Product Description
Critical Terms for Religious Studies provides vocabulary with which religious diversity can be effectively described and responsibly discussed. Each essay provides a concise history of a critical term, explores the issues it raises, and puts the term to use in an analysis of a religious work, practice, or event. Moving across Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Native American and Mayan religions, contributors explore terms ranging from experience, territory, and image, to God, sacrifice, and transgression. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Critical Terms for Religious Studies
There is really not that much to "review" in a book that is itself a kind of review of the science of religion. The book is well written, with each chapter being assigned to an expert in that specific field of study. The book covers most subjects that are connected to religion in some way or the other, but sadly more or less the entire book is written from a typical liberal perspective, so big issues such as economy or race are not touched upon at all, but on the other hand we get more than our share on "liberation" and "gender". Apart from the introduction by the editor M. Taylor, the book contains these chapters; "Belief", "Body", "Conflict", "Culture", "Experience", "Gender", "God", "Image", "Liberation", "Modernity", "Performance", "Person", "Rationality", "Relic", "Religion, Religions, Religious", "Sacrifice", "Territory", "Time", "Transformation", "Transgression", "Value" and "Writing". The book itself is a fine book for any student of low to mid level studies, but by the time you have studied religion for more than a year, you should know most of the information in the book.

The book contains some interesting passages as well, on page 130 Daniel Boyarin writes with a poison tongue for certain people; "[...]even the body of the radical constructionist theorist who claims that "she" "has" no vagina could presumably give birth." Sure made me laugh.

An interesting and appealing idea I had not really thought of, is God as the watchmaker of the World. Fiorenza and Kaufman writes on page 146; "God was often pictured as a watchmaker: once the watch is made, it runs according to its own mechanisms".

And to show just how absurd this popular academic "method" known as "critical studies" has become, a quote on page 210 from a certain Wilfred Smith; "what theology is to the Christian Church, a ritual dance may be to an African tribe." In other words, Meister Eckhart's thinking is no different than the dancing of a Congoid in the jungles of Africa. I assume most people will see that as just as absurd as I do.

All in all, a fine book, but very partial (as most books are in this field, of course) and not of much use to higher level students. 4 stars.

A theological discussion
This book provides a theologian with a nice summary and dialogue of 22 concepts related to religious inquiry.The various authors draw on Tillich, Hegel, Heidegger, Kant any many other scholars to provide a format or review of the term being discussed.This is not a book meant for a lay person or beginning college student.A graduate theological student may find it appealing as an aid for her/his own research.As a college religion instructor, I had hoped this book would be a helpful tool for my students.It is too advanced.

A theological discussion
This book provides a theologian with a nice summary and dialogue of 22 concepts related to religious inquiry.The various authors draw on Tillich, Hegel, Heidegger, Kant any many other scholars to provide a format or review of the term being discussed.This is not a book meant for a lay person or beginning college student.A graduate theological student may find it appealing as an aid for her/his own research.As a college religion instructor, I had hoped this book would be a helpful tool for my students.It is too advanced.

An insightful introduction to critical religious studies.
Critical Terms for Religious Studies is a wonderful introduction to religious studies.It uses interesting examples drawn from a wide range of religions to make its points clear.Topics are drawn from both obviouslyreligious terminology, such as belief and God, to seemingly non-religiousterms, such as culture and experience.The result is a deeply insightfulbook that gives the beginning student a lay of the religious studieslandscape. ... Read more

Product Description
Filling the need for a clear, solid overview to introduction to religious studies courses, this text is neither too broad nor too narrow. Chapters explore what religion is and how it is formed and studied; religious experience; truth claims; ethics and moral theology; violence and religion; social involvement; religion and the environment; asceticism and mysticism; religion, technology, and science; religions and their words, stories, writings, and books; and more. The text respects cultural considerations and the contemporary global climate in showing religious studies in action and exploring questions of theory, method, and research. The contributing authors are in tune with college students' interests and are well suited to address the issues and methods of religious studies.

Designed for college students taking their first course in the study of religion, such as introduction to religious studies and world religions. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

Original and Well Researched
Original and Well Researched. Best (maybe only) complete intellectual history of Jewish religious views towards Zionism.

