IB World Religions IA Topics

Are you searching for an IB World Religions IA topic that not only piques your curiosity but also deepens your understanding of the diverse tapestries of faith across the globe? You’re in the right place! I’ve assembled a list of IB World Religions IA topics that span the spectrum of religious traditions and beliefs.

From examining the rituals and symbols of ancient religions to exploring the contemporary challenges faced by religious communities, these topics are designed to ignite your passion for understanding the complexities of faith and spirituality.

Whether you’re fascinated by the philosophical underpinnings of Eastern religions, interested in the social impact of religious movements, or eager to delve into the comparative study of sacred texts, there’s a topic here that’s sure to inspire your academic and spiritual journey.

So, let’s start this exploration of the divine, where every inquiry is a step closer to uncovering the profound connections between humanity and the transcendent.

1. Comparative Religion

1. How do different religions (e.g., Christianity, Islam, Buddhism) approach the concept of God or the divine?
2. What are the common themes and differences in religious creation stories across various traditions?
3. How do religious rituals and ceremonies differ between Hinduism and Sikhism, and what are their significance?
4. How does the concept of the afterlife vary between different world religions, and what are the implications for believers?
5. What is the role of religious pilgrimage in different religious traditions, and how does it impact believers’ spiritual journeys?

2. Religious Texts and Scriptures

6. How do sacred texts (e.g., Bible, Quran, Bhagavad Gita) influence the beliefs and practices of religious communities?
7. What are the interpretations and significance of key religious passages or parables within a specific tradition?
8. How do religious commentaries and exegesis contribute to the understanding of sacred texts?
9. How has the translation and dissemination of religious texts impacted the global spread of a religion?
10. What is the role of storytelling and narrative in conveying religious teachings and moral lessons?

3. Rituals and Worship Practices

11. How do religious rituals and prayers vary between Sunni and Shia Islam, and what are their theological differences?
12. What is the significance of religious festivals and holidays in different religious calendars?
13. How do meditation practices differ between Zen Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism, and what are their goals?
14. How does the architecture and design of religious places of worship reflect religious beliefs and symbolism?
15. What is the role of music and chanting in religious ceremonies and worship services across traditions?

4. Ethics and Morality

16. How do religious ethical principles (e.g., the Ten Commandments, the Five Pillars of Islam) guide moral behavior?
17. What are the ethical considerations and religious perspectives on topics like abortion and euthanasia?
18. How do different religious traditions approach the concept of justice and social responsibility?
19. What is the role of religious leaders and authorities in shaping moral values and ethical conduct?
20. How does religious pacifism and just war theory influence attitudes toward violence and conflict resolution?

5. Religious Symbols and Art

21. How do religious symbols and iconography (e.g., crosses, crescent moons, lotus flowers) convey religious meaning?
22. What is the significance of religious art and architecture in Hindu temples and their depictions of deities?
23. How does calligraphy and ornamentation in Islamic art express religious themes and devotion?
24. What are the cultural and religious contexts of religious art and sculptures in Buddhist temples?
25. How does the use of religious symbols and images impact the religious experience of believers?

6. Interfaith Dialogue and Relations

26. How do interfaith dialogue initiatives foster understanding and cooperation among religious communities?
27. What are the challenges and opportunities of religious pluralism and coexistence in multicultural societies?
28. How does ecumenism seek to bridge theological differences and promote unity among Christian denominations?
29. How do religious organizations and leaders engage in humanitarian efforts and interfaith activism?
30. What role does interfaith marriage play in promoting tolerance and understanding between religious backgrounds?

7. New Religious Movements and Secularism

31. What are the beliefs and practices of new religious movements or cults, and what attracts followers to these groups?
32. How do secularism and atheism influence individuals’ rejection of religious beliefs and practices?
33. What is the role of science and reason in challenging religious traditions and supernatural beliefs?
34. How do secular humanism and secular ethics offer moral frameworks outside of religious teachings?
35. How does the separation of church and state impact religious freedom and secularism in different countries?

8. Indigenous and Folk Religions

36. What are the spiritual beliefs and practices of indigenous communities, and how do they connect with the natural world?
37. How does folklore and mythology contribute to the religious traditions of indigenous peoples?
38. What is the role of shamanism and spiritual healing in indigenous religions?
39. How do indigenous communities navigate the preservation of their religious heritage in a modern world?
40. What are the challenges of cultural appropriation and misrepresentation in the study of indigenous religions?

