Theory and Method in the Study of Religion: Theoretical and Critical Readings » (1st Edition)

This anthology provides students with a useful collection of theoretical essays concerning the nature of religion and the methodological means by which scholars analytically approach the subject. Organized in a point/counterpoint fashion, this volume will foster in-class discussion and the honing of a student's own critical perspectives.

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This textbook anthology includes excerpts from fundamental works in the discipline, both classic and contemporary. It discusses the creation and present state of religious studies as an academic discipline, recounts the search for the origins of religion, and examines a variety of approaches to the subject, including phenomenological, historical, sociological, anthropological, psychological, ecological, feminist, and postmodern perspectives. Works by Frazer, Doniger, Durkheim, Weber, Isenberg, L<'e>vi-Strauss, Freud, Jung, Erikson, Hewitt, Daly, Foucault, and Derrida are included. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Introduction. 1. Religious Studies as an Academic Discipline. 2. Questions for the Origin of Religion. 3. Phenomenology and the Science of Religion. 4. History of Religions. 5. Sociology of Religion. 6. Anthropology. 7. Psychology of Religion. 8. Ecological/Biological Approaches to the Study of Religion. 9. Feminist Perspectives on Religion. 10. Poststructural/Postmodern Approaches to Religion.