The study of religion is fraught with difficulties that raise important questions about the nature of faith and the purpose of advanced learning. Although religion has been foundational to some of the United States' most prestigious universities, religious studies is a relatively recent addition to the liberal arts curriculum. In this insightful guide, D. G. Hart explores the conundrums surrounding the ambiguous position of religious studies in the contemporary academy and offers advice about the best way to approach and benefit from the teaching and study of religion in contexts often hostile to faith.