Contested Concepts in the Study of Religion

This book offers a clear, concise introduction to the meaning of problematic terms, and the ways in which they should be handled legitimately. 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, secularization and violence. This is a jargon-free, indispensable resource for students and scholars that encourages the critical use of terms in the study of religion.