This history-based introduction to the study of religion introduces the main methods, theories and theorists in the field. Introduces the main methods, theories and theorists in the field. Engages with leading figures from the history of anthropology, sociology, psychology, philosophy and theology who have influenced the study of religion. Reveals how the study of religion evolved in response to great cultural conflicts and major historical events. Also considers the influence of inner experience, tacking issues such as human survival and wish-fulfilment.
This introduction to philosophy of religion is aimed at the problems which most interest students. As the author explains in his preface, "Students today have a wide range of perplexities about religion, many of them theological or historical rather than philosophical ... The topics I have covered in this book are those which I have found to create the most interest and cause the most discussion when they have come up in class."
C. Stephen Evans examines the central themes of philosophy of religion, including the arguments for God's existence, the meaning of revelation and miracles, and the problem of religious language.
Religion Today introduces students to key concepts in religious studies through a compelling problem-solving framework. Each chapter opens with a contemporary case study that helps students engage in current religious issues, explore possible solutions to difficult religious problems today, and learn key themes and concepts in religious studies. To enhance student learning, a free Student Study Guide is available for download from Rowman & Littlefield. The Study Guide features chapter summaries, definition quizzes for students to test themselves on key terms, and possible learning activities.
We live in an age of skepticism. Our society places such faith in empirical reason, historical progress, and heartfelt emotion that it’s easy to wonder: Why should anyone believe in Christianity? What role can faith and religion play in our modern lives? In this thoughtful and inspiring new book, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller invites skeptics to consider that Christianity is more relevant now than ever. As human beings, we cannot live without meaning, satisfaction, freedom, identity, justice, and hope. Christianity provides us with unsurpassed resources to meet these needs. Written for both the ardent believer and the skeptic, Making Sense of God shines a light on the profound value and importance of Christianity in our lives.
"There is nothing greater than indignation to stimulate a writer to write." says Robert Benne, "and my outrage has been stirred mightily by reading so many wrongheaded 'takes' on how religion and politics ought to be related." --
Matching pivotal theorists and theories of religion alongside cutting-edge criticism from a team of leading contemporary scholars, this vibrant collection enables students to gain a balanced understanding of the diverse methods, theories, and theorists involved in the historical and methodological development of the study of religion. It can be used alongside Ivan Strenski’s textbook, Thinking about Religion: An Historical Introduction to Theories of Religion, to offer a complete resource for introductory students of religious studies. Creates a useful mix of classic and contemporary responses to issues in the study of religion, ideal for those coming to the subject for the first time. Traces the major historical and methodological development of the study of religion in the modern West, enabling students to gain a balanced understanding of the diverse methods, theories, and theorists involved. Primary theorists featured include Cherbury, Durkheim, Eliade, Frazer, Freud, Hume, Brede Kristensen, Malinowski, Max Müller, Ninian Smart, Robertson Smith, Spinoza, Tylor, and Weber. Contemporary contributors include Winston Davis, Sidney Hook, Robert Alun Jones, Karl Menninger, Sam Preus, Philip Rieff, Robert Segal, Georges Sorel, George Stocking, and William Dwight Whitney.
Many of our questions about religion, says the internationally renowned anthropologist Pascal Boyer, were once mysteries, but they no longer are: we are beginning to know how to answer questions such as "Why do people have religion?" and "Why is religion the way it is?" Using findings from anthropology, cognitive science, linguistics, and evolutionary biology, Boyer shows how one of the most fascinating aspects of human consciousness is increasingly admissible to coherent, naturalistic explanation. And Man Creates God tells readers, for the first time, what religious feeling is really about, what it consists of, and how it originates. It is a beautifully written, very accessible book by an anthropologist who is highly respected on both sides of the Atlantic. As a scientific explanation for religious feeling, it is sure to arouse controversy.
If you have come across this book either by chance, by purchase, or someone has given it to you, I pray you will read it. I promise it will be a blessing to your soul. We are told by the Word of God to seek Him diligently! Without any denominational pull to my understanding Gods Word, I have done so for many years. I am sixty-five years old and a common man in my walk with Christ. I was a little slow in the beginning, but now, after thirty-five years, I have been running to catch up with Him. Why am I running? Time is of great importance. No matter how young or old we are, we just never know how much time we have in this world. Please read what I have learned from the Word of God and the knowledge He will give us. You may or may not agree with all my views and opinions. After all, I am just a common man. What I do promise youthis book will open your eyes and hearts! It will give you an incentive to seek God diligently! No matter what religion we may follow, we must seek Him diligently!
