PhD History or PhD Religion in Historical Theology

[AGingeryGinger]

Hello!

 

I had a question about the differences between a Phd in history and a Phd in religion I was hoping could be answered. Mainly, what are the differences and which is the "best" program?

At this present time I will be enrolled in the MDiv program in a small Anglican seminary here in the US. For PhD work I want to examine 15/16th century England with an emphasis on the development of religion, specifically pre-reformation. 

Now my dilemma is that because my masters is an MDiv could I feasibly go from that to a PhD in religion? Taking Vanderbilt as a case study, many of their students just have an MDiv in the religion Phd. However, in History, the MA is earned along the way. So an MDiv would be a foundational degree that could hypothetically set me up for studies in either program.

my main dilemma is what are the differences between a PhD in history and a Phd in religion in this field? In religion the program is specifically labeled as historical studies, and as most Phd programs in religion are mine would focus exclusively on Christianity.

my end goal outcomes are to work in a seminary, specifically teaching historical theology. In essence teaching historic foundational Anglican theology to Anglicans. Now with this in mind and the nature of my work being overtly a religious topic, it seems it would make more sense to have the PhD be in Religion, as it's more suited to the field. 

However, beyond my intentions and knowledge of the program's I am honestly clueless about the differences that exist, if any, between a PhD in religion and a Phd in history.

 

To gain a better understanding  this same post was also made in the Religion forum

Thank you for your help!

[emhafe]

I really don't have much to offer, but considering no one else has responded I just wanted to say that I've been conflicted by this dilemma too. I'm currently working on a Masters in Public History, with an undergrad in history and theology. I tend to focus on American Catholic history, specifically anti-popery or anti-Catholicism in the early US. I think my concerns with a PhD in religion is that it tends to be more theological in nature and carries a stigma (which, for working in an Anglican seminary, wouldn't be a concern). Have you looked at Baylor University at all? "The history Ph.D. program at Baylor focuses on the study of religion and American culture as well as religion and culture in the English-speaking North Atlantic. The department accepts 2-3 highly qualified students per year who have interests in these areas. History Ph.D. students at Baylor study on a campus where the focus on religion cuts across disciplines and departments. With Ph.D. degrees in religion, the sociology of religion, philosophy, political science, religion and literature, and church-state studies, Baylor provides history graduate students a wealth of cross-disciplinary opportunities for intellectual enrichment within their areas of interest" (source). While Baylor is not an Anglican school, current and previous dissertations have covered a wide range of religious denominations. I think if you want to be in a seminary than you should lean historical theology from an Anglican school. What qualifications are required for Anglican seminaries? Just some thoughts!

[Josh J.]

This is an issue that I actively struggled with for sometime.  I've got a BA in History, and an Masters of Theological Studies degree from Vanderbilt. My plan was a PhD focused on American Religious History, and I could do this in either a history department or a religious studies department. 

Emhafe is correct in that, in the Religion department, it is more theologically oriented.  You will be taking coursework from historians that are also theologically trained, and you might also end up taking some courses in theology, ethics, or sociology of religion, as well. I think this is a positive thing if you are interested in the history of religion.  I should mention, however, that there is a big difference between a PhD in Religion focused on Historical Studies, and a PhD in Religion focused on Historical Theology.  The later is intellectual history focused on the development of theology.  You will, of course, get more than just that in a program like that, but its much more theological than it is historical.  In a program focused on historical studies, historiography and secular history will end up being emphasized much more. 

In the history department, you won't get much in the way of religion.  Sure, you will be working with professors who study religion, but they may or may not be trained in theology. You won't be pushed to take courses in theology or sociology of religion.  If that doesn't matter to you, this is a good route. 

The deciding question that I would ask, and which you identified, is what do you want to do with your degree?  If you want to teach in a seminary, then either of those degrees will get you to where you want to go.  The Religion degree might get you a bit more mileage in that scenario, since there might be a better chance that your advisor and professors are better connected to people in the seminary world..but it could be that historians of religion are as well.  But here is a question: If you can't get a seminary job, but have the option of teaching in a liberal arts college, what do you want to teach?  Are you more interested in teaching history courses (with varying content, religious and not?) or are you more interested in teaching religion courses?  In a liberal arts college, especially a small religious one, you could get stuck teaching Introduction to the Life of Christ, textual courses on 1 Peter, etc.  Whereas in a history department, you might teach US History I or World Civ.  Which appeals?  For me, I'd rather be teaching the history classes than "bible" courses.

Also, for Vanderbilt as you mentioned above, I should say that in the Religion department, you also earn the MA en route.  Many PhD programs in religion want the MDiv.  Vandy, for one, will definitely take people with an MA, MTS, or MDIV...they don't care as long as the degree is in religion.  They don't take BA to PHD in Religion, but the History Department does.  

 

[ChicagoFan]

It honestly depends on what you want to do in the future. My sense is that a History PhD offers you more options than a Religious Studies degree. Most programs encourage interdisciplinarity which allows you to take courses outside of your main field. You also need to find a minor field for comprehensive exams which can be based in Religious Studies. The disciplines have different methodologies and languages, but both can be mastered.