Ritual and Belief: Readings in the Anthropology of Religion, Third Edition (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780759111554)

Ritual and Belief: Readings in the Anthropology of Religion is a collection of 41 readings in religion, magic, and witchcraft. The choice of readings is eclectic: no single anthropological approach or theoretical perspective dominates the text. Theoretical significance, scholarly eminence of the author, and inherent interest provide the principal criteria, and each reading complements its companion chapters, which are pedagogically coherent rather than ad hoc assemblages. Included among the theoretical perspectives are structural-functionalism, structuralism, Malinowskian functionalism, cultural materialism, and cultural evolutionism; also included are the synchronic and diachronic approaches. The book offers a mixture of classic readings and more recent contributions, and the "world religions" are included along with examples from the religions of traditionally non-literate cultures. As diverse a range of religious traditions as possible has been embraced, from various ethnic groups, traditions, and places.


Author: David Hicks
ISBN-10: 0759111553
ISBN-13: 9780759111554
Publisher: Altamira Press
Language: English
Published: 06/16/2010
Pages: 496
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 2.55lbs
Size: 10.20h x 7.30w x 1.50d