Cultural Approaches to Studying ReligionSarah J. BloeschLabel: Bloomsbury AcademicDescription: This is the first book to provide an introduction to contemporary cultural approaches to the study of religion. This book makes sophisticated ideas accessible at an introductory level and examines the analytic tools of scholars in religious studies as well as in related disciplines that have shaped the field including anthropology history literature and critical studies in race sexuality and gender. Each chapter is written by a leading scholar and includes: · the biographical and historical context of each theorist· their approaches and key writings· analysis and evaluation of each theory · suggested further reading.Part One: Comparative Approaches considers how major features such as taboo texts myths and ritual work across religious traditions by exploring the work of Mary Douglas Phyllis Trible Wendy Doniger and Catherine Bell. Part Two: Examining Particularities analyzes the comparative approach through the work of Alice Walker Charles Long and Caroline Walker Bynum who all suggest that the specifics of race body place and time must be considered. Part Three: Expanding Boundaries examines Gloria Anzaldúa’s language of religion as well as the work of Judith Butler on performative queer theories of religion and concludes with Saba Mahmood whose work considers postcolonial religious encounters secularism and the relationship between “East and “West. Reflecting the cultural turn and challenging the existing canon this is the anthology instructors have been waiting for.For primary texts by the theorists discussed please consult The Bloomsbury Reader in Cultural Approaches to the Study of Religion edited by Sarah J. Bloesch and Meredith Minister.
