Taking Seriously, Not Taking Sides: Challenges and Perspectives in the Study of Religions

"Taking seriously, not taking sides" This statement about the positioning of Religious Studies as a reflexive, unbiased research approach, which must always recognise emic perspectives, is a central theme of the "Viennese Tradition of Religious Studies." With his vast expertise and innovative research, Hans Gerald Hödl has shaped Austrian Religious Studies like few others. This book, which is dedicated to him and his work, brings together scholars who share his passion for the study of religions and have engaged with his perspectives. The contributions in this collection engage in disciplinary debates, explore different dimensions of ritual, and offer (religious) philosophical perspectives and aesthetic reflections.

Lukas K. Pokorny is Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Vienna. Large parts of his current research focus on millenarianism and esotericism as well as new, alternative, and Asian diasporic religions in Austria.
Astrid Mattes is Assistant Professor of Social Scientific Research on Religion at the University of Vienna. Her main fields of interest lie at the intersection of religion and politics and empirical research on religion.