Are atheists allowed to take religious studies or theology?

Yes of course. There are no laws against it. And searching for truth is an admirable thing.

At a university? I don’t see why not. I don’t think there is any religious or God belief prerequisites for any classes at a school.

At universities they should be encouraged to take such courses to bring another point of view into class discussions.

Another way to look at it is that an atheist disbelieves in only one more religion than a theist.

Most Athiests I know are more knowledgeable about religion than the religious folks I know. That’s anecdotal, but I believe this has also been demonstrated in studies as well. That said, as more and more people become atheists, I suspect that difference to change.

Of course. In fact, when I went to college (it was a Catholic university), I was required to take two theology courses even though I was born Jewish and atheist.

Of course. One cannot be critical of something without knowing what it is.

There is no atheist authority, there is no can or can’t do about atheism, and atheism is not a religion or standardized practice of any sort.
So, yes, they can study whatever they want.

Of course we are. I assume that in most cases, like mine, they are raised in a religious atmosphere and then change their minds later.

Yes.

Of course they can take the courses.I agree with @gorillapaws that most Atheists have a LOT more knowledge about the Bible than most Christians!!! I know that they have taught me MORE about my own beliefs than any Christian trying to save my soul!!!

I’m sure the schools will take money from anyone wishing to take a course…with NO questions asked!!! What the student does after graduating is up to the student. I don’t see very many Atheists wanting to waste time taking a theology course because there would be NOTHING for them to learn!!!

Of course they are. Who knows? Maybe they’ll change their mind ;)

As long as they aren’t taking the class with the intention of trying to discredit everything and be rude, then why not take the class?
Should be taken with an open mind, not a closed one.

Sure. The church might not let you into the priesthood though.

<— Atheist who audited a religious studies class. And an English lit course on religious texts. Both classes were a mix of theists, atheists and something in between.

Yes, atheists even teach at seminaries of mainline protestant denominations.

At the risk of sounding sensational, the organist at the church where my sister was married, was a practicing Satanist. My sister did NOT want him playing at her wedding. Mainline protestant sects typically do not discriminate on religious beliefs.

My sister was a big sister through Catholic Charities. They never asked her if she believed in God I don’t think. She was an atheist at the time.

Everyone is free to take any courses they want and learn about whatever interests them.

Why not? People of faith study science, right? No maybe not.

Sure! I did. That’s how I finally decided I was an atheist.

@NoMoreY_Aagain That’s true. People who belong to a faith community are forbidden in most states from studying any of the physical sciences.

@Yellowdog

What planet do you live on?

Flat Earth.

Not even surprised!!! rolls eyes

@Yellowdog: I have never heard of such a thing.

Guys, I’m pretty sure @Yellowdog was joking in his statement about people of faith being forbidden to study the sciences. Can’t believe I have to say this.

@Demosthenes: If it were from someone else, I’d say maybe it’s in jest. Since it’s from @Yellowdog and he seems to think in unconventional ways, I’d believe he’s joking if he says he’s joking, but otherwise I’m guessing he meant it.

@jca2

Pretty much.

I don’t see the dog as having enough of a sense of humor to think of joking on such a topic!!!