This volume presents a collection of eleven of the author's essays on the intellectual and moral foundations of the study of religion as it has been known in Europe and America since the turn of the century. In this collection, Strenski examines the influence of several major figures and schools of thought, concluding that too often the study of religion has involved hidden theological and ideological agendas. Some of the themes which Strenski investigates in these essays include Heidegger's political involvements, Eliade's spiritualism, Buddhist psychologies of Enlightenment, Marcel Mauss's gift theory in traditional Sri Lanka, the import of the work of Karl Popper and Paul Feyerabend for L�vi-Strauss's structural mythology, Durkheim's intellectual heirs, the Annales historians, and the myth of France's Celtic past. The author claims that religion can be understood adequately only as it is viewed in relation to other disciplines and with social, cultural, symbolic, and intellectual phenomena. He asserts that the study of religion is an intellectual enterprise that must not be confused with theology, ideology, or religion itself, and he calls for a methodology based on "placing religion in relation" in order to achieve reliable knowledge and understanding.

About the Author

Ivan Strenski received his Ph.D. from Birmingham University, England, and undertook post-doctoral studies at Yale University. He is currently a member of the department of religious studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is the author of Four Theories of Myth in Twentieth-Century History: Cassirer, Eliade, L�vi-Strauss, and Malinowski. He is the editor of Malinowski and the Work of Myth and American editor-in-chief of the journal Religion.

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

Store Description

We're primarily mail-order booksellers with more than 30 years' experience, including 10 years in an open shop. We have been selling books via the internet since 1999.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Association Member

Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Nelson & Nelson, Booksellers
SC, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

TERMS: All items are subject to prior sale. Prices firm and include discounts.

South Carolina residents add 5% sales tax.

All books guaranteed to be as described; authorized returns accepted within 7 days of receipt if not as described.

SHIPPING: All items are packed with care and shipped promptly.
Additional postage may be required on multi-volume sets and oversize or heavier items.

INTERNATIONAL ORDERS: We quote shipping on international orders.

Shipping Terms

Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	3 to 10 business days
First item	US$ 6.00	US$ 15.00

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.