Engaging With Living Religion: A Guide to Fieldwork in the Study of Religion

Understanding living religion requires students to experience everyday religious practice in diverse environments and communities. This guide provides the ideal introduction to fieldwork and the study of religion outside the lecture theatre. Covering theoretical and practical dimensions of research, the book helps students learn to ‘read’ religious sites and communities, and to develop their understanding of planning, interaction, observation, participation and interviews. Students are encouraged to explore their own expectations and sensitivities, and to develop a good understanding of ethical issues, group-learning and individual research. The chapters contain student testimonies, examples of student work and student-led questions.

Stephen E. Gregg is Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies at the University of Wolverhampton, where he specialises in Contemporary Religion and Method and Theory in the Study of Religion. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the British Association for the Study of Religions, and has conducted research and led student Study Tours and Study Visits throughout the UK, Europe, Asia, North America, Australia and the Middle East.

Lynne Scholefield is Senior Research Fellow in Theology and Religious Studies at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, where she specialises in Religion in Modern Britain and Interfaith Dialogue. She has conducted research and led Study Tours and Study Visits throughout the UK, Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East.