The ultra- orthodox view of the modern state of Israel
I read this work in the original in Hebrew. I was impressed by the depth of Ravitzky's knowledge of the ultra- orthodox world, and learned much about Haredi resistance to Zionism , a subject that had always perplexted me. And this because I praying daily the verse 'And return our eyes to Zion with mercy' always assumed that somehow to be religious meant to support a modern Jewish state in the land of Israel.
As I know Ravitzky's political position and bias ( He is a left- of center religious Zionist, ) I have a certain reserve about his writing about Habad , who are in the other camp completely.
But this is certainly a work worth reading, and even studying if one wishes to understand the variety of religious positions on the redemptive character and nature of the modern state of Israel.

"The Messiah and the Rabbis"
It is a shame that such a truly critcal subject as the Jewish right and its Messianic pretensions, has at this point, only one good resource in English, and this is it. More specifically, The Ultra-Orthodox right, has found it's chronicler in Avi Ravitzky and his history of their Messianic throught. He provides a comprehensive historical summary of the Messianic idea, going all the way back to the Destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD, then moves the discussion to the subjects of radical anti-zionism, religious zionism, contemporary Messianism in the various ultra-orthodox sects, and their continuing relavance in Jewish religious politics.

Especially important are the "Three Oaths" which the Rabbis developed to forestall Messianic Zionism, after 70 AD. These were so successful, they prevented Zionism from developing in times when it could have, and made the 20th century development of it much more difficult. However, the Three Oaths were only one strand of Jewish Messianic thought, which to a large degree still ignores the stupendous developments of the past 60 years as having no significance.

However, for this writer, the Holocaust and the birth of Israel, are exactly what would seem to an untrained observer: the arrival of the Messianic age. In my recent book, "Jewish History and Divine Providence" I provided an integrated Messianic view of Jewish history from a Liberal point of view. However, I begin from the point of view of Maimonides, whose messianic views were as sober and rational as the rest of his thought. In addition, the Kabbalah and its special rationality, is also critical in my analysis.

Ravitsky provides one side of the Messianic debate. However, until now a liberal side to this debate has been lacking. Those who read both Ravitzky and "Jewish History and Divine Providence" will get the full story.

Sympathetic yet objective account
Aviezer Ravitsky has done great work covering the history and beliefs of the full spectrum of religious responses to Zionism. From those who believed that Zionism was evil because of its secular nature and attempt to replace Divine Redemption with political redemption, to those who believe that the establishment of the State of Israel was preparation for Divine Redemption. He explains the differing points of view in such an unbiased and understanding manner that you are left wondering who is right. This was a mind-bending trip, and in my specific case, greatly helped me understand the beliefs and concerns of the Satmar Hassidim, whom my family left behind two generations ago in Satmar.

Focused More Upon Modern than Historic Jewish "Radicalism"
A superb scan of theologically hard-right sects within modern Judaism, with a suprising focus on the situation in the NYC area and American religious Jews generally. The book could benefit from a fuller treatment ofthe Orthodox view toward Zionism in the pre-state period, but this area isin fact addressed fairly well. It is surely an essential volume in anycollection pertaining to the history of Zionism. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

ground breaking
This is the first of its kind, African -Americans,religion has hinder a honest discourse on the subject of sex its refreshing to read,it challenges the way we have view and define sexuality and spirituality. I would recommend this book to every minister and congregations(especially African-Americans) that are serious about making an impact on todays world. ... Read more

Product Description
The study of religion in American higher education is fraught with difficulties that raise important questions about the nature of faith and the purpose of advanced learning. Although religion has been foundational to some of the United States' most prestigious universities, religious studies is a relatively recent addition to the liberal arts curriculum. As a result, students often take courses in religion with expectations that exceed what professors can actually deliver. D. G. Hart explores the conundrums of the ambiguous position of religious studies in the academy and offers advice about the best way to approach and benefit from the teaching and study of religion in contexts often hostile to faith. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Easy read, lots of great insights, very generous to all of Christendom
Book is nice to Roman-Catholics, which is extraordinary considering that Hart is an Elder in Orthodox Presbyterian Church.Anyway, I think the book captures the essence of religious studies at most major universities.One needs to be careful when taking such courses.Book confirms that there are a lot of creepy religious studies professors who are agressive in abusing their authority in order to raise doubts in the minds of students who have strong Faith, especially conservative Christians.Even those with strong Faith are often restricted by "professional norms" from expressing it.All in all, major universities don't offer a lot.If one is truly interested in religious studies, one is better off reading the books suggested instead of wasting time and money with most religious studies courses at any major university or possibly going to a Christian friendly institution. ... Read more

