The Study of Religion: A Reader [Paperback]

This collection illustrates the spectrum of ideas that people throughout history have had when considering how to understand and study religion. The editors present a selection of key writings that reflect a broad range of voices on the nature and practice of the discipline. Religious studies draws on works by anthropologists, sociologists, philosophers, theologians, and others, which notably impact our understanding of the concept of religion, of particular religious ideas, and on how religion should be studied. The Study of Religion: A Reader contains both classic and contemporary perspectives, including material from non-Western traditions. It provides students of religion with an understanding of how the discipline developed, some of the current issues and lines of thought, as well as future prospects.

Introduction  Part One: The Discipline: Its History and Fundamental Perspectives  Part Two: The Older Strata: Early, Classic, or Foundational Writings  A. Philosophy and Theology  B. Classic Social Scientific Perspectives (Sociological and Anthropological)  C. Classic Phenomenological and Psychological Perspectives  Part Three: The Newer Strata: Contemporary Voices in the Scholarly Study of Religion  A. Contemporary Philosophy, Theology, and/or Religious Studies  B. Contemporary Social Scientific Perspectives (Sociological and Anthropological)  C. Contemporary Phenomenological and Psychological Perspectives  Part Four: The Discipline: Contemporary Practices and Positions  A. Critical Stance for Secular Study of Religion  B. Positions and Practices in the Discipline  Part Five: Religious Studies: Prescriptions and Prospects  A. Disciplinary Boundaries&amls"