ABSTRACT
This chapter proposes and unpacks an understanding of ‘a theory of religion’ comprising the following seven elements: A theory of religion (1) seeks to account for (2) religion (3) by establishing some kind of conceptual order, (4) claiming to offer better insights than previous or alternative theories, (5) providing relevance criteria to measure its persuasiveness, (6) having empirical support, and (7) articulating clear boundary criteria on the kind and range of phenomena it seeks to address. Theories of religion should address (1) ontology (the ‘nature’ of religion), (2) specificity and distinctiveness of religion, (3) origins or genealogy of religion, (4) structure, configurations, or assemblages of religion, (5) the outcome, effects, or functions of religion. The chapter elucidates five kinds of ‘theory’ and proceeds to clarify the differences between theory/theories and (1) metatheory, (2) theorizing, (3) ‘Theory with a capital T’, (4) theoretical approaches, (5) theoretical ideas, (6) and ‘middle-range theories’. It concludes with some reflections on the place and role of theories of religion in the study of religion/s.
