ABSTRACT

The Routledge Companion to the Study of Religion is a major resource for everyone taking courses in religious studies. It begins by explaining the most important methodological approaches to religion - including psychology, philosophy, anthropology and comparative study – before moving on to explore a wide variety of critical issues, such as gender, science, fundamentalism, ritual, and new religious movements. Written by renowned international specialists, and using clear and accessible language throughout, it is an excellent guide to the problems and questions found in exams and on courses.

* Surveys the history of religious studies and the key disciplinary approaches

* Highlights contemporary issues such as globalization, diaspora and politics

* Explains why the study of religion is relevant in today’s world

* A valuable resource for courses at all levels

chapter |4 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|16 pages

Why study religions?

part |2 pages

Part 1 Key approaches to the study of religions

chapter 3|12 pages

Theories of religion

chapter 4|19 pages

Theology

chapter 5|18 pages

Philosophy of religion

chapter 6|27 pages

Religious studies

chapter 9|18 pages

Psychology of religion

chapter 10|26 pages

Phenomenology of religion

chapter 11|19 pages

Comparative religion

part |2 pages

Part 2 Key issues in the study of religions

chapter 12|14 pages

Gender

chapter 13|16 pages

Insider/outsider perspectives

chapter 14|16 pages

Postmodernism

chapter 16|15 pages

Secularization

chapter 17|17 pages

Mysticism and spirituality

chapter 18|14 pages

New religious movements

chapter 19|18 pages

Fundamentalism

chapter 20|24 pages

Myth and ritual

chapter 22|15 pages

Hermeneutics

chapter 23|16 pages

Religious pluralism

chapter 24|16 pages

Religion and politics

chapter 25|17 pages

Religion and geography

chapter 26|17 pages

Religion and science

chapter 27|16 pages

Religion and cognition

chapter 28|20 pages

Religion and culture

chapter 29|17 pages

Religion and the arts