Overview

Examining the analytic tools of scholars in religious studies, as well as in related disciplines that have shaped the field, this updated textbook includes cultural approaches from 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 a list of key terms suggested further reading Part One: Comparative Approaches considers how major features such as taboo, texts, myths, and ritual work across religious traditions. This section explores the work of Mary Douglas, Phyllis Trible, Wendy Doniger, Catherine Bell and, new to this edition, Tomoko Masuzawa, whose contributions reveal the colonialist assumptions of the comparative, world religions model. 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, Saba Mahmood, whose work considers postcolonial religious encounters, secularism, and the relationship between “East” and “West”. New to this edition is Jasbir Puar’s work on work on affect, gender, sexuality, and disability. Along with a list of key terms, each section now includes an introduction highlighting the contributions of each thinker and their relation to previous theories that dominated the field.

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9781350303089

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Reviews

The secret is out! Minister and Bloesch’s 2nd edition is a testament to the conversation they’ve generated about the field. With expanded introductions, key words, and additional content, this expanded version of Cultural Approaches to Religion further presses the benefit of examining and questioning the canon. Even more than before, this volume empowers students and scholars for this critical task! * Richard Newton, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, The University of Alabama, USA * With helpful updates and several new chapters, the authors provide incisive essays on some of the most important approaches to religious studies in recent decades. This welcome and timely introduction to disciplinary discussions will be useful to students and scholars alike. * Laurie Maffly-Kipp, Archer Alexander Distinguished Professor, Washington University in St. Louis, USA * Intentional and smart, this collection is just the right mix of comprehensive overview and intriguing detail. The book is an indispensable aid to understanding, and understanding more deeply, issues of identity, power, and subjectivity in the contemporary study of religion. * Jill DeTemple, Professor and Chair of Religious Studies, Southern Methodist University, USA * Minister and Bloesch’s book is an invaluable resource for teaching. The compelling case studies illustrate not only why theory matters, but how it can be an invaluable tool in trying to understand our multivocal cultural landscapes. By focusing on theorists writing in the second half of the 20thcentury, Minister and Bloesch both productively destabilize the term “religion” and clarify the human relationships and power structures the term often obscures. * Trina Janiec Jones, Professor of Religion, Wofford College, USA *

The secret is out! Minister and Bloesch’s 2nd edition is a testament to the conversation they’ve generated about the field. With expanded introductions, key words, and additional content, this expanded version of Cultural Approaches to Religion further presses the benefit of examining and questioning the canon. Even more than before, this volume empowers students and scholars for this critical task! * Richard Newton, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, The University of Alabama, USA * With helpful updates and several new chapters, the authors provide incisive essays on some of the most important approaches to religious studies in recent decades. This welcome and timely introduction to disciplinary discussions will be useful to students and scholars alike. * Laurie Maffly-Kipp, Archer Alexander Distinguished Professor, Washington University in St. Louis, USA * Intentional and smart, this collection is just the right mix of comprehensive overview and intriguing detail. The book is an indispensable aid to understanding, and understanding more deeply, issues of identity, power, and subjectivity in the contemporary study of religion. * Jill DeTemple, Professor and Chair of Religious Studies, Southern Methodist University, USA * Minister and Bloesch’s book is an invaluable resource for teaching. The compelling case studies illustrate not only why theory matters, but how it can be an invaluable tool in trying to understand our multivocal cultural landscapes. By focusing on theorists writing in the second half of the 20thcentury, Minister and Bloesch both productively destabilize the term “religion” and clarify the human relationships and power structures the term often obscures. * Trina Janiec Jones, Professor of Religion, Wofford College, USA * In updating Cultural Approaches to Studying Religion, Bloesch and Minister once again showcase key voices that have influenced and changed the direction of religious studies. Engaging, exciting, and provocative: my students loved the first edition, and I look forward to teaching with this new and extended volume! * Dawn Llewellyn, Associate Professor in Religion and Gender, University of Chester, UK *

Author Information

M. Cooper Minister is Associate Professor of Religion at Shenandoah University, USA Sarah J Bloesch is Teaching Assistant Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her teaching and research interests focus on Christianity, race, and sexuality in the United States.

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