At ICJS, we want to help people of all faiths or no faith to understand the religious traditions and practices of diverse communities. Thus, we want to offer information for introductory study. But what information? And from what sources? Should we platform experts from the “outside” of a religious community or should we hear from religious “insiders”—those who actually practice that religion?
Our answer is both! The etic approach examines religion comparatively and analytically (the outsider view), while the emic perspective gives voice to those who live, practice, and teach within the tradition (the insider view).
Below, you’ll find curated resources, assembled with the assistance of ICJS scholars, to help you explore Judaism, Christianity, and Islam from both vantage points. This list is not meant to be exhaustive. We hope this serves as a launching pad to your own learning.
A 24-episode series exploring the history and culture of religions and how they offer frameworks for making sense of our lives—while being incredibly slippery things to pin down.
A 24-episode series exploring the history and culture of religions and how they offer frameworks for making sense of our lives—while being incredibly slippery things to pin down.
An introduction to the world’s religious traditions, offering insights into diverse faiths, their practices, and the challenges and opportunities of interfaith engagement in a pluralistic society.
An introduction to the world’s religious traditions, offering insights into diverse faiths, their practices, and the challenges and opportunities of interfaith engagement in a pluralistic society.
The Religious Landscape Study (RLS)—conducted in 2007, 2014 and 2023-24—surveys more than 35,000 Americans in all 50 states about their religious affiliations, beliefs and practices along with their social and political views and demographic characteristics.
The Religious Landscape Study (RLS)—conducted in 2007, 2014 and 2023-24—surveys more than 35,000 Americans in all 50 states about their religious affiliations, beliefs and practices along with their social and political views and demographic characteristics.