Customer Reviews

Religions In Practice: An Approach to the Anthropology of Religion (2nd Edition)

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John Bowen, a professor at Washington University in St. Louis, wrote this as a college textbook for anthropology of religion. For this it is excellent. It is also really good for lay readers looking for an introduction to this field. It includes a review of religious studies theories from Hegel and Edward Tylor to Clifford Geertz. It includes examples from many religious traditions commonly studied--Catholicism, Islam, Judaism, Umbanda, Native American traditions, Cargo cults, Japanese New Religions, Quakers, Mormonism, Hinduism; a good breadth indeed.

His chapters are: 1) Elements and Theories of Religion; 2) Doctrine and Practice in Tension; 3) Transitions in Life and Death; 4) Extending Our Powers: "Magic" and Healing; 5) Explaining Misfortune: Witchcraft and Sorcery; 6) Sacrifice Contested; 7) Prohibitions and Boundaries; 8) Objects, Images, and Worship; 9) Sacred Speech and Divine Power; 10) Places and Pilgrims; 11) Religious Authority and Religious Movements; 12) The Place of Religions in Modern Nation-States.

The book is expensive, so unless you find it used or really want it, I wouldn't buy it. But I really wanted it, and wasn't at all disappointed.

Book was in Perfect Condition. As described. New. The good thing was that I ordered the book Yesterday! August 19, 2010. The Book Arrived today (August 20th). The next day!!!!! The estimated delivery date was September 13, 2010!!!! I need this book for school so, the delivery time was great. I paid for regular shipping. I didn't have to pay extra shipping for next day nor two day delivery!!! I am very happy and I will definitely keep buying from this seller again. Thank You, Mentorsbook.