ABSTRACT

A Critical Introduction to the Study of Religion introduces the key concepts and theories from religious studies that are necessary for a full understanding of the complex relations between religion and society. The aim is to provide readers with an arsenal of critical concepts for studying religious ideologies, practices, and communities. This thoroughly revised second edition has been restructured to clearly emphasize key topics including:

  • Essentialism
  • Functionalism
  • Authority
  • Domination. 

All ideas and theories are clearly illustrated, with new and engaging examples and case studies throughout, making this the ideal textbook for students approaching the subject area for the first time.

chapter 1|18 pages

Religion and the Problem of Definition

chapter 3|18 pages

How Society Works: Classification

chapter 4|13 pages

How Society Works: Essentialism

chapter 5|19 pages

How Society Works: Structure

chapter 6|18 pages

How Society Works: Habitus

chapter 7|18 pages

How Religion Works: Legitimation

chapter 8|21 pages

How Religion Works: Authority

chapter 9|15 pages

How Religion Works: Authenticity

chapter 10|20 pages

Case Study: What Would Jesus Do?

chapter |3 pages

Afterword