When I was taking religion courses in undergrad I asked the professor if there was an unbiased (silly, I know. what I meant was from a scholar/academic who wasn't Christian) book on Christianity, and he gave me a bible, which I still have. He also told me to read Aquinas, and I did; I was super into it, to be honest, and was considering getting a theology minor, but ran out of time--same old story.

This was what I had in mind (was Foucault religious? I have no idea): a book delving into the origins of specific beliefs and practices while not being overly in favor or opposed to them. Neutral. Somewhat dense but very funny in places, but maybe that's just me.

"one can't love a woman and books at the same time" tell me about it