This reader presents a broad historical range of views, from the Romans to the present. Gathering together both traditional positions and historical sources for the definition of religion, the volume then goes on to offer a critical perspective on religion as a category. These specially chosen essays consider whether a definition of religion is possible, or even intellectually desirable,; what are the political, economic, and /or ideological preconditions necessary to arrive at a definition of religion; and how such a category is constituted by specific historical discourses.
- ISBN10 041597738X
- ISBN13 9780415977388
- Publish Date 1 May 1998
- Publish Status Withdrawn
- Out of Print 30 September 2008
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
- Imprint Routledge
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 416
- Language English