Essays in the History of Religions

This important volume brings together selected essays in the history of religions, written over a twenty-year period. The essays are organized under three categories which represent the main areas in which the author has conducted his research. Essays dealing with methodological issues provide the context for an examination of the relationship between religion and law in modern India and Indian religious movements in the U.S. Utilizing the definition of religion as ultimate concern, Professor Baird is able to offer significant insights into the conflict of values at the boundary between traditional Indian religions and The Constitution of India as well as analyze aspects of Vaisnava theology and its institutionalization in the U.S.