Religion Basics First Edition

From the local to the global level, religion is – more than ever – an important and hotly debated part of modern life in the twenty-first century. From silver rings to ringtones and from clubs to headscarves, we often find the cultural role and discussion of religion in unexpected ways. Now in its second edition, Religion: The Basics remains the best introduction to religion and contemporary culture available. The new edition has been fully revised and updated, and includes new discussions of: the study of religion and culture in the twenty-first century texts, films and rituals cognitive approaches to religion globalization and multiculturalism spirituality in the West popular religion. With new case studies, linking cultural theory to real world religious experience and practice, and guides to further reading, Religion: The Basics is an essential buy for students wanting to get to grips with this hotly debated topic.

Anthropology of Religion: The Basics is an accessible and engaging introductory text organized around key issues that all anthropologists of religion face. This book uses a wide range of historical and ethnographic examples to address not only what is studied by anthropologists of religion, but how such studies are approached. It addresses questions such as: How do human agents interact with gods and spirits? What is the nature of doing religious ethnography? Can the immaterial be embodied in the body, language and material objects? What is the role of ritual, time, and place in religion? Why is charisma important for religious movements? How do global processes interact with religions? With international case studies from a range of religious traditions, suggestions for further reading, and inventive reflection boxes, Anthropology of Religion: The Basics is an essential read for students approaching the subject for the first time.

Religion and Film: The Basics is an accessible and engaging introduction to the history, diverse approaches, and ideas associated within the study of religion and film. Referencing films from around the world from the early 20th century to the present day, this unique introduction includes the following topics: the history and dynamics of religion and film various methods to approach religion and film the evolution of religion and film scholarship film genre and theory world religions and film unique themes—from race and gender roles to karma and redemption A fascinating range of films are discussed, from early silent films such as Hypocrites to recent releases such as Minari. Five genres are explored, including horror in The Wicker Man (UK) and Let the Right One In (Sweden), and world religions are analyzed in films such as OMG, The Big Lebowski, and Malcolm X. Tropes examined include gender in Water, karma in It’s a Wonderful Life, death in Biutiful, redemption in Magnolia, and evil in Get Out. With helpful features including recommendations for further study and key films to view, this book is an ideal starting point for students approaching religion and film for the first time as well as those interested in learning more about the field while broadening their methods, knowledge of film, and their film canon.

The Basics of World Religion is uniquely designed to introduce students to fundamental concepts in world religion. The text provides the critical information students need to grasp the basics of religion and build upon that knowledge in more advanced courses. The text begins with an introduction to religion as a concept, practice, and academic discipline, and outlines the four key types of religion and major world religions. The proceeding chapter addresses various aspects and types of ancient and indigenous religions including shamanism, divination and astrology, creation stories, and more. Dedicated chapters explore branches, belief systems, common myths, and holidays of Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Daoism, Confucianism, Shinto and Korean religion, and Sikhism. The book concludes with a chapter that outlines new and emerging religions. Throughout, students are exposed to illustrations and photos of religious rituals, figures, and houses of worship in the United States to bring the content to life. Lively, humorous, and engaging in its presentation of material, The Basics of World Religion is an ideal resource for introductory undergraduate courses in religion. Christopher D. Martinez holds a Ph.D. in adult education and a master's degree in religious studies. He has traveled the world studying religions and collecting artifacts. Dr. Martinez has also applied key learning strategies and developed curriculum for several colleges and universities. He is an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Religion at St. Petersburg College. Dr. Martinez is the author of Survival Guide for the End of the World, a guidebook on how to survive the end-of-times scenarios of the world's great religions.

Religion in America: The Basics is a concise introduction to the historical development of religions in the United States. It is an invitation to explore the complex tapestry of religious beliefs and practices that shaped life in North America from the colonial encounters of the fifteenth century to the culture wars of the twenty-first century. Far from a people unified around a common understanding of Christianity, Religion in America: The Basics tracks the steady diversification of the American religious landscape and the many religious conflicts that changed American society. At the same time, it explores how Americans from a variety of religious backgrounds worked together to face the challenges of racism, poverty, war, and other social concerns. Because no single survey can ever satisfy the need to know more and think differently, Religion in America prepares readers to continue studying American religions with their own questions and perspectives in mind.

This book examines how religion and related beliefs have varied impacts on the needs and perceptions of practitioners, service users, and the support networks available to them. The authors argue that social workers need to understand these phenomena, so that they can become more confident in challenging discriminatory and oppressive practices. The centrality of religion and associated beliefs in the lives of many is emphasised, as are their potentially liberating (and potentially negative) impacts. In line with the Social Work in Practice series style, the book allows readers to explore issues in depth. It focuses on knowledge transmission, and the encouragement of critical reflection on practice. Each chapter is built around 'real-life' case scenarios using a problem-based learning approach. This book is the first to deal with social work and religion so comprehensively and will therefore be essential reading not only for social work students, but also for practitioners in a range of areas, social work academics and researchers in the UK and beyond.

The Basics of World Religion is uniquely designed to introduce students to fundamental concepts in world religion. The text provides the critical information students need to grasp the basics of religion and build upon that knowledge in more advanced courses. The text begins with an introduction to religion as a concept, practice, and academic discipline, and outlines the four key types of religion and major world religions. The proceeding chapter addresses various aspects and types of ancient and indigenous religions including shamanism, divination and astrology, creation stories, and more. Dedicated chapters explore branches, belief systems, common myths, and holidays of Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Daoism, Confucianism, Shinto and Korean religion, and Sikhism. The book concludes with a chapter that outlines new and emerging religions. Throughout, students are exposed to illustrations and photos of religious rituals, figures, and houses of worship in the United States to bring the content to life. Lively, humorous, and engaging in its presentation of material, The Basics of World Religion is an ideal resource for introductory undergraduate courses in religion.

The edited volume aims to present a critical analysis of the current state of research on religion and belief systems in the realm of the ‘Digital Social’. The rapid expansion and democratization of digital technologies in conjunction with the significant shifts taking place within the practices of religion and belief through digital technology demand a critical examination across the social sciences and humanities. These changes call for an overview of not only our current methodological tool box but also the epistemological and ethical considerations that researchers must contend with. The proposed volume provides a critical framework that recognizes that the social, and therefore the religious, cannot be fully understood without recognizing how the digital world actively constitutes notions such as identity, social networks, embodiment, and social institutions. While some specific methods will be discussed, the volume’s emphasis remains on the critical epistemological and logistical considerations that are needed when undertaking this form of research.