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.
