This course examines the origins of STEM disciplines in religious societies. Our readings focus on the historical contexts of knowledge production in varied religious cultures including, but not limited to Indigenous traditions, Medieval Islam, Talmudic scholarship, Hindu cosmology, as well as the dialogue between Buddhism and modern science. Learning the historical contexts of scientific thought aids in a deep understanding of the importance of scientific thinking and the many ways that, contrary to American Evangelical anti-scientific movements, religion and science together have been and still are powerful ways to find human meaning in the natural world.