Tradition

A Critical Primer
This book looks at the concept of tradition in the study of religion. It examines the history of the concept, uses in the discipline, theoretical perspectives (including Indigenous and post/decolonial studies, cognitive science and hermeneutics), and critical perspectives on key thinkers.

This book looks at the concept of tradition in the study of religion. It examines the history of the concept, uses in the discipline, theoretical perspectives (including Indigenous and post/decolonial studies, cognitive science and hermeneutics), and critical perspectives on key thinkers (Halbwachs, Gadamer, Ricoeur, J & A Assmann, Boyer, Morin) and recommendations for clearing the air of a key theoretical tension surrounding the concept of the invention of tradition.

Questioning the use of ‘tradition’ as a synonym for ‘religion,’ the book models a relational and ideology-critical approach to complex concepts. It engages with important theoretical issues, including opposition to ‘modernity,’ Indigenous ‘self-conscious traditionalism.’ colonial discourses, intersections with ritual, agency and reason and ‘the invention of tradition.’ Discussions – with examples from a variety of religions and cultures – including African, Indigenous North American, south Pacific, Afro-Brazilian, Japanese, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and esoteric. Four case studies – on esoteric Traditionalism, Candomblé, great/little traditions and Indigenous traditions in Canadian law – engage central ideas in greater detail.

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.