Researching Global Religious Landscapes

A Methodology between Universalism and Particularism

Edited by Peter Nynäs Edited by Ruth Illman Edited by Nurit Novis-Deutsch Edited by Rafael Fernández-Hart

Book cover: Researching Global Religious Landscapes

Extent: 256 pages

Publisher: Equinox Publishing

Subjects: Cultural Studies, Religious Studies

Series: Study of Religion in a Global Context

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(March 2024)

ISBN: 9781800503915

6.1 x 9.17 inches

Price: $32.00

In stock

Hardback (Published)

(March 2024)

ISBN: 9781800503908

6.1 x 9.17 inches

Price: $100.00

In stock

How should researchers navigate in a global landscape of religious and secular worldviews? This volume contributes with an interdisciplinary perspective to the study of contemporary religion in a cross-cultural or global perspective. The chapters in the volume highlight quite different themes – from translation to sexuality and secularity, critically dismantling conceptions of e.g., the “sacred individual”, “Eastern religions” and multiple belongings. Yet, they are united in their search for signs that help us contest categorical cultural, religious, and secular boundaries, methodologically, theoretically, and epistemologically. The debate on universalism vs. particularism can simply not be put aside and hence, the implications of this dichotomy needs to be further investigated.


How should researchers navigate in a global landscape of religious and secular worldviews? This volume contributes with an interdisciplinary perspective to the study of contemporary religion in a cross-cultural or global perspective. The chapters in the volume highlight quite different themes – from translation to sexuality and secularity, critically dismantling conceptions of e.g., the “sacred individual”, “Eastern religions” and multiple belongings. Yet, they are united in their search for signs that help us contest categorical cultural, religious, and secular boundaries, methodologically, theoretically, and epistemologically. The debate on universalism vs. particularism can simply not be put aside and hence, the implications of this dichotomy needs to be further investigated. The volume explores current challenges pertinent to cross-cultural research on religion in today’s world. It reflects important aspects of global cultural and religious diversity. All articles stem from the international research project “Young Adults and Religion in a Global Perspective”. The project implemented a mixed methods study in twelve different countries across the world. The chapters univocally stress the importance of using a sensitive analytical toolbox when investigating values and worldviews in an increasingly interconnected world. Nevertheless, such sensitivity needs to entail a capacity to move across boundaries and positions, giving voice to novel existential positions that do not fit within the traditional patterns of set religious and secular boundaries.

Table of Contents
Prelims
List of Figures and Tables ix
List of Online Appendices xi
Foreword by Alana Vincent xii
Editorial Preface by Peter Nynäs and Ruth Illman xvii
1. Contesting the Dichotomy of Universalism and Particularism: A Mixed-Methods Approach to the Study of Religions from a Global Perspective, Peter Nynäs, Ruth Illman and Nurit Novis-Deutsch 1
2 .Translation and Major Categories in the Study of Religions: The Case of “Religion” and “Spirituality” in West Bengal, Måns Broo, Marcus Moberg, Peter Nynäs, Mallarika Sarkar Das and Sohini Ray 25
3. The Cognitive Study of Religiosity and Contemporary Lived Religion: Complementarity as a Methodological Approach, Sławomir Sztajer, Rafael Fernández Hart, Ben-Willie Kwaku Golo and Sidney Castillo 55
4. Heteronormative Religion? Attitudes to Abortion and Same-Sex Relationships on a Global Scale, Peter Nynäs, Ariela Keysar, Clara Marlijn Meijer and Sofia Sjö 79
5. The Multiplicity of Chinese and Indian Religions: A Critical Reappraisal of the Notion of “Eastern Religion”, Måns Broo and Ruby Sain 113
6. Conceptualisations of the “Sacred Individual”: A Comparative Study of Russian and Finnish Young Adults, Polina Vrublevskaya, Marcus Moberg and Karoliina Dahl 141
7. Secular Identities in Context: Emerging Prototypes among Non-religious Young Adults, Janne Kontala, Ariela Keysar and Sawsan Kheir 167
8. Multiple Identifications: Growing Diversity and Complexity in Religious and Secular Worldviews, Ruth Illman, Peter Nynäs and Nurit Novis-Deutsch 197
9. Towards a New Methodological Perspective: Concluding Reflections on Cross-cultural Research in the Study of Religions, Peter Nynäs, Ruth Illman and Rafael Fernández Hart 225
Index 243

 
  • Edited by Peter Nynäs
  • Edited by Ruth Illman
  • Edited by Nurit Novis-Deutsch
  • Edited by Rafael Fernández-Hart

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