Preface for Students and Teachers 1. Beginnings in the Study of Religion 2. Theory: An introduction 3. Classic Theories:Part 1 4. Classic Theories: Part 2 5. Contemporary Trends in the Field 6. Conclusion: Talking about Religion Additional reading Index
A clear and accessible introduction for students to all aspects of the study of religion, which provides guidance on the theoretical framework of the field.
Bradley L. Herling is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Marymount Manhattan College, USA.
In this second edition of a book designed primarily to introduce
students to the academic study of religion, Herling (Marymount
Manhattan College) defends the role that theory plays in opening
religious studies to academic inquiry. Focusing on theoretical
literacy as a way to advance the understanding of religion in
general, the author reviews with discernment and cogency classic
theories of religion—Otto, James, Durkheim, Geertz, Turner, Marx,
Freud, Jung, Eliade, Smart, Tillich, W. C. Smith—then turns his
attention to women’s experiences, religion and violence, religion
and science, race and ethnicity, globalization, and material
culture as these topics today affect methodological developments in
religious studies as a field. Herling addresses the difficulty of
defining religion, the insider/outsider problem in studying
religion, the need for students to defamiliarize objects of study,
and issues related to the separation of theology from the academic
study of religion. Well written and accessible, this book will be a
welcome resource in introductory academic religion classes. The
insightful review of theoretical and methodological issues in the
contemporary study of religion will no doubt prove beneficial to
specialists. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates
through faculty and professionals; general readers.
*CHOICE*
This second edition updates information on issues such as
globalisation ... There is also a good amount of further reading to
help the new student.
*Reference Reviews*
Students of religion, from the novice to the professional
researcher, will find many points of resonance in this clear and
compassionate representation of religion as an exceptionally broad
and immensely important field of inquiry. Ideal for classroom use
or personal study, this book offers a marvellous invitation to
carefully consider the most crucial issues of our time.
*On the first edition – Davina C. Lopez, Assistant Professor of
Religious Studies, Eckerd College, USA*
Herling packs a lot of information into this beginner’s guide to
the study of religion—not only classical theories and contemporary
approaches but also fundamental and controversial methodological
principles and objectives—and he does so in a manner that beginning
students will find eminently engaging and accessible. Here lies
everything that introductory students will need to know and think
about as they begin their journey into the academic study of
religion.
*Timothy D Knepper, Professor of Philosophy, Drake University,
USA*
My students appreciate Herling’s accessible approach to the complex
history of the study of religion. I appreciate having such a brief,
well-conceived, and beautifully-written book that I can use among
both lower- and upper-level students, whether as an introduction or
a review.
*Kathryn D. Blanchard, Associate Professor of Religious Studies,
Alma College, USA*
An indispensable introduction to the study of religion, Herling’s
clear, intelligent, and eminently readable book is a gift for the
religion instructor who seeks to infuse theory into a religion
class and to the curious reader interested in learning more about
religion, the religious, and religious studies. Herling makes
evident that the study of religion is timely and relevant—even
urgent. He brings central concepts in religious studies to life,
situates classical theories of religion in a contemporary context,
and helps the reader make sense of the wide and varied actions,
beliefs, and experiences we call religion. This work will help
readers understand lived religion in familiar and unexpected
places, in secular and sacred spaces, in the United States and
around the world.
*Lesleigh Cushing, Murray W. and Mildred K. Finard Associate
Professor in Jewish Studies and Associate Professor of Religion,
Colgate University, USA*
The book is clear, well-written and accessible and is very useful
as an introductory text.
*Ann Christie, York St John University, UK*
Herling writes in the comfortable, conversational voice of an
experienced teacher who knows his students well. He provides clear
explanations of the significance for the field of authors and ideas
that can be difficult for students to understand on their own, and
he does so with welcome concision…Herling should be commended for
writing a welcoming book that many students and general readers
will find a helpful companion through the early stages of
understanding this multifarious thing we call religion.
*Reading Religion*
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