Abstract
By 1992, all Australian states offered religious studies as a matriculation subject in response to a growing community perception of its importance. The rationale for offering these courses has been strongly promoted in terms of their educational value rather than for any intention to proselytise or promote commitment to faith. Although there are a number of possible justifications for such programs, we argue that the rationale for studies of religion is best situated within the liberal education tradition. What also needs to be asked in relation to these courses is the extent to which they identify three significant philosophical issues arising in the study of religion: scepticism, exclusivity and relativism. This article applies these criteria in an assessment of studies of religion courses in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria.