The effective study of religion involves many disciplines and methods, from psychology to sociology, and from textual analysis to case studies in the field. It also requires an awareness of key thematic issues such as gender, science, fundamentalism, ritual, mysticism, and new religious movements. Containing everything needed for a full understanding of theory and methods in religious studies "The Routledge Companion to the Study of Religion:" * surveys the history of religious studies and the key disciplinary approaches * shows how to apply theories and methods to practical study * highlights contemporary issues such as globalization, diaspora and politics * explains why the study of religion is relevant in today's world * gives guidance on theory and methods, and on how to succeed in study courses. Beginning by explaining the most important methodological approaches to religion, including psychology, philosophy, anthropology and comparative study, the text then moves on to explore a wide variety of critical issues. Written entirely by renowned international specialists, and using clear and accessible language throughout, it is the perfect guide to the problems and questions found in exams and on courses.

Table of Contents

Introduction Why Study Religions? "John Hinnells "History of Study of Religions" Eric J. Sharpe" Part 1. Key Approaches to the Study of Religion. Theories of Religion "Robert Segal " Theology "David Ford" Philosophy of Religion "Peter Vardy " Religious Studies "Donald Wiebe "Sociology of Religion "Martin Riesebrodt & Mary Ellen Konieczny" Anthropology of Religion "Rosalind Hackett " Psychology of Religion "Dan Merkur " Phenomenology "Douglas Allen "Comparative Study of Religion "William Paden Part 2. Key Issues in the Study of Religions. "Gender "Darlene Juschka "Insider-Outsider Issues "Kim Knott" Post Modernism" Paul Heelas "Orientalism/Postcolonialism "Richard King " Secularization" Judith Fox "Mysticism & Spirituality "Richard King " New Religious Movement "Judith Fox "Fundamentalism "Henry Munson" Myth and Ritual "Robert Segal "Religious Authority "Paul Gifford " Hermeneutics "Garrett Green " Religious Pluralism "Michael Barnes "Religion and Politics "George Moyser "Religion and Geography "Christopher Park " Religion and Science "Thomas Dixon" Religion and Cognition" Luther Martin "Religion and Culture "Mark Hulsether " Religion and the Arts "John Hinnells" Race and Ethnicity in Diaspora Religions "Sean McLoughlin"

Author Biography

Liverpool Hope University, UK and Robinson College, Cambridge, UK