"Faith is under the left nipple."

-Martin Luther

The religious impulse is not uncommon across the eons of human civilization, and no surprise. If we understand the word religion based on its Latin origin we arrive at re-ligio: a linking back of the self to its presumed origin.

Put plainly, religious writing refers to any text or literature that has religious or spiritual themes, often considered as sacred or inspired by a divine source. Examples of religious writing include the Bible, the Quran, the Bhagavad Gita, the Tao Te Ching, and many others.

On the other hand, theology refers to the systematic study of religious beliefs, practices, and concepts. It involves analyzing and interpreting religious texts, doctrines, and traditions to understand the nature of God, the universe, and human existence. Theology often uses religious writing as its primary source material, but it also draws on other disciplines such as philosophy, history, and sociology.

While religious writing provides the primary source material for theological study, the two are distinct in their approach. Religious writing, generally speaking, focuses on conveying spiritual messages and guidance to believers, while theology seeks to critically analyze and interpret these messages to gain a deeper understanding of religious beliefs and practices.