Anthropology and Religion: What We Know, Think, and Question [Hardcover]

Drawing from ethnographic examples found throughout the world, this revised and updated text offers an introduction to what anthropologists know or think about religion, how they have studied it, and how they have interpreted or explained it since the late nineteenth century. Robert Winzelers balanced consideration of classic topics, basic concepts, and new developments in the anthropological study of religion moves beyond cultural anthropology and ethnography to gather information from physical anthropology, prehistory, and archaeology. Written as a sophisticated but accessible treatment of the issues, Anthropology and Religion is a key text for upper-division courses.Robert L. Winzeler is professor emeritus of anthropology, University of Nevada, Reno.This is an excellent review of the vast body of research anthropologists have done on religion around the world and through the history of our species. Winzeler discusses and critiques the underlying assumptions and theoretical orientations as well as the empirical findings of a number of anthropologists. The book is clear that these are not just matters of long ago and far away but pertain to the contemporary world of today's news. This is an excellent book for courses on the anthropology of religion as well as for people who want to know what anthropologists have to say on the topic. In many years of teaching courses on the anthropology of religion, I have found no book to match it for comprehensive coverage. E. Paul Durrenberger, Pennsylvania State University

Preface

Part 1: Anthropology and Religion
Words and Things
Is Religion a Human Universal?
The Meaning of Religion
The Anthropology of Religion
Types of Anthropological Studies of Religion
Types of Religion
Religions versus Religion

Part 2: Religion Here and There: Western Notions in Comparative Perspective
Religion Is Primarily a Matter of Belief or Faith
Religion and Identity: One at a Time
Religion Is a Separl#R