One of the greatest challenges for instructors in religious studies is the task of explaining why, in colleges and universities, the truth claims of the religions studied are not accepted, but instead a disinterested, academic approach is taken. Most instructors prefer not to address the issue directly, leaving their students to work out for themselves the difference between religious studies and the study of religion. Those who remain confused inevitably submit essays that reveal more about their religious upbringing than their ability to analyze a phenomenon objectively."A Guide to Writing Academic Essays in Religious Studies" eases the transition for undergraduate students by explaining what they need to know about writing research essays pertaining to religion. This book includes topics such as theoretical and methodological assumptions, how to locate appropriate scholarly literature, types of research essays, developing a thesis, the essentials of essay form and content, rewriting and proofreading, choosing an appropriate form of documentation, sample documentation, block quotations, gender-inclusive language, avoiding plagiarism, and meeting deadlines.This is an indispensible guide for the undergraduate instructor or student.

Scott G. Brown is a scholar of Christian Origins and has many years of experience teaching religion at undergraduate level. He has published a book on the "secret" Gospel of Mark and articles in the Journal of Biblical Literature, Catholic Biblical Quarterly, Revue Biblique, Biblical Archaeology Review, Expository Times, and Harvard Theological Review.