A Critical Introduction to the Study of Religion

by Craig Martin

Overview

A Critical Introduction to the Study of Religion introduces the key concepts and theories from religious studies that are necessary for a full understanding of the complex ways in which religious and cultural institutions and traditions influence society.

This book provides readers with an arsenal of critical concepts for studying religious ideologies, practices, and communities. This edition has been thoroughly revised and now includes a new chapter on "Belief" and a rewritten chapter on "Essentialism," and has been restructured to clearly emphasize key topics including:

• problems with the concepts of "religion" and "belief systems;"
• functionalism and classification;
• essentialism, socialization, and habitus; and
• legitimation, authority, and authenticity

All ideas and theories are clearly illustrated, with contemporary and engaging examples and case studies throughout. It’s an essential text for all students approaching the subject area for the first time.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032190471
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/14/2023
Edition description:	3rd ed.
Pages:	210
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Craig Martin is Professor of Religious Studies at St. Thomas Aquinas College, USA.

Table of Contents

1. Religion 2. Belief 3. Functionalism 4. Classification 5. Essentialism 6. Structure 7. Habitus 8. Legitimation 9. Authority 10. Authenticity Case Study: What Would Jesus Do? Afterword References Index

Editorial Reviews

The best textbook for teaching an introductory course in religious studies has just gotten better with a new edition. Martin’s ability to make critical theory not only understandable, but also useful, to beginning students, is the primary strength of his book. His choice of examples, illustrating the complex theoretical issues he addresses, guarantees student learning will be both significant and – dare I say it – enjoyable. Charles William Miller, University of North Dakota, USA

A Critical Introduction to the Study of Religion provides key strategies for disentangling the category "religion" and examining religious traditions as complex social phenomena. The text is an effective introduction to explanatory socio-functional approaches, which enable students to ask new sets of questions of their subject. The second edition is a comprehensive model for a new vision of Religious Studies. Kristian Petersen, University of Nebraska Omaha, USA

From the Publisher