Product Description

This is a student introductory guide to the history and methodology of the study of religion. This new guide fulfils two main aims: to introduce the history and methodology pertaining to the study of religion (including ideas of key theorists) and to raise and discuss the main problems in current scholarship in world religions. Increasingly, recognition has been given to the importance of methodology in the study of religion, and, with justification, methodological issues are generally taught to first year students in order to equip them for systematic academic study of the topic. Unfortunately many of the theories that impinge on methodology are explained in a highly complex way, which even advanced students find it hard to understand. This book will unravel the complexity of these issues for students. In addition to theories relating to Religious Studies, examples will be drawn from a variety of the world's historical religious traditions, spanning the range of major ones and some minor ones. The student will in this way gain some understanding of the fundamental ideas of the world's religions as well as an introduction to methods of study.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #316362 in Books
• Published on: 2007-06-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 440 pages

About the Author
George D. Chryssides is Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies at the University of Wolverhampton, UK.

Customer Reviews

Great for the undergraduate and serious amateur
It's an interesting book for undergraduates and for those who are keen to learn about the principles that underpin belief systems across the world. The point to note is that it isn't an easy read and nor is it a book that you just can dip into to read a self-contained chapter of, say, Judaism. Rather, and as the title suggests, the book is organised into themes and, within each theme,different religions are compared in terms of their underlying principles. So, if you're an undergraduate or a serious amateur who enjoys a cerebral challenge, this is a book you'll find rewarding to read.

Simpple to Understand
This book was a 'Godsend'. I really was confused at the start of my course, but purchasing this book explained in an easy to read, easy to understand way the basics of studying religion. Highly recommend this text as an introdution.

An essential book for undergraduates studying religion
An essential book for undergraduates studying religion, would recomend, this text gives a good grounding of the basis of religion