Tradition: A Critical Primer (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781781799086)

This book looks at the concept of tradition in the study of religion. It examines the history of the concept, uses in the discipline, theoretical perspectives (including Indigenous and post/decolonial studies, cognitive science and hermeneutics), and critical perspectives on key thinkers (Halbwachs, Gadamer, Ricoeur, J & A Assmann, Boyer, Morin) and recommendations for clearing the air of a key theoretical tension surrounding the concept of the invention of tradition. Questioning the use of 'tradition' as a synonym for 'religion, ' the book models a relational and ideology-critical approach to complex concepts. It engages with important theoretical issues, including opposition to 'modernity, ' Indigenous 'self-conscious traditionalism.' colonial discourses, intersections with ritual, agency and reason and 'the invention of tradition.' Discussions - with examples from a variety of religions and cultures - including African, Indigenous North American, south Pacific, Afro Brazilian, Japanese, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and esoteric. Four case studies - on esoteric Traditionalism, Candomble, great/little traditions and Indigenous traditions in Canadian law - engage central ideas in greater detail.

Author: Steven Engler
ISBN-10: 1781799083
ISBN-13: 9781781799086
Publisher: Equinox Publishing
Language: English
Published: 10/01/2024
Pages: 160
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.53lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.50w x 0.43d