ABSTRACT
The analytical framework developed earlier in the book informs both the thematic coverage of the subsequent chapters and the overall analytical approach adopted. Drawing on the work of Bruce Lincoln and others, it suggests that to unravel the complex links between religious teachings and beliefs, religious practices, and values, ethics and social relationships, a three-dimensional matrix is needed. This has three axes: personal, social and organisational dimensions, different levels of analysis and four domains of the religious social field. The review of available research evidence that follows demonstrates the value of the analytical framework, concluding that all three dimensions and their interactions must be analysed to understand the similarities and differences between the religious teachings, practices and social behaviour of individual adherents and religious groups in sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia. In this chapter, some important insights and general trends are identified and overall conclusions drawn. However, it also concludes that the uneven nature and coverage of the research evidence available means that the review is far from comprehensive, and care must be taken not to over-generalise about the characteristics and implications of lived religion for contemporary religious traditions, adherents and societies.
