Ordered Universes

Approaches To The Anthropology Of Religion

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Anthropology
Cover of the book Ordered Universes by Morton Klass, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Morton Klass ISBN: 9780429973000
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: February 2, 2018
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Morton Klass
ISBN: 9780429973000
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: February 2, 2018
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

This innovative introduction to the anthropological study of religion challenges traditional categories and assumptions, arguing that too many of them reflect ethnocentric perspectives long discarded by contemporary anthropologists. The continued use of such terms as supernatural" and cult" inescapably communicates that what is under study is not as real or true as the beliefs of the observer. This conflict between the axioms of science and Western scholarship and those of the belief systems under study can be avoided with careful attention to terminology and underlying assumptions. Ordered Universes introduces and explores important anthropological issues, concerns, and findings about the institution of religion approached as a human cultural universal. Klass applies a non-ethnocentric perspective to each topic, relying on contemporary anthropological theories and using approaches deriving from other subdivisions of the discipline. Offering operational, non-judgmental definitions that avoid taking a position on whether the belief under study is true" and providing examples from ethnographic (and other) literature on religion, Klass explores values, beliefs, witchcraft, shamans, sacrifice, ghosts, revitalization, and many other concepts. In the final chapters, he considers the emergence of new religious movements and leaders and evaluates the continuing ideological conflict between proponents of scientistic, fundamentalist, and post-rationalist systems of thought.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This innovative introduction to the anthropological study of religion challenges traditional categories and assumptions, arguing that too many of them reflect ethnocentric perspectives long discarded by contemporary anthropologists. The continued use of such terms as supernatural" and cult" inescapably communicates that what is under study is not as real or true as the beliefs of the observer. This conflict between the axioms of science and Western scholarship and those of the belief systems under study can be avoided with careful attention to terminology and underlying assumptions. Ordered Universes introduces and explores important anthropological issues, concerns, and findings about the institution of religion approached as a human cultural universal. Klass applies a non-ethnocentric perspective to each topic, relying on contemporary anthropological theories and using approaches deriving from other subdivisions of the discipline. Offering operational, non-judgmental definitions that avoid taking a position on whether the belief under study is true" and providing examples from ethnographic (and other) literature on religion, Klass explores values, beliefs, witchcraft, shamans, sacrifice, ghosts, revitalization, and many other concepts. In the final chapters, he considers the emergence of new religious movements and leaders and evaluates the continuing ideological conflict between proponents of scientistic, fundamentalist, and post-rationalist systems of thought.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book The Practice of Generalist Social Work by Morton Klass
Cover of the book Fifty Hollywood Directors by Morton Klass
Cover of the book The Theory and Practice of Microcredit by Morton Klass
Cover of the book Gays, Lesbians, and Consumer Behavior by Morton Klass
Cover of the book Content-Based Foreign Language Teaching by Morton Klass
Cover of the book When Dreams Came True by Morton Klass
Cover of the book China and the European Union in Africa by Morton Klass
Cover of the book Ethics in Marketing by Morton Klass
Cover of the book China's Power and Asian Security by Morton Klass
Cover of the book Global Economy, Global Justice by Morton Klass
Cover of the book The Best of Enemies by Morton Klass
Cover of the book Adapting Chekhov by Morton Klass
Cover of the book Social Aesthetics and Moral Judgment by Morton Klass
Cover of the book The Ferriby Boats by Morton Klass
Cover of the book Democracy and Reform 1815 - 1885 by Morton Klass
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy