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. Topics include:

Definitions of religion

Perspectives in the study and teaching of religion

How religion began to be studied: Traditional perspectives―philosophical and theological

How people experience religion: Perspectives in the study of religious consciousness and perception―phenomenological and psychological

Studying religion within communities: Social and cultural perspectives―anthropological, sociological, political, and economic

Judging religion: Critical perspectives―feminist approaches, the interaction of popular literature and religion

Contextual perspectives―historical and comparative

Themes, theories, and current directions

This thoroughly updated second edition 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, discussion questions, a glossary, a chronology of key figures and texts, and other pedagogic aids help students grasp key concepts.

About the Author

Hillary P. Rodrigues (he/him) is Professor Emeritus in Religious Studies at the University of Lethbridge, Canada. A recipient of that institution’s Distinguished Teaching Award (2000) and a Board of Governors Chair in Teaching, he formerly chaired both the Anthropology and Religious Studies departments. His books include Introducing Hinduism (2006, 2016), Studying Hinduism in Practice (2011), and The Study of Religion: A Reader with John S. Harding (2013).

John S. Harding (he/him) is Professor and Chair of Religious Studies at the University of Lethbridge, Canada. He is the founding Coordinator of its Asian Studies Program and coordinated the Global Citizenship Cohort. His books include Studying Buddhism in Practice (2012), The Study of Religion: A Reader with Hillary P. Rodrigues (2013), and Buddhism in the Global Eye: Beyond East and West with Victor Sōgen Hori and Alexander Soucy (2020).

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Kennys.ie is the largest exporter of books from Ireland currently exporting to approximately 100 countries around the world. Kennys Bookshop houses hundreds of thousands of books and specialises in collection development and library services, supplying booksellers and state and university libraries on a global scale including the U.S.A.,Japan and Europe. Kennys.ie is Ireland's Largest Online Bookshop.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Kennys Bookshop and Art Galleries Ltd.
Liosban Industrial Estate, Tuam Road, Galway, Ireland

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Terms of Sale - Credit Cards: Visa, Master Card, American Express, Diner.
Payment can also be made by bank draft in Euros, drawn on an Irish Bank.

We regret that PO Boxes are not acceptable to the U.S. as our courier will not deliver to them.

In case of returns or queries please contact us by email books@kennys.ie or by phone +353 91 709350

VAT Registration - IE2238521A

Conor Kenny

Shipping Terms

Free Shipping

Shipping rates from Ireland to U.S.A.

Shipping rates from Ireland to U.S.A.
Order quantity	12 to 22 business days	10 to 20 business days
First item	US$ 12.15	US$ 13.31

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.