Key Categories in the Study of Religion: Contexts and Critiques

Key Categories in the Study of Religion examines the relationship between context and critique in the academic study of religion, focusing on four key contextual categories: citizenship and politics, class and economy, gender and sexuality, and race and ethnicity. The volume explores how scholars construct and critique these categories, the impact of context on critical analysis, and the ways method, theory, and data are mobilized through context as the primary impetus for critical analysis.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 15 May 2022
Publisher: Equinox Publishing Ltd

The study of religion encompasses a wide range of key categories that are essential for understanding its complexities and nuances. Key Categories in the Study of Religion, a groundbreaking volume published by the North American Association for the Study of Religion (NAASR), builds upon the previous NAASR Working Papers titles to delve into the intricate relationship between context and critique. This comprehensive volume brings together diverse sets of data to explore pertinent categories in which critique occurs. By examining intentionally disparate case studies, the volume centers on four key contextual categories that are fundamental to the academic study of religion: citizenship and politics, class and economy, gender and sexuality, and race and ethnicity.

The contributors to this volume engage in a thoughtful exploration of questions related to the construction and critique of these categories. They examine how scholars develop and apply these categories in their research, as well as how they critique scholars who employ different approaches. Who decides the methodology and approach to critically studying these topics? What impact does the context of a scholar's research have on the methods and methods of their critique?

Key Categories in the Study of Religion employs a multi-faceted approach to investigate the ways in which method, theory, and data are mobilized through context as the primary impetus for critical analysis. Each section begins with an orienting essay that provides an in-depth exploration of its respective category. These introductory chapters encompass an analysis of the construction of categories in academic discourse, an argument advocating or critiquing scholarship within that vein, and an exploration of its implications for the study of religion.

Following each orienting essay, the volume features four responses authored by scholars who have been intentionally selected to highlight diverse contexts. These scholars extend the conclusions of the orienting essay by offering novel analysis based on their own field of expertise and subject matter. These chapters serve as valuable contributions to refining our understanding of the key categories in the study of religion.

In conclusion, Key Categories in the Study of Religion is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the key categories in the study of religion. By examining diverse case studies and engaging in critical analysis, the volume provides valuable insights into the relationship between context and critique. It sheds a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and students interested in advancing the field of religion and its various dimensions.

Weight: 4078g
ISBN-13: 9781781799659