The Study of Religion ─ A Reader

Religious studies draws on work by anthropologists, sociologists, philosophers, theologians, and others for an understanding of its subject matter. Many influential works are not written by specialist scholars in religious studies, but have still had a notable impact on our understanding of the concept of religion, of particular religious ideas, or on how religion should be studied. It is therefore essential for any student to be familiar with some, if not most, of these writings. This new Reader introduces students of religion to its most common current perspectives and approaches, and provides them with an understanding of how the discipline developed.

Hillary P. Rodrigues received his PhD in Religious Studies from McMaster University. He is Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada, where he has been honored with a Distinguished Teaching Award. His books include Introducing Hinduism (2006), Introduction to the Study of Religion with John S. Harding (2008), and Studying Hinduism in Practice (2011).

John S. Harding received his PhD in Religious Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. He is Associate Professor and Chair of the Religious Studies Department at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada. His books include Introduction to the Study of Religion with Hillary P. Rodrigues (2008), Wild Geese: Buddhism in Canada with Victor Sogen Hori and Alexander Soucy (2010), and Studying Buddhism in Practice (2011).