Product Description
In this handy volume, two professors of religious studies provide the student of religious studies - whether the motivated undergraduate, graduate student, or professor - with a brief review of theorists' work from the perspective of religious studies. For example, in 5-10 pages, the reader will get a review of Emmanuel Levinas's work as it offers insights for scholars in religious studies, followed by a selected bibliography. In short, this is a guide for students of religious studies that will take major theoretical writers in the humanities and social sciences and explain their relevance to the study of religion. ... Read more

Product Description
One of the greatest challenges for instructors in religious studies is the task of explaining why, in colleges and universities, the truth claims of the religions studied are not accepted, but instead a disinterested, academic approach is taken. Most instructors prefer not to address the issue directly, leaving their students to work out for themselves the difference between religious studies and the study of religion. Those who remain confused inevitably submit essays that reveal more about their religious upbringing than their ability to analyze a phenomenon objectively."A Guide to Writing Academic Essays in Religious Studies" eases the transition for undergraduate students by explaining what they need to know about writing research essays pertaining to religion. This book includes topics such as theoretical and methodological assumptions, how to locate appropriate scholarly literature, types of research essays, developing a thesis, the essentials of essay form and content, rewriting and proofreading, choosing an appropriate form of documentation, sample documentation, block quotations, gender-inclusive language, avoiding plagiarism, and meeting deadlines.This is an indispensible guide for the undergraduate instructor or student. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great handbook for every student of religion
I have two degrees from private Christian institutions in North America and am currently engaged in PhD studies in a public university in the UK.I recently came across this book when I was surveying my library's collection of texts on academic writing and critical thinking.None of them stood out like this one.

This book highlights many of the traps that a person of religious conviction (as myself) would have when writing essays or theses for a secular, pluralistic institution.In fact, I would say that it is very helpful even for many students in Bible colleges and seminaries.This small handbook has four short but helpful chapters:

1. The Essentials of Essay Writing, for Students New to Religious Studies
2. Approaching Ancient Texts
3. Some Finer Points of Writing for More Experienced Students
4. The Hallmarks of Bad Scholarship: Considerations for Advanced Students

There are many things that are assumed to be universal truths about academic writing, but there are very few places that really identify and articulate those assumptions.This is what you find in the first chapter.The next chapter helps to highlight the critical eye for texts that are sacred and traditionally understood as authoritative.The third has a really helpful section on differences in writing styles between British English, Canadian English and American English (another excellent guide for American English is The Elements of Style: 50th Anniversary Edition).The author closes his final chapter with helpful guides for avoiding those no-no's that we all do in our writing.

Another book that I find as incredibly helpful, but that comes from a different angle is: A Little Exercise for Young Theologians.This other book trains students of Christian theology to humbly bring what is learned in the academia into the pews. ... Read more

Product Description
Students enrolled in undergraduate theology and religious studies courses are frequently confronted with the daunting task of mastering new and unfamiliar terminology. While some textbooks include glossaries to aid the introductory student, many educators assign classroom texts that assume students' prior knowledge of key terms. Having ready access to a wide variety of definitions in a single, compact volume is especially important in our multicultural and religiously plural world. Spanning the gamut from "Aaron" to "Zwingli," this dictionary includes nearly 3,000 entries written by about sixty authors, all of whom are specialists in their various theological and religious disciplines. The editors have designed the dictionary especially to aid the introductory-level student with instant access to definitions of terms likely to be encountered in--but not to substitute for--classroom presentations or reading assignments.Designed as a supplement for student coursework, An Introductory Dictionary of Theology and Religious Studies is also a useful resource for catechesis or religious education, for those pursuing interfaith or interreligious dialogue, and for those whose duties require communication with persons from diverse religious traditions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An Introductory Dictionary of Theology & Religious Studies
Received my book in less than the anticipated wait time, in fine condition and for less cost than directly from the publisher. ... Read more

Product Description
Donald Wiebe takes on a debate that has been raging in universities across North America and Europe for some years now. The issue is whether to approach religion as a science, free from the dissemination of beliefs and evangelizing, or to study it as a form of faith and therefore draw lines between believers and nonbelievers. Wiebe persuasively argues the former, claiming that if taught in a university, religion must be treated as a science, with all the objectivity and research that are brought to other subjects. He further maintains that the study of theology should take place in seminaries, which are the proper places for the pursuit of religion as a creed. Exploring the true meaning and role of an academic, Wiebe shows how by propagating religion, instructors are abandoning their academic task to "explain everything and enjoin nothing." This intelligent manifesto guaranteed to help readers look at academia, the search for knowledge, and the idea of religion in an entirely new light. ... Read more

