Theology Specialization: Comparative?
 

So, what do you guys think about "Comparative" as a Theology specialty? I have a character that is agnostic, however she's very much into religion. Her parents didn't raise her in any particular religion, so she's explored MANY religions. Ideally might be just not specializing but since Theology requires a specialization, would Comparative be a valid one, in that she knows about most religions fairly equally but not completely, therefore her "penalty" would be when you ask her about any specific denomination beyond broad generalizations like "Christian" 'witchcraft' etc, maybe? So like ask her about Christians in general? She knows. Ask her how Lutherans differ from Southern Baptists... um. not 100% sure on that one, she gets the penalty.

Re: Theology Specialization: Comparative?
 

I'd be fine with it. Friend of mine studies comparative religion but mostly focused on Abrahamism. She knows Buddhism well enough to have the broad strokes fairly well ironed out, but on any finer points she'll ask me for advice.

If you want someone who can answer on finer details of many religions, I'd suggest a comparative speciality - Comparative ontology, or miracle study, etc.

Re: Theology Specialization: Comparative?
 

Ok, cool thanks. Yeah her concept is that she's agnostic because she asks... Are the Christians right? Are the Buddhists right? What about the Wiccans? She's terrified of being wrong and going to whatever divine punishment might exist... even worse if they are all wrong, there is nothing after death but ceasing to exist... that actually scares her MORE than the thought of "Hell"

Re: Theology Specialization: Comparative?
 

I'm not sure whether you're asking "for this character" or "in general," but if it's the latter, note that Theology (Comparative) is a canonical specialty, so it's definitely fine. See the second paragraph of the skill write-up on p. B226.

Re: Theology Specialization: Comparative?
 

OH I never noticed that (or did, but forgot) so then she'd have a -5 to her skill then most of the time, but that's still better than the default?

Re: Theology Specialization: Comparative?
 

Sounds fine. If her primary interest is research rather then personal Anthropology would be an alternative but either would work.

Re: Theology Specialization: Comparative?
 

Given that a pet peeve of actual theologians dedicated to particular faiths is that the academic, comparative types lack both faith and nuance, that seems about right.

Re: Theology Specialization: Comparative?
 

Really? My pet peeve is that the process often tends to be mishandled by people who laudibly eager to bring about coexistence, but flout the law of non-contradiction in doing so and are unwilling to see that if their means of bringing about said coexistence succeeds they will not have reconciled religions but just created a new one. And that the best "coexistence" is just living with each other.

However I think it is possible that an actual religious person might do comparative theology better then an agnostic simply because of an easier emotional understanding.

Re: Theology Specialization: Comparative?
 

Wouldn't this be a type of Expert Skill?

Re: Theology Specialization: Comparative?
 

No, I'd say its comparative theology, as you are actually studying the doctrines and beliefs of the various faiths. Comparative theology lets you know about an incredible breath of material, whereas Theology specialties are normally very difficult to go between.

I have a weird view point as a member of a faith whose doctrines are not well understood by the public. I've had hillarious conversations with pastors who thought they knew what we believed and were surprised at how wrong they were.

so yeah, definitely comparative.