A century that began with modernism sweeping across Europe is ending with a resurgence of religious beliefs and practices throughout the world. Wherever one looks today, from headlines about political turmoil in the Middle East to pop music and videos, once cannot escape the pivotal role of religion in shaping selves, societies, and cultures. This book attempts to provide a revitalized, self-aware vocabulary with which this religious diversity can be accurately described and responsibly discussed. Scholars working in a variety of traditions demonstrate through their contributions that even our most basic terms for understanding religion are not neutral but carry specific historical and conceptual freight. Each of the essays in this text provides a concise history of a critical term, explores the issues raised by the term, and puts the term to use in an analysis of a religious work, practice, or event. The topics move across: Judaism; Christianity; Hinduism; Buddhism; Islam; and Native American and Mayan religions. Contributors explore terms ranging from experience, territory, and image, to God, sacrifice, and transgression.

Book Information
ISBN 9780226791579
Author Mark C. Taylor
Format Paperback
Page Count 426
Imprint University of Chicago Press
Publisher The University of Chicago Press
Weight(grams) 670g