Jack Hunter's Blog - Posts Tagged "fiona-bowie"

"In clear, concise language Jack Hunter introduces the reader to some of the key theories, personalities and concepts in the anthropology of religion, particularly as they relate to notions of the supernatural. As Hunter points out, the term ‘supernatural’ is rather problematic, being based on Western presuppositions that there is a distinction between a natural and a supernatural order (often explicitly or implicitly regarded respectively as real and unreal), that is not shared by most peoples in most historical periods. Familiar topics such as witchcraft, shamanism and spirit possession are succinctly presented with the aid of historical and cross-cultural examples. The chief innovation of this Introduction, however, is the inclusion of a chapter on ‘Ethnography and the Paranormal,’ a subject Hunter is particularly well qualified to write about as founder and editor of the groundbreaking journal Paranthropology, and a co-founder of the Afterlife Research Centre."

- Dr. Fiona Bowie (Author of 'The Anthropology of Religion')