In eight essays, all but one previously published, Asad (anthropology, New School for Social Research) argues that religion as a historical and political category was created in modern Europe, and challenges some deeply held assumptions about the evolution and character of Christianity and Islam. He also applies his ideas to the current wave of Islamic fundamentalism. Paper edition (unseen), $15.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
In Geneologies of Religion, Talal Asad explores how religion as a historical category emerged in the West and has come to be applied as a universal concept.
The idea that religion has undergone a radical change since the Christian Reformation-from totalitarian and socially repressive to private and relatively benign-is a familiar part of the story of secularization. It is often invoked to explain and justify the liberal politics and world view of modernity. And it leads to the view that "politicized religions" threaten both reason and liberty. Asad's essays explore and question all these assumptions. He argues that "religion" is a construction of European modernity, a construction that authorizes-for Westerners and non-Westerners alike-particular forms of "history making."
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The idea that religion has undergone a radical change since the Christian Reformation-from totalitarian and socially repressive to private and relatively benign-is a familiar part of the story of secularization. It is often invoked to explain and justify the liberal politics and world view of modernity. And it leads to the view that "politicized religions" threaten both reason and liberty. Asad's essays explore and question all these assumptions. He argues that "religion" is a construction of European modernity, a construction that authorizes-for Westerners and non-Westerners alike-particular forms of "history making."
Genealogies of Religion: Discipline and Reasons of Power in Christianity and Islam
In Geneologies of Religion, Talal Asad explores how religion as a historical category emerged in the West and has come to be applied as a universal concept.
The idea that religion has undergone a radical change since the Christian Reformation-from totalitarian and socially repressive to private and relatively benign-is a familiar part of the story of secularization. It is often invoked to explain and justify the liberal politics and world view of modernity. And it leads to the view that "politicized religions" threaten both reason and liberty. Asad's essays explore and question all these assumptions. He argues that "religion" is a construction of European modernity, a construction that authorizes-for Westerners and non-Westerners alike-particular forms of "history making."
The idea that religion has undergone a radical change since the Christian Reformation-from totalitarian and socially repressive to private and relatively benign-is a familiar part of the story of secularization. It is often invoked to explain and justify the liberal politics and world view of modernity. And it leads to the view that "politicized religions" threaten both reason and liberty. Asad's essays explore and question all these assumptions. He argues that "religion" is a construction of European modernity, a construction that authorizes-for Westerners and non-Westerners alike-particular forms of "history making."
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Genealogies of Religion: Discipline and Reasons of Power in Christianity and Islam
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Product Details
BN ID: | 2940159898630 |
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Publisher: | Tantor Audio |
Publication date: | 12/26/2023 |
Edition description: | Unabridged |
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