Towards a New Theory of Religion and Social Change: Sovereignties and Disruptions

About the Author

Paul-Francois Tremlett isSeniorLecturer of Religious Studies at The Open University, UK

John Eade is Professor in Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Roehampton, London, UK, member of the Migration Research Unit, ULC, UK, and Visiting Professor at the Department for the Study of Religion, University of Toronto, Canada.

Katy Soar is Lecturer in Classical Archaeology at the University of Winchester, UK.

Product Description

This book argues that neither theories of secularisation nor theories of lived religion offer satisfactory accounts of religion and social change. Drawing from Deleuze and Gauttari's idea of the assemblage, Paul-Francois Tremlett outlines an alternative.

Informed by classical and contemporary theories of religion as well as empirical case studies and ethnography conducted in Manila and London, this book re-frames religion as spatially organised flows. Foregrounding the agency of hon-human actors, it offers a compelling and original account of religion and social change.

Review

“Paul-François Tremlett offers a treasure trove of concepts and methods to describe how social worlds change in relation to the category of religion. His is an inspiring, kaleidoscopic presentation of contemporary theory that draws on ideas about secularization, biology, economics, politics, post-humanism, assemblages, bricolage, music and original artwork to expand and enrich the vision and interdisciplinary toolkit of scholars and students of politics, religious studies, sociology and intellectual history.” ―Naomi Goldenberg, Professor of Religious Studies, University of Ottawa, Canada

“Assembling key critical theorists with the interactions of grassroots religious activists, Paul-François Tremlett proposes a new approach to religion and social change. Excitingly disruptive, his argument provides tools for understanding and rethinking transformations.” ―Graham Harvey, Professor of Religious Studies, The Open University, UK