Studying Religion, Past and Present - (Scientific Studies of Religion: Inquiry and Explanation) (Hardcover)

About the Book

"In this book, renowned scholars discuss the past, present, and future of the study of religion in both antiquity and modernity, celebrating the contributions of Panayotis Pachis to the field. The contents reflect Pachis' conviction that the study of religious ideas and practices in general, and of antiquity in particular, should be focused on three pillars: the study of history, the formulation and application of theoretical frameworks, and the utilization of traditional as well as innovative methodological tools"--

Book Synopsis

Celebrating the contributions of Panayotis Pachis to the field, this book discusses the past, present, and future of the study of religion in antiquity and modernity.Panayotis Pachis has dedicated his celebrated career at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki to the study of various aspects of ancient religions.

The contents of this book reflect Pachis' conviction that the study of religious ideas and practices should be focused on three pillars: the study of history, the formulation and application of theoretical frameworks, and the utilization of traditional as well as innovative methodological tools.

Chapters range from the scientific study of Roman-Graeco religions, cultural evolution, and neurocognitive theories in the history and study of religion, to a look at why we need an integrative approach to study religion, past and present.

Review Quotes

"Bringing together a great line-up of international scholars, the volume honors Professor Pachis' long career in the study of religions. From historical to the cognitive study of religion, readers will find more than just specialized studies in this excellent volume."
Angeliki Ziaka, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

"Through the richness of the themes covered, this book admirably echoes the work of a scholar who redesigned some of the theoretical frameworks of the 'Sciences of Antiquity.'"
Laurent Bricault, University Toulouse Jean Jaures, France

About the Author

Nickolas P. Roubekas is Adjunct Professor of Religious Studies as the University of Vienna, Austria.

Dimitris Xygalatas is Associate Professor of Anthropology and Head of the Experimental Anthropology Lab at the University of Connecticut, USA.

Luther H. Martin is Professor of Religion Emeritus at the University of Vermont, USA.

Donald Wiebe is Professor of Philosophy of Religion at Trinity College, University of Toronto, Canada.