Contested Concepts in the Study of Religion: A Critical Exploration

This book offers a clear, concise introduction to the meaning of problematic terms, and the ways in which they should legitimately be used. Each entry considers the following:

• Why is this concept problematic? - What are the origins of the concept? - How is it used or misused, and by whom? - Is it still a legitimate concept in the study of religion and, if so, what are its legitimate uses? - Are there other concepts that are preferable when writing on religion?

Concepts covered include:

• Belief - Religion
  
• Magic - Secularisation
  
• Violence

This is a jargon-free indispensable resource for students and scholars that encourages the critical use of terms in the study of religion.