Approaches to the Study of Religion

This is the first textbook specifically designed for undergraduate students which provides the essential background on methods of the major relevant disciplines. It has been argued that religious studies is a polymethodic discipline and that the student of religion should be with the approaches of the major disciplines concerned with understanding the nature of religion, not least because the approach adopted has a profound influence on the phenomena chosen for investigation and the conclusions reached.

Presenting each of the significant approaches to the study of religion in an informed manner, the book brings together experienced researchers from each of the major disciplines. It presents a consistent approach throughout, with each chapter dealing with the same themes: the historical development of the approach, the characteristics of the approach, and the issues and debates.