History, Buddhism, and New Religious Movements in Cambodia [Paperback]

John Marston (Author), Elizabeth Guthrie (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2004

This volume showcases some of the most current and exciting research being done on Cambodian religious ideas and practices by a new generation of scholars from a variety of disciplines. The different contributors examine in some manner the relationship between religion and the ideas and institutions that have given shape to Cambodia as a social and political body, or nation. Although they do not share the same approach to the idea of "nation," all are concerned with the processes of religion that give meaning to social interaction, which in some way includes "Cambodian" identity. Chapters touch on such far-reaching theoretical issues as the relation to religion of Southeast Asian polity; the nature of colonial religious transformation; "syncretism" in Southeast Asian Buddhism; the relation of religious icon to national identity, religion and gender; transnationalism and social movements; and identity among diaspora communities.

While much has been published on Cambodia's recent civil war and the Pol Pot period and its aftermath, few English-language works are available on Cambodian religion. This book takes a major step in filling that gap, offering a broad overview of the subject that is relevant not only for the field of Cambodian studies, but also for students and scholars of Southeast Asian history, Buddhism, comparative religion, and anthropology.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A book of extraordinary breadth--from historical studies to chapters on the Khmer diaspora--that is unfailingly accessible and perceptive." -- David Chandler, Monash University --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

John Marston is professor of Southeast Asian studies at the Center for Asian and African Studies, El Colegio de Mexico, Mexico City. Elizabeth Guthrie completed her Ph.D. in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Contributors: Didier Bertrand, Penny Edwards, Elizabeth Guthrie, Hang Chan Sophea, Anne Hansen, John Marston, Kathryn Poethig, Ashley Thompson, Teri Shaffer Yamada. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: University of Hawaii Press (October 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824828682
• ISBN-13: 978-0824828684
• Product Dimensions: 14 x 8.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,841,663 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars "Armchair theology", June 13, 2011

By 

Forrest McPhail - See all my reviews

This review is from: History, Buddhism, and New Religious Movements in Cambodia (Hardcover)

The chief benefit I found in reading this book was that it opened my eyes to new categories of thought when contemplating religion in Cambodia. It caused me to take seriously the matter of the Buddhist nuns; showed me the existence of various cults and powerful spiritual figures that mix Buddhism and animism; informed me about some key figures in Buddhist history in Cambodia, and led me to consider how Cambodians abroad interact with religion here in Cambodia today.

Major disappointment: the book did not teach much about real Buddhist belief, and, what it did say was obviously arrived at through the "armchair theologian" approach to studying a foreign culture. After having lived here 11 years I can see through much of what these authors are saying as merely speculation and politically driven academia rather than a reflection of what Cambodian Buddhists really believe and think about in their daily lives.

1.0 out of 5 stars Largely Irrelevant Scholasticism, June 12, 2011

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Coffee Drinker (Central Cambodia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: History, Buddhism, and New Religious Movements in Cambodia (Hardcover)

After having lived in Cambodia for 2 years and having read several books on Cambodian religion and Buddhism in general, I approached this book with great anticipation. I read it over the course of 3 months, writing a review of each chapter and discussing each chapter in a forum.

Generally, I found this book to be of little value in understanding "New Religious Movements in Cambodia." The authors demonstrate a noted lack of philosophical self-awareness and thus interpret Cambodian religion through a post-Enlightenment humanistic grid. If you want to know how a Cambodian views his religion, this book is not for you.

Several of the chapters are written poorly to the point that the thesis is almost unintelligible. Fortunately, the introduction to each section states in clear terms what the thesis of each chapter is. Highly scholastic work does not need to be difficult to read. This book often is.

Chapters 3, 5 and 7 are worthwhile, so it will remain on my shelf.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent collection of essays, March 11, 2005

By 

reader (NZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: History, Buddhism, and New Religious Movements in Cambodia (Paperback)

This collection of essays covers some of the key aspects of Buddhism in Cambodia today and their historical context. A really first class publication with reliable information not found elsewhere. The primary focus is on contemporary Cambodia. Well produced, well written, well priced. Highly recommended.