Such skills, along with the breadth of knowledge and perspective gained in the study of world religions, prepare religious studies majors for a full range of opportunities in life. While the religious studies faculty have expertise in particular religious traditions, they are also committed to the comparative study of religion. This means they are interested in asking questions about the similarities and differences that appear in the history of religions, about historical interactions among religious communities, and about the nature of human religiosity in general. The comparative approach also supports the department's long-standing interest in religious diversity and contemporary interfaith dialogue. Many courses deal with sacred texts and how they are interpreted and practiced by the followers of different religious traditions.
Students frequently find that interpretations can be more important than the original text.
The religious studies faculty also integrate into most courses the experience of women and marginalized people within the traditions. Study at Grinnell provides students with the opportunity to understand not only the dominant voices and prevailing ideas within the world's religions, but also the voices and experiences of those who have historically been marginalized and are now emerging in exciting movements for theological and institutional change. Faculty encourage students to develop and pursue their own research interests and to respond to course materials with creative projects. Students are also encouraged to do independent study. In the past students have developed independent projects studying women in Islam, the Russian religious mind, Jewish-Christian relations, and many of the most significant theologians of our time, including Thomas Merton, Abraham Heschel, Rosemary Ruether, Paul Tillich, Gandhi, and the Dalai Lama.