Ellwood, Robert S. : University of Southern California
Summary
An introductory survey and practical "hands-on" guide to religious studies as both an inner experience
and as a social phenomenon.
Begins with the kind of religious problems, questions, and experiences to which contemporary undergraduates can
relate, and challenges them to expand their ideas, awareness, and reactions.
Emphasizes the concept of religion as "scenarios for the real self" -- a way of becoming who one is through
participation in groups, rites, ideas, and expressed in art, ethical values, and psychological experience.
Provides balanced coverage of all major areas of religious expression: intellectual, worship, sociological.
Draws examples from a range of world religions.
Includes a chapter on religion and art -- painting, architecture, literature.
Features a chapter on religion and ethics -- including ways of making ethical decisions, and case-studies in abortion,
right-to-die, and liberation theology.
Contemplates the future of religion.
Provides practical guidelines on how to write papers and/or do field studies in religious sociology, psychology,
ethics, etc.
Table of Contents
1. Scenarios for the Real Self.
2. History of Religion on Planet Earth.
3. Oases of the Mind: The Psychology of Religion.
4. Magic Doorways: Symbol, Rite, and Religion.
5. Faith Through Form: Religion and Art.
6. Traveling Together: The Sociology of Religion.
7. Truth Messages: The Conceptual Expression of Religion.
8. How Shall We Live? Religion and Ethics.
Epilogue: Secularization and Religion's Future.
Appendix: Studying Religion.
Bibliography.
Index.