Product Description
"One of the best thought out and written introductions to the study of religion I have seen thus far. It not only explains but invites discussion and comment."-Charles H. Long, University of California, Santa Barbara ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

took forever
The product was just as they described, so I was happy with that. But the time it took to receive it was rediculous. I ordered the book a week before classes started and did not receive it until the middle of the second week of classes. So if you need something in a hurry, I would not suggest this. ... Read more

Product Description
In the field of Religious Studies, the definition of the foundational category of "religion" has been, and continues to be, the object of much controversy. This controversy extends from the introductory course in Religious Studies, which invariably covers the many conflicting definitions of religion, to the highest levels of academic research and analysis-not merely in the field of Religious Studies, but in all fields of the humans sciences which deal with religion, Anthropology and Sociology in particular.In addition to a faithful rendering of the traditional positions and historical sources for the definition of religion, this volume will offer a critical perspective which questions the existence and persistence of "religion" as a taken-for-granted taxon. The focus of the essays in the proposed volume, therefore, would not be limited to the specific question of how religion might be best defined, but would also focus on such issues as: (i) whether such definition is possible or even intellectually desirable; (ii) what the political, economic, and/or ideological preconditions might entailed in historical efforts to identify such a thing as "religion"; (iii) how such a category is constituted by specific historical discourses, both within the academy (such as the disciplines of the human sciences), and without (specifically, in situations of colonial contact).Besides seeking to do the traditional work of a reader in covering its field of inquiry, this volume includes critical perspectives on the very constitution of that field. As such, it is has both historical breadth and contemporary relevance. ... Read more

Product Description
In recent years there has been an intensifying debate within the religious studies community about the validity of religion as an analytical category. In this book Fitzgerald sides with those who argue that the concept of religion itself should be abandoned. On the basis of his own research in India and Japan, and through a detailed analysis of the use of religion in a wide range of scholarly texts, the author maintains that the comparative study of religion is really a form of liberal ecumenical theology. By pretending to be a science, religion significantly distorts socio-cultural analysis. He suggest, however, that religious studies can be re-represented in a way which opens up new and productive theoretical connections with anthropology and cultural and literary studies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

More powerful version of Asad
I'm the Fitzgerald advocate on my campus and carried Discourse on Civility and Barbarity everywhere I went last month. This is the book I would recommend, though. The best part is not his theory, which is basically Talal Asad simplified and polemicized for rhetorical effect, but his crazy examples from all over the field. To uncover the ideology crawling under the rocks he ignores the fussiness of (pro-category) postmodern theory and instead examines introductory texts for college students. To show where the religious category doesn't make sense, he takes us to Japan and India. It's an extremely entertaining read and your faith in Geertz will be shaken. Personally, I think that studying religions rather than ideologies at this point in the academic world is a little nuts.

A must read for religious studies students.
Any student of "religion" should take Fitzgerald's argument seriously.In fact, I would go as far as to say that many within the academy now teaching (or rather, preaching) religion should also examine Fitzgerald's work.

I was first exposed to this book late in my undergraduate career in religious studies.For me the theoretical discourse on "religion" had always seemed convoluted, but nevertheless it was a conceptual morass that I believed could be resolved.But--trust me--it can not be, and Fitzgerald cogently explains why.

Instead of elaborating further, I would suggest that anyone at all interested in relgious studies or "religion in general" (or philosophy, imperialism, social control, the modern world, globalization, etc.) to read the first few pages of this book online.I can say without hyperbole that this is one of the most important books I have ever read.My hope in writing this review is that it will inspire others take notice of Fitzgerald's work.

Good but loaded
Fitzgerald's bk is an example of the widespread feeling of uneasiness in a variety of academic fields concerning supposed neutral positions from which to evaluate the data in their respective fields. With scholars coming from a variety of incompatible metaphysical and other philosophical commitments it becomes increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to provide a neutral standpoint from which to adjudicate rival claims. In short, the term "religion" cannot possibly pick out some theory neutral concept with clearly necessary and sufficient conditions. The author persuasively argues that if religion is to function as a useful and neutral term it ends up covering so many phenomena as to loose any meaning. (Is Marxism a religion?, Gardening?, etc.) He treats various attempts to save the concept of "religion" such as Wittgenstein's Family Resemblance theory and I believe shows that such attempts fail because the Family "resemblance" is stretched so far as to be "useless." We are much better of, the author concludes, with dividing up the analytical work that the concept of religion supposedly did and assigning that work to a variety of fields.

