Studying Religion: An Introduction Through Cases

Preface

Chapter 1: Thinking about Being a Student of Religion

1.1 Insider's and Outsider's Perspectives

1.2 Qualities Worth Having

1.3 Why Study Religion?

Review Questions

Explorations

Suggestions for Further Reading

Internet Resources

Chapter 2: On Defining and Studying Religion

2.1 Marks of a Good Definition

2.2 Two Definitions

2.3 Is Secular Humanism a Religion?

2.4 A Simple Map of the Field

2.5 Goals and Methods

2.6 Fieldwork

2.7 Controversy

Review Questions

Explorations

Suggestions for Further Reading

Internet Resources

Chapter 3: Sacred Power

3.1 Two Case Studies

3.2 Comparison

3.3 Forms of Sacred Power

3.4 Agnosticism and Atheism

Review Questions

Research Case: Ganesha

Questions on the Case of Ganesha

Suggestions for Further Reading

Internet Resources

Chapter 4: Myth as Sacred Story

4.1 Two Case Studies

4.2 Comparison

4.3 Types and Functions

4.4 Theories of Myth

4.5 Myth and Science

Review Questions

Research Case: The Primal Man

Questions on the Case of the Primal Man

Suggestions for Further Reading

Internet Resources

Chapter 5: Ritual as Sacred Action

5.1 Two Case Studies

5.2 Comparison

5.3 Types and Functions

5.4 Sacrifice and Violence

5.5 Magic, Performatives, and Ritual

5.6 Myth and Ritual

Review Questions

Research Case: Seder

Questions on the Case of the Seder

Suggestions for Further Reading

Internet Resources

Chapter 6: Sacred Space, Time, and Art

6.1 Two Case Studies

6.2 Comparison

6.3 Features of Sacred Space and Time

6.4 Glimpsing the Sacred

Review Questions

Research Case: The Cathedral of St. Andrew

Questions on the Case of the Cathedral of St. Andrew

Suggestions for Further Reading

Internet Resources

Chapter 7: Experiencing the Sacred

7.1 Two Case Studies

7.2 Comparison

7.3 Debates about the Nature of Religious Experiences

7.4 Shamanic Ecstasy

7.5 Mystical Techniques and States

7.6 Psychoanalytic Theories

Review Questions

Research Case: St. Teresa of Avila

Questions on the Case of St. Teresa of Avila

Suggestions for Further Reading

Internet Resources

Chapter 8: Explaining Evil

8.1 Two Case Studies

8.2 Comparison

8.3 Types of Theodicies

8.4 The Theological Problem of Evil

8.5 How Theodicies Work

Review Questions

Research Case: Manichaeism

Questions on the Case of Manichaeism

Suggestions for Further Reading

Internet Resources

Chapter 9: Religion and Morality

9.1 Two Case Studies

9.2 Comparison

9.3 Identifying and Legitimating Moral Norms

9.4 What are the Elements of a Religious Morality?

9.5 Retribution: Overcoming Moral Failure

Review Questions

Research Case: Jain Nonviolence

Questions on the Case of Jain Nonviolence

Suggestions for Further Reading

Internet Resources

Chapter 10: Religion and Politics

10.1 Two Case Studies

10.2 Comparison

10.3 Patterns of Political Engagement

Review Questions

Research Case: Shinto

Questions on the Case of Shinto

Suggestions for Further Reading

Internet Resources

Chapter 11: Organizing the Sacred

11.1 Two Case Studies

11.2 Comparison

11.3 Types of Religious Organizations

11.4 The Dilemmas of Institutionalization

11.5 Types of Authority

11.6 Scripture

11.7 Gender

11.8 Civil Religion

Review Questions

Research Case: Shinto

Questions on the Case of Shinto

Suggestions for Further Reading

Internet Resources

Chapter 12: Human Existence and Destiny

12.1 Two Case Studies

12.2 Comparison

12.3 Religions of Salvation and Society

12.4 What Is Wrong with Human Existence?

12.5 Three Paths to Salvation

12.6 Where Are We Going?

Review Questions

Research Case: Zen Buddhism

Questions on the Case of Zen Buddhism

Suggestions for Further Reading

Internet Resources

Chapter 13: Religious Diversity and Truth

13.1 Why Can't We All Get Along?

13.2 Exclusivism, Inclusivism, and More

13.3 What Is Truth?

13.4 Critical Tolerance and the Principle of Charity

Review Questions

Research Case: Baha'i

Questions on the Case of Baha'i

Suggestions for Further Reading

Internet Resources

Notes

Glossary

Index

Through the use of thought-provoking case studies, summaries, and review questions, this introductory level text shows students how to engage in the academic, objective study of religion and helps instructors address some of the typical problems they encounter when introducing students to the study of religion. Kessler guides students through an unbiased and varied study of religious beliefs and practices such as sacred power, myths and rituals, religious art, the problem of evil, and the relationship between religion and morality. The text also addresses issues of gender and religious institutionalization.