Why has religion persisted across the course of human history?
Secularists have predicted the end of faith for a long time, but
religions continue to attract followers. Meanwhile, scholars of
religion have expanded their field to such an extent that we lack a
basic framework for making sense of the chaos of religious phenomena.
To remedy this state of affairs, Martin Riesebrodt here undertakes a
task that is at once simple and monumental: to define, understand, and
explain religion as a universal concept. Instead of propounding
abstract theories, Riesebrodt concentrates on the concrete realities
of worship, examining religious holidays, conversion stories,
prophetic visions, and life-cycle events. In analyzing these
practices, his scope is appropriately broad, taking into consideration
traditions in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Daoism, and
Shinto. Ultimately, Riesebrodt argues, all religions promise to avert
misfortune, help their followers manage crises, and bring both
temporary blessings and eternal salvation. And, as The Promise of
Salvation makes clear through abundant empirical evidence, religion
will not disappear as long as these promises continue to help people
cope with life.
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Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9780226713946
Publisert
2018
Utgave
1. utgave
Utgiver
Vendor
University of Chicago Press
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter