Contested Concepts in the Study of Religion: A Critical Exploration

This book offers a clear, concise introduction to the meaning of problematic terms, and the ways in which they should be handled legitimately. Each entry considers the following: – Why is this concept problematic? – What are the origins of the concept? – How is it used or misused, and by whom? – Is it still a legitimate concept in the study of religion and, if so, what are its legitimate uses? – Are there other concepts that are preferable when writing on religion? Concepts covered include: belief, religion, magic, secularization and violence. This is a jargon-free, indispensable resource for students and scholars that encourages the critical use of terms in the study of religion.