Peter Connolly is Senior Lecturer in the Study of Religions at University College, Chichester.
Summary
It has been argued that religious studies is a polymethodic discipline, and that the student of religion should
be familiar with the approaches of the major disciplines concerned with understanding the nature of religion, not
least because the approach adopted has profound influence on the phenomena chose for investigation and the conclusions
reached.
This book is the first textbook, specifically designed for undergraduate students, that provides the essential
background on methods of the major relevant disciplines.
Presenting each of the significant approaches to religion in an informed manner, the book brings together experienced
researchers from feminism, anthropology, sociology, phenomenology, psychology, philosophy, and theology. It presents
a consistent approach throughout, with each chapter dealing with the same themes: the historical development of
the approach, the characteristics of the approach, and the surrounding issues and debates.
Table of Contents
1. Anthropological Approaches
2. Feminist Approaches
3. Phenomenological Approaches
4. Philosophical Approaches
5. Psychological Approaches
6. Sociological Approaches
7. Theological Approaches
Name Index
Subject Index