Contested Concepts in the Study of Religion: A Critical Exploration

Description

This book offers a clear, concise introduction to the meaning of problematic terms, and the ways in which they should be handled legitimately. Each entry considers the following: – Why is this concept problematic? – What are the origins of the concept? – How is it used or misused, and by whom? – Is it still a legitimate concept in the study of religion and, if so, what are its legitimate uses? – Are there other concepts that are preferable when writing on religion? Concepts covered include: belief, religion, magic, secularization and violence. This is a jargon-free, indispensable resource for students and scholars that encourages the critical use of terms in the study of religion. Cover Contents Notes on contributors Acknowledgements List of abbreviations Introduction: What is a contested concept? George D. Chryssides and Amy R. Whitehead 1 Belief Nicholas Campion 2 Charisma Edward A. Irons 3 Conversion David G. Bromley 4 Cult Benjamin E. Zeller 5 Diaspora Kim Knott 6 Folk religion Marion Bowman 7 Fundamentalism Camille Kaminski Lewis 8 Guru Stephen Jacobs 9 Indigenous religions Graham Harvey 10 Magic Angela Puca 11 Millennialism Catherine Wessinger 12 Myth Gregory W. Dawes 13 New Age Shai Feraro 14 New religious movements George D. Chryssides 15 Pilgrimage Carole M. Cusack 16 Prophecy George D. Chryssides 17 Religion David Morgan 18 Secularization Titus Hjelm 19 Spirituality Steven J. Sutcliffe 20 Superstition Amy R. Whitehead 21 Syncretism Bettina E. Schmidt 22 Violence Negar Partow 23 World religion Teemu Taira 24 Worship Christina Welch 25 Concepts in practice George D. Chryssides and Amy R. Whitehead References Index