9. Mysticism and Spiritual Experience

41. How do mysticism and religious ecstasy manifest in the lives of mystics and spiritual seekers?
42. What are the similarities and differences between Christian mysticism and Sufi mysticism in Islam?
43. How does meditation and mindfulness practice lead to spiritual experiences and self-realization?
44. What is the significance of near-death experiences (NDEs) in the context of religious and spiritual beliefs?
45. How do altered states of consciousness, such as psychedelic experiences, impact religious and mystical encounters?

10. Religion and Politics

46. How do religious beliefs and values influence political ideologies and voting behavior?
47. What is the role of religious institutions and clergy in political activism and social justice movements?
48. How does the intersection of religion and politics impact issues like religious freedom, secularism, and human rights?
49. What are the religious dimensions of conflicts and geopolitical tensions in various regions of the world?
50. How do religious leaders and religious diplomacy contribute to peace-building efforts and conflict resolution?

2025 New IB World Religions IA Topics (Original & Investigation-Ready)

• 1. Digital Ritual Spaces
  To what extent has livestreamed worship reshaped communal religious experience in contemporary Hindu temples?
• 2. Climate Activism as Religious Practice
  How have Buddhist monastic communities in Thailand integrated environmental activism into their religious identity?
• 3. Women’s Leadership in Modern Sikhism
  What is the significance of the growing role of women granthis in reinterpreting Sikh tradition today?
• 4. Disability and Inclusion in Christian Worship
  How do inclusive liturgical practices in modern Protestant churches redefine theological interpretations of community?
• 5. Reimagining Modesty Laws
  How are young Muslim women in urban Europe reshaping religious interpretations of modesty through fashion?
• 6. Revival of Pagan Rituals
  To what extent has Neo-Paganism reconstructed pre-Christian rituals for contemporary spiritual needs?
• 7. Religious Ethics and AI
  How are contemporary Jewish ethicists interpreting halakhic principles in debates on artificial intelligence?
• 8. Pilgrimage in the Age of Tourism
  How has the commercialization of the Camino de Santiago transformed its religious significance for modern pilgrims?
• 9. Interfaith Prayer Spaces
  To what extent do multifaith prayer rooms on university campuses foster genuine interreligious understanding?
• 10. LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Religion
  How are reformist Islamic scholars reinterpreting Quranic texts to expand LGBTQ+ inclusion in Muslim communities?
• 11. Scripture Apps and Devotional Practice
  How has the use of digital scripture apps influenced personal devotional routines among young Christians?
• 12. Religious Responses to Mental Health
  How have contemporary Buddhist sanghas incorporated psychological frameworks into traditional meditation practice?
• 13. Funeral Ritual Adaptations
  To what extent have Japanese Buddhist funeral rituals changed in response to urbanization and declining temple membership?
• 14. Gendered Religious Space
  How do contemporary temple debates over women’s entry to Sabarimala reflect shifting interpretations of Hindu purity laws?
• 15. Sacred Music and Identity
  How has the global rise of Kirtan music influenced the religious identity of diaspora Hindu communities?
• 16. Indigenous Ritual Preservation
  What role do community elders play in preserving traditional Navajo healing rituals in the face of cultural assimilation?
• 17. Religion and Veganism
  To what extent are Jain ethical principles contributing to the rise of religiously motivated veganism among young practitioners?
• 18. Syncretism in Afro-Caribbean Religions
  How have Haitian Vodou practitioners integrated Catholic iconography into contemporary ritual expression?
• 19. Youth Movements in Christianity
  How is the Christian “New Monasticism” movement reshaping traditional understandings of community and service?
• 20. Religious Minimalism
  What theological motivations underpin the adoption of minimalist living among contemporary Zen Buddhist practitioners?

Select Your Topic Wisely

And there you have it – a collection of IB World Religions IA topics that are sure to ignite your curiosity and fuel your exploration of the spiritual landscape of our world. Whether you’re drawn to the mystical practices of Sufism, the ethical teachings of Buddhism, or the historical evolution of Christianity, this list offers a diverse array of topics to suit your interests and challenge your understanding of religion.

Remember, the key to a successful IA is choosing a topic that resonates with you and allows you to showcase your skills in critical analysis and empathetic understanding. Hence, pick a topic that captivates you, and set out on a journey of discovery that’s not only academically enriching but also personally enlightening.