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Introducing Religion examines the different ways of looking at religion in the twenty-first century. Providing a broad overview to the discipline of religious studies, this new edition continues to introduce students to engaging and contemporary topics such as:
- sociology of religion
- psychology of religion
- history of religion
- religion and art
- religious ethics
- popular religion
- religion and violence
Thoroughly updated throughout, this sixth edition includes new coverage of current debates and hot topics in the field, such as concerns about "essentialism" in religion, the importance of categorization, and the role of psychology in religious experience. This textbook is fundamental reading for students approaching this subject area for the first time.
List of contents
1. How to Study Religion 2. History of Religion on Planet Earth 3. Myth: Our Lives, and the World's, Are Stories 4. Why Evil? 5. Doorways to Other Worlds: Symbol, Rite, and Religion 6. Oases of the Mind: The Psychology of Religion 7. Inner Adventure: Walking the Path, and Monks Who Hated God 8. Faith through Form: Religion and Art 9. Ghost Marriages and Country Music: Popular Religion 10. Infinite Information, Worlds without End: The Internet, Religion, and Virtual Realities 11. Travelling Together: The Sociology of Religion 12. Truth Messages: The Conceptual Expression of Religion 13. How Shall We Live? Religion and Ethics 14. Horror and Glory: Religion Confronting War 15. Worlds to Come: Religious Eschatology and the Afterlife Journey's End Appendix: Studying Religion Glossary Index
About the author
Robert S. Ellwood is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Religion at the University of Southern California, USA. He is the author of over twenty-five books, including Many Peoples, Many Faiths, The Fifties Spiritual Marketplace, The Sixties Spiritual Awakening, and Islands of the Dawn.
Patrick Horn is Lecturer in Religion at Hope International University and a past President of the American Society for the Philosophy of Religion.
Summary
Introducing students to engaging and contemporary topics such as sociology of religion, psychology of religion, history of religion, religion and art, religious ethics, popular religion, and religion and violence, this book continues to be fundamental reading for those approaching this subject area for the first time.
