How do you study religion and society? In this fascinating book, some of the most famous names in the field explain how they go about their everyday work of studying religions in the field. They explain how the ideas for their projects and books have come together, how their understanding of religion has changed over the years, and how their own beliefs have affected their work. They also comment on the changing nature of the field, the ideas which they regard as most important, and those which have not stood the test of time. Lastly they offer advice to young scholars, and suggest what needs to be done to enable the field to grow and develop further.

About the Author
Titus Hjelm is Lecturer in Finnish Society and Culture at University College London, UK. He is editor of Religion and Social Problems (Routledge, 2010). Phil Zuckerman is Professor of Sociology at Pitzer College, USA. His books include Invitation to the Sociology of Religion (Routledge, 2003).

Reviews

"These eloquent essays remind us of the consequential twists and turns in individual lives, the riches to be discovered in the sociological imagination and in academic community, and not least, how and why we study religion. A joy to read." - Michele Dillon, University of New Hampshire, USA

"A genuinely unusual and fascinating book. It gives not only the personal background to many of the most important contributions to the sociology of religion of the past generation, but a unique perspective on what influences people's work in this field as well as its particular modes of professional self-representation. A wonderful contribution to the literature in this field." - Gordon Lynch, University of Kent, UK

Book Information
ISBN 9780415667982
Author Titus Hjelm
Format Paperback
Page Count 212
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 340g