What does it mean to be religious in the modern world? This is the question posed by human geographer Yi-Fu Tuan in "Religion: From Place to Placelessness". In this, the latest book in his long and distinguished career, Tuan turns to this specific challenge, which has been a uniting current in much of his previous work. To illustrate the modern meaning of religion, Tuan calls on the work of photographer-artist Martha A. Strawn, whose impressive gallery of photographs from around the world concludes the book. Religion, Tuan argues, is a perennial quest for safety, certainty, and spiritual elevation that initially was oriented in place and particular cultural practices - but in its highest reaches, religion moves toward universalism and placelessness. Drawing examples from both Christian and Buddhist traditions, Tuan explores, with his characteristic grace, sensitivity, and insight, the ultimate placelessness of religious experience. Tuan's meditations combine with the elegance of Strawn's photographs to create a book that is both thought-provoking and quietly beautiful.
- ISBN10 1930066945
- ISBN13 9781930066946
- Publish Date 15 February 2010
- Publish Status Transferred
- Out of Print 30 November 2015
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Center for American Places,US
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 168
- Language English