Introduction to the Study of Religion

Front Cover
Routledge, Aug 20, 2008 - Religion - 192 pages

Why do people study religion? How have they studied it in the past? How do we study religion today? Is the academic study of religion the same as religious education? These and many other questions are addressed in this engaging introduction to the discipline of religious studies, written by two experienced university teachers. The authors have crafted this book to familiarize novice students with key concepts and terminology in the study of religion. More advanced students will find a varied array of theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches to the field. Topics include:

  • definitions of religion
  • perspectives in the study and teaching of religion
  • how religion began to be studied: traditional perspectives – philosophical and theological
  • how people experience religion: perspectives in the study of religious consciousness and perception – phenomenological and psychological
  • studying religion within communities: Social and cultural perspectives – anthropological, sociological, political and economic
  • judging religion: critical perspectives –feminist approaches, the interaction of popular literature and religion
  • contextual perspectives – historical and comparative.

The book encourages students to think critically about the theories and methods presented. Students will find arguments for the strengths and limitations of these approaches, understand connections among religious studies and other intellectual movements, and develop their own ideas of how they might want to go about the study of religion. Summary boxes, a timeline, a glossary and other pedagogic aids help students grasp key concepts, along with a companion website at www.sastor.com.

 

Contents

Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Section 5
Section 6
Section 7
Section 8
Section 16
Section 17
Section 18
Section 19
Section 20
Section 21
Section 22
Section 23

Section 9
Section 10
Section 11
Section 12
Section 13
Section 14
Section 15
Section 24
Section 25
Section 26
Section 27
Section 28
Section 29

Other editions - View all

Introduction to the Study of Religion
Hillary P. Rodrigues,John S. Harding
Limited preview - 2008
Introduction to the Study of Religion
Hillary Rodrigues,John S. Harding
No preview available - 2009
Introduction to the Study of Religion
Hillary Rodrigues,John S. Harding
No preview available - 2009

Common terms and phrases

academic study activities analysis anthropologist anthropology of religion argued arguments asserts attempt beliefs and practices Buddhism Buddhism and psychology Christian claims cognitive concepts consciousness contributions critical critique culture Daoism Dawkins discipline of religious divine doctrine Émile Durkheim emphasize example existence explain faith feminism Freud function God Delusion Greek Hindu Hinduism Hsuan Hua human ideas individual influential insights intellectual interpretation Islam Jainism Jewish Jung known Mary Daly matriarchy metaphysics method Muslim mystical myths nature norms notion object one’s particular perspectives phenomena phenomenological phenomenologists philosophical political postmodern process philosophy psychological approaches rational reality reason regarded relationship religious beliefs religious experience religious studies scholars religious traditions ritual role sacred scientific scripture second-wave feminism secular shaped societies spirits structures study of religion symbols teachings term texts theologian theological approaches theology theories thinkers totem typically ultimate understanding values Western women worldview

About the author (2008)

Hillary P. Rodrigues received his PhD in Religious Studies from McMaster University. He is Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada, where he has been honored with a Distinguished Teaching Award. His books include Introducing Hinduism (2006) and Studying Hinduism in Practice (2011).

John S. Harding received his PhD in Religious Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. He is Associate Professor and Chair of the Religious Studies Department at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada. His books include Wild Geese: Buddhism in Canada with Victor Sogen Hori and Alexander Soucy (2010), and Studying Buddhism in Practice (2011).

Bibliographic information

TitleIntroduction to the Study of Religion
AuthorsHillary P. Rodrigues, John S. Harding
PublisherRoutledge, 2008
ISBN1134132123, 9781134132126
Length192 pages
Subjects › 

Religion / General
  
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