1st Edition
Religion in 50 More Words A Redescriptive Vocabulary
Religion in 50 More Words: A Redescriptive Vocabulary provides a succinct historical, social, and political examination of some of the key words used in the modern study of religion. Differing from the first volume’s more theoretical focus, this volume analyzes more common first order descriptive terms that are used throughout the field, inviting readers to theorize their traditional vocabulary. Topics covered include:
• Atheism/Theism
• Conversion
• Cult
• Evil
• Fundamentalism
• Idol
• Magic
• Pilgrimage
• Ritual
• Sacrifice
Religion in 50 More Words submits such terms to a critical interrogation and subsequent redescription. This paves the way for a collective and more critical reframing of the field. The volume, along with Religion in 50 Words, provides an indispensable resource for students and academics working in the field of religious studies and cognate disciplines.
Introduction: A User’s Guide
1. Afterlife
2. Animism
3. Atheism/Theism
4. Church
5. Civil Religion
6. Commentary
7. Conversion
8. Creation/Endtimes
9. Cult
10. Dialogue
11. East/West
12. Emic/Etic
13. Evil
14. Founder
15. Fundamentalism
16. God
17. Hagiography
18. Icon
19. Idol
20. Immanence/Transcendence
21. Initiation
22. Liberation
23. Magic
24. Meditation
25. Monotheism/Polytheism
26. Myth
27. Mysticism
28. Nones
29. Paganism
30. Piety
31. Pilgrimage
32. Prayer
33. Priest/Prophet
34. Reformation
35. Renunciation
36. Ritual
37. Sacrifice
38. Salvation
39. Sect
40. Sexuality
41. Shamanism
42. Soul
43. Spirituality
44. Symbol
45. Syncretism
46. Theology
47. Totem
48. Tradition
49. Understanding
50. Value
Biography
Aaron W. Hughes
is the Philip S. Bernstein Professor in the Department of Religion and Classics at the University of Rochester, USA.Russell T. McCutcheon
is University Research Professor and Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Alabama, USA."Religion in 50 More Words marks a turning point in the academic study of religion. Aaron Hughes and Russell McCutcheon offer both scholars and the general public a comprehensive and provocative entrée into the challenging theories that are fundamentally altering the way ‘religion’ is conceived and treated both in universities and in settings that determine public policy. In clear, substantial and detailed discussions, the authors show that religion and the vocabulary related to the term do not refer to mysterious, universal and timeless principles, but rather point to compelling contingencies of history, power and politics. This is a book that will shake up a field in serious need of renewal."
Naomi Goldenberg, University of Ottawa, Canada.
"While their first volume interrogated critical themes and theories within the academic study of religion, this book tackles the field’s many attempts (and failures) at establishing a lingua franca. This second testament, which can be read alone or as a companion to the first volume, outlines the often-overlooked histories, uses, and effects of words commonly deployed by students and scholars of religion. Rather than offering their readers a definitive summary, Hughes and McCutcheon provide us with the tools to take up a clearer understanding and more precise application of those concepts and terms that punctuate the academic study of religion."
Rebekka King, Middle Tennessee State University, USA.
"In this volume, two well-known scholars of the critical study of religion take readers on a journey through familiar terms on religion, shaking up many certainties. The result is an equally thought-provoking as entertaining read!"
Anne Koch, University College of Education, Linz, Austria.
