ABSTRACT
This chapter explores concepts of practice in the study of religion and the significance of using this as a locus theologicus – a place for working theologically. We assert here that attention to practice must be considered to be a primary source for the conduct of research at all points, and is essential for developing theoretical and theological insight and understanding. Attending to experience and practice, in fact, produces better and more authentic theological reflection.
Five central theses to do with researching religious practice and performance are advanced in the course of this chapter. Firstly, that practice is the ‘Alpha and Omega’ of theological discourse, which is embodied and enacted within action, praxis, performance and practice; secondly, that practices build worlds, both symbolic and material. Thirdly, noting a turn to practice within the study of religion, we argue that religion must be considered as more than propositional ‘belief’. Our fourth thesis, then, is that as (religious) practices build worlds, so they must be considered as value-laden and revelatory; they (and we) perform our truths. Finally, the chapter turns to considering some of the specific skills and methods required for researching religious practices, an issue that continues into subsequent chapters on research design and methodology.
