In Search of Origins
An Introduction to the Theory of Religion
Gary Lease(Author)
Frances Pinter Publishers Ltd
Published on 1. January 2010
Book
Paperback/Softback
320 pages
978-0-8264-5600-7 (ISBN)
Description
Since at least the 19th century, the question of origins has occupied a leading position in the formulation of theories and models for understanding religion. When, where, how and with what motivations has the human species produced those various systems of practice and belief that we have come to label "religions"? Can one establish a beginning to a history of such efforts? In this book the attempt is made to distinguish carefully between origins and beginnings, to demonstrate the role of myth in the production of religion, and to advance in conclusion a "natural" history of religion based on human biology and environmental development. Several case studies, taken from some of the "usual suspects," help illustrate the emergence of both the problem and the proposed solution over the past century and more. For example, analyses of the psychological, ontological, sociological and psychoanalytic origins of religion provide a backdrop for the author's conclusion that religion is best viewed as an assembly of survival strategies found in the transition of the human species from being purely a prey species to its current status as both prey and predator.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
glossary of terms, bibliography, index
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
ISBN-13
978-0-8264-5600-7 (9780826456007)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Author
Chair of the History of Consciousness Department. University of California, Santa Cruz, USA
Content
Introduction - why are origins a problem? Part 1 Laying the groundwork: models and methodologies - how to attack the problem; history and religion - the difference between origins and beginnings; myth and religion - stories of origins. Part 2 Case studies of some "usual suspects": "psychological" origins of religion (James); "ontological" origins of religion (Otto, Eliade); "sociological" origins of religion (Berger); "psychoanalytical" origins of religion (La Barre). Part 3 A proposed solution: a "natural" history of religion's origins (Lease).