific religious tradition and involves the study of the divine, religious truths, and the interpretation of sacred texts. Theologians typically engage in a more normative approach, aiming to articulate and defend the beliefs of their faith. In summary, while both religious studies and theology investigate the phenomenon of religion, they do so through different lenses. Religious studies adopts a broader, more objective framework, analyzing various religions in their contexts, whereas theology is more subjective, focusing on the beliefs and doctrines of a specific faith tradition.