Anthropology of Religion: The Basics

Anthropology of Religion: The Basics is an accessible and engaging introductory text organized around key issues that all anthropologists of religion face. This book uses a wide range of historical and ethnographic examples to address not only what is studied by anthropologists of religion, but how such studies are approached. It addresses questions such as:

• How do human agents interact with gods and spirits?
• What is the nature of doing religious ethnography?
• Can the immaterial be embodied in the body, language and material objects?
• What is the role of ritual, time, and place in religion?
• Why is charisma important for religious movements?
• How do global processes interact with religions?

With international case studies from a range of religious traditions, suggestions for further reading, and inventive reflection boxes, Anthropology of Religion: The Basics is an essential read for students approaching the subject for the first time.