A Critical Introduction to the Study of Religion

A Critical Introduction to the Study of Religion introduces the key concepts and theories from religious studies that are necessary for a full understanding of the complex ways in which religious and cultural institutions and traditions influence society.

A Critical Introduction to the Study of Religion introduces the key concepts and theories from religious studies that are necessary for a full understanding of the complex ways in which religious and cultural institutions and traditions influence society.

This book provides readers with an arsenal of critical concepts for studying religious ideologies, practices, and communities. This edition has been thoroughly revised and now includes a new chapter on "Belief" and a rewritten chapter on "Essentialism," and has been restructured to clearly emphasize key topics including:

• problems with the concepts of "religion" and "belief systems;"
• functionalism and classification;
• essentialism, socialization, and habitus; and
• legitimation, authority, and authenticity

All ideas and theories are clearly illustrated, with contemporary and engaging examples and case studies throughout. It’s an essential text for all students approaching the subject area for the first time.

UK Delivery:

• Free delivery on all orders of £10 or more.
• £1.49 delivery fee on orders below £10.
• UK orders are shipped via Royal Mail 2nd Class.

International Delivery:

• Flat rate delivery charges vary by country.

Dispatch and Delivery Times:

• All orders are shipped from our warehouse in Northampton, UK within 48 hours of receipt during working hours.
• UK mainland orders typically arrive within 3-5 working days via Royal Mail 2nd Class.
• International estimated delivery times:
• Europe & Channel Islands: 7 to 10 working days
• USA: 7 to 15 working days
• Rest of the World: 9 to 21 working days

View our full delivery infomation here.