Welcome to the Department
A learning community dedicated to the academic study of religion.
Who We Are
From the team behind YouTube's Religion for Breakfast, the Religion Department is an online platform where people can learn about religion directly from scholars and experts.
We offer online lectures and seminars that are designed for everyone- not matter what your experience level, time zone, or proximity to a university. We want to make Religious Studies easy to access.
Watch Dr. Andrew Henry talk about the Department or read more below.
Guest Lectures
We invite scholars of religion to explain important topics and present their latest research, followed by a Q&A with the audience.
Our guest lectures go one level deeper than a typical YouTube video, like something you might hear in a university classroom. We feature leadings experts and cover a wide range of topics and methods.
45 min Lecture + 30 min Q&A
Free for Members 
Pay-What-You-Want for Non-Members
Live Access + Recording
Guided Readings
Not all religions have texts, but reading with an expert is a time-honored tradition. Our version is a casual livestream where scholars of religion lead you through sacred and critical texts. It's equal parts Religious Studies book club and video reading guide.
For our first book, Dr. Andrew Henry is leading a 52-week course on Religion in 50 Words. Andrew unpacks each short chapter with a live audience and connects them to his own research.
30 - 60 minutes
Free. Members only
Live Access + Recordings + Forum
Catch up or Drop In
Seminars
Our multi-week seminars offer deep, interactive learning in a professor-led community. Designed to fit your schedule and learning style, our seminars feature live lectures that are recorded and instantly uploaded to your class portal. Seminars offer a small group setting for learning directly from a scholar and forming a lifelong learning community.
- Weekly 90-min Lectures
Readings + Exercises + Professor-Led Forum
$200-$300. Members get 50% off- Lifetime Access includes Community
Our Mission
Our mission is to make the academic study of religion more accessible, bringing university-level teaching to curious learners wherever they may be.
That means accessible learning tools, community standards, and experts who are passionate about teaching.
Access everything from your browser or our easy-to-use mobile app — available free on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Are you a scholar? Learn about teaching with us.Frequently Asked Questions
Why Religious Studies?
How long will I have access to the seminar recordings and forum after they are over?
Can I purchase recordings of past seminars?
What is the time commitment for your classes?
Is The Religion Department a religious organization?
Who is behind the Religion Department? What kind of organization is it?
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