Basics

Anthropology of Religion: The Basics is an accessible and engaging introductory text organized around key issues that all anthropologists of religion face. This book uses a wide range of historical and ethnographic examples to address not only what is studied by anthropologists of religion, but how such studies are approached. It addresses questions such as:

-How do human agents interact with gods and spirits?

-What is the nature of doing religious ethnography?

-Can the immaterial be embodied in the body, language and material objects?

-What is the role of ritual, time, and place in religion?

-Why is charisma important for religious movements?

-How do global processes interact with religions?

With international case studies from a range of religious traditions, suggestions for further reading, and inventive reflection boxes, Anthropology of Religion: The Basics is an essential read for students approaching the subject for the first time.