It has been argued that religious studies is a polymethodic discipline and that students of religion should be familiar with the approaches of other disciplines concerned with understanding the nature of religion. This volume provides background material on the methods of such disciplines.

It has been argued that religious studies is a polymethodic discipline, and that the student of religion should be familiar with the approaches of the major disciplines concerned with understanding the nature of religion, not least because the approach adopted has profound influence on the phenomena chose for investigation and the conclusions reached.This book is the first textbook, specifically designed for undergraduate students, that provides the essential background on methods of the major relevant disciplines.Presenting each of the significant approaches to religion in an informed manner, the book brings together experienced researchers from feminism, anthropology, sociology, phenomenology, psychology, philosophy, and theology. It presents a consistent approach throughout, with each chapter dealing with the same themes: the historical development of the approach, the characteristics of the approach, and the surrounding issues and debates.

"Approaches is aimed at undergraduates and offers a useful introductory overview of seven theoretical areas of the study of religion....offers a solid overview of many important theories and methods in the study of religion. Each chapter covers its ground with clear writing, appropriate definitions of key terms, and concise summaries of key positions and issues. This book is well worth considering as a lower-level undergraduate theory/method text." --Steven Engler, Teaching Theology and Religion, 2002