Contested Concepts in the Study of Religion

This book offers a clear, concise introduction to the meaning of problematic terms, and the ways in which they should legitimately be used. Each entry considers the following: - Why is this concept problematic? - What are the origins of the concept? - How is it used or misused, and by whom? - Is it still a legitimate concept in the study of religion and, if so, what are its legitimate uses? - Are there other concepts that are preferable when writing on religion? Concepts covered include: - Belief - Religion - Magic - Secularisation - Violence This is a jargon-free indispensable resource for students and scholars that encourages the critical use of terms in the study of religion.