About the book
Common views of religion typically focus on the beliefs and meanings derived from revealed scriptures, ideas, and doctrines. David Morgan has led the way in radically broadening that framework to encompass the understanding that religions are fundamentally embodied, material forms of practice. This concise primer shows readers how to study what has come to be termed material religion—the ways religious meaning is enacted in the material world.
Material religion includes the things people wear, eat, sing, touch, look at, create, and avoid. It also encompasses the places where religion and the social realities of everyday life, including gender, class, and race, intersect in physical ways. This interdisciplinary approach brings religious studies into conversation with art history, anthropology, and other fields. In the book, Morgan lays out a range of theories, terms, and concepts and shows how they work together to center materiality in the study of religion. Integrating carefully curated visual evidence, Morgan then applies these ideas and methods to case studies across a variety of religious traditions, modeling step-by-step analysis and emphasizing the importance of historical context. The Thing about Religion will be an essential tool for experts and students alike. Two free, downloadable course syllabi created by the author are available online.
Editions of The Thing about Religion
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781469662824
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469662831
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890855671
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469662855
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890855688
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469662848
Read an Excerpt
Common views of religion typically focus on the beliefs and meanings derived from revealed scriptures, ideas, and doctrines. David Morgan has led the way in radically broadening that framework to encompass the understanding that religions are fundamentally embodied, material forms of practice. This concise primer shows readers how to study what has come to be termed material religion—the ways religious meaning is enacted in the material world.
Material religion includes the things people wear, eat, sing, touch, look at, create, and avoid. It also encompasses the places where religion and the social realities of everyday life, including gender, class, and race, intersect in physical ways. This interdisciplinary approach brings religious studies into conversation with art history, anthropology, and other fields. In the book, Morgan lays out a range of theories, terms, and concepts and shows how they work together to center materiality in the study of religion. Integrating carefully curated visual evidence, Morgan then applies these ideas and methods to case studies across a variety of religious traditions, modeling step-by-step analysis and emphasizing the importance of historical context. The Thing about Religion will be an essential tool for experts and students alike. Two free, downloadable course syllabi created by the author are available online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Thing about Religion about?
Common views of religion typically focus on the beliefs and meanings derived from revealed scriptures, ideas, and doctrines. David Morgan has led the way in radically broadening that framework to encompass the understanding that religions are fundamentally embodied, material forms of practice. This concise primer shows readers how to study what has come to be termed material religion—the ways religious meaning is enacted in the material world.
Material religion includes the things people wear, eat, sing, touch, look at, create, and avoid. It also encompasses the places where religion and the social realities of everyday life, including gender, class, and race, intersect in physical ways. This interdisciplinary approach brings religious studies into conversation with art history, anthropology, and other fields. In the book, Morgan lays out a range of theories, terms, and concepts and shows how they work together to center materiality in the study of religion. Integrating carefully curated visual evidence, Morgan then applies these ideas and methods to case studies across a variety of religious traditions, modeling step-by-step analysis and emphasizing the importance of historical context. The Thing about Religion will be an essential tool for experts and students alike. Two free, downloadable course syllabi created by the author are available online.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Thing about Religion?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Religion: general > History of religion
Where can I read a sample of The Thing about Religion?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469662824
How long is The Thing about Religion and how many pages does it have?
The Thing about Religion has 268 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Thing about Religion?
David Morgan
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Thing about Religion is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781469662824) and paperback(ISBN 9781469662831) and ebook(ISBN 9798890855671) and ebook(ISBN 9781469662855) and ebook(ISBN 9798890855688) and ebook(ISBN 9781469662848)
Where can I buy The Thing about Religion online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Thing about Religion from below
Where can I buy The Thing about Religion?