A Historical and Theoretical Guide to Studying Religion

This book provides a guide to studying religion, tracing its rise
The rise of the academic study of religion from the early nineteenth century to the present day, with a focus on its relation to Romanticism and Western modernity's rational and materialist emphases. It also addresses uncertainties, problems, and tensions within the field, such as what is or should be meant by referring to some persons or groups as religious, why religion is often a cause of tensions and conflicts, and the difference and often tension between religious and nonreligious approaches to the study of religion.

Format: Hardback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 16 January 2024
Publisher: Anthem Press

This comprehensive guide to the study of religion is divided into two parts. The first part, spanning from the early 19th century to the present day, explores the historical development of the academic study of religion, focusing on its relationship with Romanticism and its contrasting relations to the defining characteristics of Western modernity, particularly its rational and materialist emphases. The second part delves into the complexities and challenges within the field, such as defining what constitutes religiousness, understanding the reasons behind the frequent tensions and conflicts that arise within and between religious groups, as well as the impact of the increasingly nonreligious or secular nature of modern Western culture on the study of religion. Recognizing the significance of this final difficulty, the book presents it as a unifying theme and offers a comprehensive approach to addressing and mitigating it.

The first part of the book delves into the historical background of the academic study of religion, tracing its origins from the early 19th century to the present day. It emphasizes the relationship between the study of religion and Romanticism, highlighting the influence of Romanticism on the development of religious studies as an academic discipline. The author also explores the contrasting relations of religion to the fundamental aspects of Western modernity, particularly its rational and materialist emphases.

The second part of the book addresses a range of uncertainties, problems, and tensions within the field of religious studies. It explores questions such as what defines religiousness and why religion often serves as a source of tensions and conflicts within and between religious groups. Additionally, the book examines the challenges posed by the increasingly nonreligious or secular nature of modern Western culture on the study of religion.

One of the central themes of the book is the difference and often tension between religious and nonreligious approaches to the study of religion. The author argues that this difference is a significant challenge for the field and offers a way to address and reduce it. The book suggests that by recognizing and respecting the diversity of religious experiences and perspectives, scholars can develop a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of religion.

The author also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research in the study of religion. By drawing on insights from other fields such as sociology, psychology, and history, scholars can gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay of factors that contribute to religious beliefs, practices, and social interactions.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in the study of religion. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the field, exploring the historical development, complexities, and challenges of religious studies. By addressing the difference and tension between religious and nonreligious approaches, the book offers a way.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 153 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839990540