The one major draw back of the work is that much of the authors' argument is steeped, he thinks necessarily, in a Marxist or Critical Theorist framework. Which is great if one is a Marxist. But the argument could be made just as easily without the Marxist framework and jargon. If you can look past the Marxist framing of the argument, the book offers a good argument for two possible directions. Either the re-theologizing relative to some theology of religious studies (a route that the author doesn't seem to want take) or of getting rid of the concept of religion altogether, the authors preferred route. Those interested in parallel debates in contemporary Analytic philosophy over the concept of Justification (see Alston's "Epistemic Desiderata" [article]) or debates over Truth Pluralism and relativism (see Lynch's "Truth in Context" [book]) will find data here and parallel arguments. Also those of more Continental persuasion will find this text germane to the debates over realism/anti-realism (Rorty & Putnam), "Play" in Derrida, and problems in Semiotics/Structuralism. ... Read more

Product Description
AQA Religious Studies: Philosophy of Religion is the only set of resources to have been developed with, and exclusively endorsed by AQA, making them the first choice to support AQA's 2008/2009 specification for AS and A2 Units 1C and 1D. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume contains selected papers of a conference in 2004 at Utrecht University on aesthetics as a religious factor in Eastern and Western Christianity. They discuss the role of aesthetics in the presentation and expression of Christian faith in Catholic and Orthodox tradition. During its history Christianity has produced many works of art: church architecture, iconography, painting, music and literary texts. And in Orthodoxy beauty has always been the main form of religious expression, more than verbal presentation of Christian teaching, which is embedded in the aesthetic context of liturgy. In Christian theology beauty has often been seen as a form of divine revelation, related to the mystery of incarnation. The relation between aesthetics and religious belief has acquired new relevance in our secularised world. Today the visible products of Catholic and Orthodox aesthetics are for many people the main means through which they come into contact with Christianity and many people without affinity to religion are attracted by the beauty of Christian art, inside and outside the church. In modern religious studies the experience of beauty is recognised as a factor in explaining religious feelings. The papers are divided in four sections: 1. Comparative aspects of Orthodox and Catholic aesthetics, 2. Religious aesthetics in Russian literary culture, 3. Applied aesthetics in church art, 4. Art-theoretical, ideological and religious-philosophical aspects. ... Read more

Product Description

These topical guides will deal with issues that women wrestle with today: God's Will, Living in Christ, Prayer, and Worry.

Reaching an audience across race, socio-economic, denominational, and age boundaries, these guides will enhance the lives of women in America as they empower them in their weekly devotions. The study guides can be used for both individual and group settings.

Women are asking good questions about their faith. With our study guides, we want to join them in their quest for knowledge and lead them in finding the answers they are seeking.

Customer Reviews (4)

Way too basic and elementary. States the obvious
This book had good intentions, but I found the text to be too basic and elementary. I was somewhat disturbed when she talked about telling her daughter her hair was a bird's nest, etc. It seemed a little hurtful for a young child.

I liked the premise and the idea behind the book, but the execution was not very insightful or well thought out.

Easy read
This is great easy read bible study.It has very few pages per Chapt which makes it easy to read on a daily basis in a busy life!Any woman could relate this study and I would recommend it

Hard to put down!
I really liked this bible study, I do them on my own and enjoy the quiet time studying.Thought provoking questions, that can make you think before you act, shouldn't the bible do that anyways? To give you an example to pursue peace in our lives, we need to make decisions in our lives that will bring about peace in the future. Another chapter when we take on less its then easy to take on more and get overwhelmed again, we need to pray first before we take on more.

okay for individuals
I think this study would be fine for an individual but it is a bit light for a group study.I'm a fan of the Women of Faith organization, however, I was a bit disappointed in the content. There could have been so much more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A nice brief informational text.
I purchased this for a religious studies class this semester, as it was a required buy. The book gives a very brief outline of religious studies & how such a class (or classes) could impact someone's life.

The book has a few pros & cons to it. The good thing is that the book is incredibly informative & gives a decent description of what a religious study class could be like. The book also has a few pages that allows the reader to record his or her own thoughts about the subject matter, which is also nice since it makes the book somewhat interactive. (I didn't utilize these because I wanted to sell the book back at the end of the class.) The book got a little dry at times, which is to be expected with school textbooks. (You can't be as free with your words with a school text as you could with a book not intended for the classroom.) I wasn't really that thrilled with the pictures, but then that's just an art preference.

This book makes a fine textbook & since it's not as expensive as regular textbooks (probably because the book is under 100 pages) it would make a relatively cheap book to to give to someone interested in religious studies. ... Read more