Synopses & Reviews
The Anthropology of Religion, Magic, and Witchcraft
Second Edition
Philip L. Stein
Rebecca Stein
Basic Approach
This concise introductory textbook emphasizes the major concepts of both anthropology and the anthropology of religion. It is aimed at students encountering anthropology for the first time.
Reviewers describe the text as vivid, rich, user-friendly, accessible, and well-organized. It examines religious expression from a cross-cultural perspective while still incorporating the key theoretical concepts. In addition to providing a basic overview of anthropology, including definitions of key terms and exposure to ethnographies, the text exposes students to the varying complexity of world religions.
New to This Edition
- Discussion of ethnographic examples has been expanded, while the number of examples has been reduced to provide greater focus.
- Discussion of altered states of consciousness and religious specialists has been split into two chapters and expanded.
- Number of illustrations throughout the text has been increased by fifty percent.
- New and expanded discussions in the this edition include myth analysis, fasting, altered states of consciousness in Upper Paleolithic art, and Islamic fundamentalism, among others.
Synopsis
This concise introductory textbook emphasizes the major concepts of both anthropology and the anthropology of religion. It is aimed at students encountering anthropology for the first time.
Reviewers describe the text as vivid, rich, user-friendly, accessible, and well-organized. It examines religious expression from a cross-cultural perspective while still incorporating the key theoretical concepts. In addition to providing a basic overview of anthropology, including definition of key terms and exposure to ethnographies, the text exposes students to the varying complexity of world religions.
Table of Contents
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1. The Anthropological Study of Religion
The Anthropological Perspective
The Definition of Religion
Conclusion
Summary
Suggested Readings
Suggested Web Sites
Study Questions
Endnotes
2. Mythology
The Nature of Myths
Understanding Myths
Conclusion
Summary
Suggested Readings
Suggested Web Sites
Study Questions
Endnotes
3. Religious Symbols
What is a Symbol?
Sacred Art
Sacred Space and Sacred Time
The Symbolism of Music and Dance
Conclusion
Summary
Suggested Readings
Suggested Web Sites
Study Questions
Endnotes
4. Ritual
Ritual and Myth
The Basics of Ritual Performance
A Classification of Rituals
Religious Obligations
Conclusion
Summary
Suggested Readings
Suggested Web Sites
Study Questions
Endnotes
5. Altered States of Consciousness
The Nature of Altered States of Consciousness
Ethnographic Examples of Altered States of Consciousness
Conclusion
Summary
Suggested Readings
Suggested Web Sites
Study Questions
Endnotes
6. Religious Practitioners
Shamans
Priests
Other Specialists
Conclusion
Summary
Suggested Readings
Suggested Web Sites
Study Questions
Endnotes
7. Magic and Divination
The World of Magic
Magic in Society
Divination
Conclusion
Summary
Suggested Readings
Suggested Web Sites
Study Questions
Endnotes
8. Souls, Ghosts and Death
Souls and Ancestors
Bodies and Souls
Death Rituals
Days of Death
Conclusion
Summary
Suggested Readings
Suggested Web Sites
Study Questions
Endnotes
9. Gods and Spirits
Spirits
Gods
Conclusion
Summary
Suggested Readings
Suggested Web Sites
Study Questions
Endnotes
10. Witchcraft
The Concept of Witchcraft in Small-Scale Societies
Euro-American Witchcraft Beliefs
Conclusion
Summary
Suggested Readings
Suggested Web Sites
Study Questions
Endnotes
11. The Search for New Meaning
Adaptation and Change
Revitalization Movements
Neo-Paganism and Revival
New Religious Movements
Fundamentalism
Conclusion
Summary
Suggested Readings
Suggested Web Sites
Study Questions
Endnotes
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