Anthropology of Religion: The Basics is an accessible and engaging introductory text organized around key issues that all anthropologists of religion face. This book uses a wide range of historical and ethnographic examples to address not only what is studied by anthropologists of religion, but how such studies are approached. It addresses questions such as:
- How do human agents interact with gods and spirits?
- What is the nature of doing religious ethnography?
- Can the immaterial be embodied in the body, language and material objects?
- What is the role of ritual, time, and place in religion?
- Why is charisma important for religious movements?
- How do global processes interact with religions?
With international case studies from a range of religious traditions, suggestions for further reading, and inventive reflection boxes, Anthropology of Religion: The Basics is an essential read for students approaching the subject for the first time.