Cultural Approaches to Studying Religion: An Introduction to Theories and Methods

This textbook examines the analytic tools used by scholars in religious studies and related disciplines, including cultural approaches from anthropology, history, literature, and critical studies in race, sexuality, and gender. It includes chapters written by leading scholars, offering biographical and historical context, approaches, key writings, analysis, and evaluation of each theory, as well as a list of key terms and suggested further reading. The book explores how major features such as taboo, texts, myths, and ritual work across religious traditions, and examines the comparative approach through the work of Alice Walker, Charles Long, and Caroline Walker Bynum. It also discusses Gloria Anzaldúas language of religion, Judith Butler's performative, queer theories of religion, Saba Mahmood's work on postcolonial religious encounters, secularism, and the relationship between "East" and "West," and Jasbir Puar's work on affect, gender, sexuality, and disability.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 28 December 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This revised textbook delves into the analytical tools employed by scholars in religious studies, as well as related disciplines, that have shaped the field. It incorporates cultural approaches from anthropology, history, literature, and critical studies in race, sexuality, and gender. Each chapter is authored by a renowned scholar and encompasses the following elements:

Biographical and Historical Context: Providing insights into the background and influences of each theorist.
Approaches and Key Writings: Exploring the theoretical frameworks and significant works of the theorists.
Analysis and Evaluation: Evaluating the strengths and limitations of each theory.
List of Key Terms: Compiling essential terms and concepts related to the chapter's content.
Suggested Further Reading: Providing recommendations for further exploration of the topics covered.

Part One: Comparative Approaches explores how major features such as taboo, texts, myths, and ritual manifest across religious traditions. This section examines the contributions of Mary Douglas, Phyllis Trible, Wendy Doniger, Catherine Bell, and Tomoko Masuzawa, who shed light on the colonialist assumptions underlying the comparative, world religions model.

Part Two: Examining Particularities delves into the comparative approach through the work of Alice Walker, Charles Long, and Caroline Walker Bynum. They emphasize the importance of considering the specificities of race, body, place, and time in understanding religious phenomena.

Part Three: Expanding Boundaries examines Gloria Anzaldúas language of religion and the work of Judith Butler on performative, queer theories of religion. Saba Mahmood's work explores postcolonial religious encounters, secularism, and the relationship between "East" and "West." Jasbir Puar's contribution focuses on work on affect, gender, sexuality, and disability.

In addition to the list of key terms, each section now includes an introduction that highlights the contributions of each thinker and their relationship to previous theories that have dominated the field. This comprehensive textbook serves as a valuable resource for students, scholars, and researchers interested in exploring the complex intersections of religion, culture, and society.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 169 x 244 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350303102
Edition number: 2 ed