Introduction to the Study of Religion by Hillary Rodrigues

by Hillary P. Rodrigues

Why do people study religion? How have they studied it in the past? How do we study religion today? Is the academic study of religion the same as religious education? These and many other questions are addressed in this engaging introduction to the discipline of religious studies, written by two experienced university teachers. The authors have crafted this book to familiarize novice students with key concepts and terminology in the study of religion. More advanced students will find a varied array of theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches to the field.Topics definitions of religion; perspectives in the study and teaching of religion; how religion began to be traditional perspectives - philosophical and theological; how people experience perspectives in the study of religious consciousness and perception - phenomenological and psychological; studying religion within Social and cultural perspectives - anthropological, sociological, political and economic; judging critical perspectives - feminist approaches, the interaction of popular literature and religion; and, contextual perspectives - historical and comparative.The book encourages students to think critically about the theories and methods presented. Students will find arguments for the strengths and limitations of these approaches, understand connections among religious studies and other intellectual movements, and develop their own ideas of how they might want to go about the study of religion. Summary boxes, a time line, a glossary and other pedagogic aids help students grasp key concepts, along with a companion website. Rodrigues is chair of the Religious Studies department at the University of Lethbridge, Canada, and recipient of that institution's Distinguished Teaching Award (2000). He is author of "Introducing Hinduism" (Routledge, 2005). John S. Harding is a member of the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Lethbridge.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Textbooks, History, School

Paperback

First published August 15, 2008

About the author

Hillary P. Rodrigues (PhD, McMaster University) is professor of religious studies at the University of Lethbridge.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a pretty solid intro, however I disprove of the "Judging Religion" chapter because the authors switch from talking about the secular academic study of religion to feminist theology & atheist critiques. They don't really address feminist secular scholarship at all, and the so-called New Atheists are NOT examples of academic study of religion. If I teach this book again, I'll skip that chapter.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Class

It was very good for class. I really enjoyed learning more about other cultures and religions. Highly recommended to people who want to learn.

[cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

More useful as a reference; read for Research Methods.