Ritual and Religious Belief A Reader (Critical Categories in the Study of Religion)

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 292 pages
• Published by: Routledge
• Edition: 1st Edition November 8, 2005
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0415974488
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0415974486
• Book Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.7 x 0.8 inches
• Weighs: 1.1 pounds

Product Description
What is ritual's relation to belief? to performance? Does ritual have its own logic?
Ritual and Religious Belief is a reader that brings together material exploring the problem of ritual from many perspectives. Selections from the sixteenth century to the present explore the idea of ritual as a type of religious behavior, ritual in relation to belief and thought, and ritual as "vain repetition." This anthology considers many perspectives, enabling the student and scholar to consider the richness of the questions surrounding the concept of ritual.

Reader Reviews
Rituals permeate our existence; from our social etiquette rituals to our political rituals. Religion especially is rife with rituals, and the study of rituals and religious belief can be very interesting and engaging. However, this book is not. It falls flat. This academic compilation (A Reader) is disjointed and convoluted. Except for a few articles, very little insight is given to `religious rituals'. The book attempts to cover too much in too little space. Readers would have been better served if the focus was on the rituals of one world religion, not the world of religious belief. "Ritual and Religious Belief" is the cacophony of sixteen very erudite authors, all singing solos under no ones' direction. Conditionally recommended for academia for upper graduate, graduate levels and scholars, but not for the general reader. 1.5 stars Comment | | (Report this)