Philosophy & Religion

Humans have long pondered not only how we came to be but also why we came to be. The earliest Greek philosophers focused their attention upon the origin and nature of the physical world; later philosophers have theorized about the nature of knowledge, truth, good and evil, love, friendship, and much more. Philosophy involves a methodical assessment of any and all aspects of human existence and experience. The realms of philosophy and religion have sometimes intersected in conducting such inquiries as these. As with philosophy, the study of religion underscores how humankind has long speculated about its origins. The possibility of a higher being (or beings) to which livings things owe their existence has long captived human thought. Many religions also offer their own views on the nature of good and evil, and they may prescribe guidelines and judgment on different kinds of human behavior.
Browse Subcategories

Featured content, July 24, 2024

What Is the Most Widely Practiced Religion in the World?
The world’s major religions have followers in the billions. Find out which one has the most.
Do the Relics of Saint Nicholas Really Emit a Holy Substance?
Find out how the remains of Saint Nicholas keep performing miracles.
To All Nations: 8 Fascinating Jesuit Missionaries
They came, they taught, they converted.
Indian philosophy
Indian philosophy, the systems of thought and reflection that were developed by the civilizations of the Indian subcontinent....
study of religion
Study of religion, attempt to understand the various aspects of religion, especially through the use of other intellectual...
eschatology
Eschatology, the doctrine of the last things. It was originally a Western term, referring to Jewish, Christian, and Muslim...
Daoism
Daoism, indigenous religio-philosophical tradition that has shaped Chinese life for more than 2,000 years. In the broadest...

Philosophy & Religion Quizzes

Philosophy 101
What is existentialism? Who was Socrates? What is idealism? Test your knowledge of these topics and more with this Philosophy...
Christian Saints Quiz
Saints are part of many religious traditions. This quiz focuses on saints within Christianity. Find out how much you know.
History of Roman Catholicism Quiz
The Roman Catholic Church has a history that stretches over millennia. This quiz will take you considerably less time.
History of Christianity Quiz
Who is the patron saint of Scotland? Which movement in Christianity sought to establish clerical celibacy? Test what you...
All About Diwali Quiz
Billions of people worldwide celebrate Diwali, a multi-day festival that marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and much...
Don’t Drink the Punch Quiz
And by punch, we mean any fruit drink with nefarious intentions. Test your knowledge of all the doomsday prophets and cult...
Ghosts: Fact or Fiction?
Eek, a ghost! Or is that a ghost bat? Or a word game? Test your knowledge of all kinds of ghosts with this true or false...
Happy Hanukkah Quiz
How many days is Hanukkah celebrated? How many candles are on the menorah? See how much you know about Hanukkah with this...
“Oh, Christmas Tree!” Quiz
“Oh, Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree, how did you come to be?” See how much you know about the origin of the Christmas...
Jolly Old St. Nicholas Quiz
You probably know that the legend of Santa Claus evolved from St. Nicholas. But who is this saint, anyway?
Image Gallery
Philosophy & Religion
Never Miss a Day in History
Sign up for daily fun facts about this day in history, updates, and special offers delivered right to your inbox.

Philosophy & Religion Subcategories

Romulus and Remus suckling their wolf foster mother Ancient Religions & Mythology
What did our ancestors believe in? What myths and stories did they use to explain the world around them and find meaning in it? How have their beliefs influenced modern religion and spirituality? Explore these questions and more while discovering notable traditions, figures, and legends that figured prominently in ancient religion and mythology.
Articles
subcategory placeholder Ethical Issues
What moral precepts guide us through tricky situations that may arise in relation to friendships, family, communities, and the work environment? Right and wrong are not always defined in the same way across different cultures.
Articles
Roger Bacon Humanities
The humanities are those branches of knowledge that concern themselves with human beings and their culture. The humanities include the study of all languages and literatures, the arts, history, and philosophy.
Articles
Voltaire Philosophers
Here you'll find the thinkers and theorists who have expressed their own ideas about such topics as the nature of humankind's relationship with the metaphysical world, the definitions of truth and knowledge, and the conditions of existence. From ancient Greek philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle to later notable philosophers such as René Descartes and Immanuel Kant, philosophy's great thinkers have approached sensitive ethical and existential issues from a variety of different angles. Their ideas have influenced the way we look at our world and the way we relate to one another as human beings.
Articles
Cicero Philosophical Issues
Do you embrace weighty topics such as the relative merits of empiricism and rationalism? An inquisitive spirit is all but a prerequisite for many of the topics listed here, which deal with the different approaches to and ideas about the big questions of life.
Articles
Abu Darweesh Mosque Religious Beliefs
Our religious beliefs can affect our lifestyle, our perceptions, and our way of relating to fellow human beings. Is there a higher power (or powers) that governs the universe and judges all of us? Does committing a mortal sin mean the death of a soul, or is there a chance for forgiveness? The answers to such questions differ widely across different religions.
Articles
Martin Luther Religious Personages & Scholars
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
St. Bernadette of Lourdes Religious Places
Human beings tend to relate to their religious beliefs through symbolism. Religious and sacred places—common destinations for pilgrims—represent a physical connection that helps believers express their devotion.
Articles
Mahalia Jackson Sacred Art & Music
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
Chapter 49 of the Isaiah Scroll Scriptures
Sacred scriptures of all religions, viewed as the word of God or inspired by God, have influenced the moral and ethical standards of countries, peoples, and religious groups. Their interpretation has long been a subject of discussion and, at times, controversy.
Articles
Charles Sprague Pearce: Religion Spirituality
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
Tenrikyo Religious Movements & Organizations
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles