Approching religious studies from a feminist perspective is often criticized as going against the strict self imposed value neutrality of this discipline. More favorably it is tolerated as a special field of some individual female scholars. This paper shows that the inclusion of a feminist perspective not only means progress with regards to a more precise scientific procedure but also strengthens the claim of an ideological critical function of religious studies. Following a brief summary of the basic ideas of feminist studies and critiques, their application in religious studies is demonstrated. An integration of a feminist orientation means developing awareness for possible androcentrism in both historical as well as systematical approaches. In addition the questions and perspectives of gender research should be accepted as a natural and integral part of all research carried out in the field of religious studies. By taking a clear standpoint against the discrimination of women, the feminist perspective includes a critical attitude toward religions and ideologies and takes a place in the tradition of ideological critique as a function of religious studies.