ABSTRACT
The introductory chapter begins by setting out how the main body of the volume is organised in terms of four sections of three chapters each – each section addressing both the ‘foundations’ and ‘futures’ strands. This is followed by an overview of the contribution of the volume in relation to each of these strands in turn. On the question of foundations, qualifications and revisions of classic approaches in the sociology of religion continue to be helpful in making sense of the effects of individualisation, pluralisation and quasi-religious phenomena. In other respects, however, many of the contributors point to a need to move away from the foundations to allow us to re-evaluate and deconstruct our understanding of religion; and to appreciate the roles of mediatisation and commodification. Finally, the chapter provides an introductory overview of each of the chapters in the main body, organised in relation to the four sections of the collection.
