The Anthropology of Religion: And the Worlds of the Independent Thinkers

This book explores how anthropologists documented the religions of independent peoples in the twentieth century, facing obstacles to accessing profound understandings of the world. It teaches students to proceed slowly, watching rituals, asking questions, and translating abstract terms in unrecorded languages, demonstrating the potential of an anthropological approach to religion.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the fascinating endeavors of anthropologists in the twentieth century, as they embarked on the task of documenting the diverse religions of the independent peoples who resided beyond the boundaries of the global economy and the world religions. The journey begins by exploring the remarkable popularity of anthropology as a field of intellectual growth in the nineteenth century, reaching its pinnacle with Frazer's influential work, "The Golden Bough." While "The Golden Bough" was a cornerstone of modernity, its conception of religion remained purely speculative. As anthropologists set out to gain firsthand insights, they encountered formidable challenges. How could they access the deepest understandings of a people and their world? Adhering to the belief that ethnographers lack supernatural powers of insight into others' minds, this book offers a methodological approach. It encourages students to proceed cautiously, taking one step at a time, observing the intricate rituals performed by individuals, raising seemingly foolish questions, and grappling with the translation of abstract terms in unrecorded languages. Through a selection of examples from various continents, the book showcases the immense potential of an anthropological perspective in understanding religion.

Weight: 486g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032303161