The Routledge Companion to the Study of Religion »

The Routledge Companion to the Study of Religion is a major resource for courses in Religious Studies. It begins by explaining the most important methodological approaches to religion, including psychology, philosophy, anthropology and comparative study, before moving on to explore a wide variety of critical issues, such as gender, science, fundamentalism, ritual, and new religious movements. Written by renowned international specialists, this new edition:

• includes eight new chapters, including post-structuralism, religion and economics, religion and the environment, religion and popular culture, and sacred space


• surveys the history of religious studies and the key disciplinary approaches


• explains why the study of religion is relevant in today’s world


• highlights contemporary issues such as globalization, diaspora and politics


• includes annotated reading lists, a glossary and summaries of key points to assist student learning.

1 Why study religions? John R. Hinnells Hinnells, John R.

2 The study of religion in historical perspective Eric J. Sharpe Sharpe, Eric J.

3 The study of religions: the last 50 years Gregory Alles Alles, Gregory

4 Religious history John Wolffe Wolffe, John

Pt. I Key approaches to the study of religions

5 Theories of religion Robert A. Segal Segal, Robert A.

6 Theology David F. Ford Ford, David F.

7 Philosophy of religion Chad Meister Meister, Chad

8 Religious studies Donald Wiebe Wiebe, Donald

9 Sociology of religion Martin Riesebrodt Riesebrodt, Martin Mary Ellen Konieczny Konieczny, Mary Ellen

10 Anthropology of religion Rosalind I. J. Hackett Hackett, Rosalind I. J.

11 Psychology of religion Dan Merkur Merkur, Dan

12 Phenomenology of religion Douglas Allen Allen, Douglas

13 Comparative religion William E. Paden Paden, William E.

Pt. II Key topics in the study of religions

14 Gender Darlene M. Juschka Juschka, Darlene M.

15 Insider/outsider perspectives Kim Knott Knott, Kim

16 Post-structuralism and the study of religion Jeremy Carrette Carrette, Jeremy

17 Orientalism and the study of religions Richard King King, Richard

18 Secularization Judith Fox Fox, Judith

19 Mysticism and spirituality Richard King King, Richard

20 New religious movements Judith Fox Fox, Judith

21 Fundamentalism Henry Munson Munson, Henry