The Promise of Salvation: A Theory of Religion - Couverture souple

Riesebrodt, Martin

Couverture souple

ISBN 10 : 022600693X ISBN 13 : 9780226006932

Editeur : University of Chicago Press, 2012

Synopsis

Why has religion persisted across the course of human history? Secularists have predicted the end of faith for a long time, but religions continue to attract followers. Meanwhile, scholars of religion have expanded their field to such an extent that we lack a basic framework for making sense of the chaos of religious phenomena. To remedy this state of affairs, Martin Riesebrodt here undertakes a task that is at once simple and monumental: to define, understand, and explain religion as a universal concept.

Instead of propounding abstract theories, Riesebrodt concentrates on the concrete realities of worship, examining religious holidays, conversion stories, prophetic visions, and life-cycle events. In analyzing these practices, his scope is appropriately broad, taking into consideration traditions in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Daoism, and Shinto. Ultimately, Riesebrodt argues, all religions promise to avert misfortune, help their followers manage crises, and bring both temporary blessings and eternal salvation. And, as The Promise of Salvation makes clear through abundant empirical evidence, religion will not disappear as long as these promises continue to help people cope with life.

A propos du livre

À propos des auteurs

Martin Riesebrodt is professor of sociology at the University of Chicago and the author of several books, including Pious Passion: The Emergence of Modern Fundamentalism in the United States and Iran. Steven Rendall has translated numerous books, including On Borrowed Time: The Art and Economy of Living with Deadlines by Harald Weinrich, also published by the University of Chicago Press.

Steven Rendall is professor emeritus of romance languages at the University of Oregon. He has translated more than eighty books into English.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: University of Chicago Press
• Date d'édition: 2012
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 022600693X
• ISBN 13: 9780226006932
• Reliure: Broché
• Nombre de pages: 242
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: non disponible