This is a policy paper in which the author specifically addresses the transitional phase of the REA-APRRE merger. Based on a content analysis of the research directions of the journal Religious Education (English, D'Souza, and Chartrand 2003) and an analysis of research in the cognate area of the social sciences, the author identifies areas that the field of religious education needs to address: self-study, theoretical trends, funding, and research directions. Arguing that the social sciences can teach a great deal in each of these areas, the author suggests strategies for research and development in religious education.