Interpreting the Sacred: Ways of Viewing Religion - Softcover

Paden, William

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0807077054 ISBN 13: 9780807077054

Publisher: Beacon Press, 2003

Synopsis

William Paden's classic exploration in religious studies, with a new introduction

In the current climate, Interpreting the Sacred provides a fresh, thorough way to consider and compare various religious belief systems. Paden puts forth the idea that our understanding of religion influences our understanding of ourselves and our world. Updated with a new introduction, this book is for anyone who wants to consider and discuss religious beliefs.

About this title

About the Author:

William Paden is professor and chair of the department of religion at the University of Vermont.

From Library Journal:

Paden ( Religious Words , LJ 12/88) examines how social anthropologists, depth psychologists, comparative religionists, and religious people (especially Christians) interpret religion. An individual's interpretation is influenced by his or her worldview, audience, and object under analysis (e.g., ritual). By being aware of different interpretations, one's own is supplemented without being supplanted--this is an advantage of religious pluralism's "relativity." Paden does not share his faith, despite the claim that if he did readers would better understand his views. This scholarly work is clearly written yet assumes some prior study of religion. This is one of a few excellent books about the subject. Recommended for academic and large public libraries.
- Steven A. Fondiller, St. John's Univ. Lib., Jamaica, N.Y.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Beacon Press
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0807077054
• ISBN 13: 9780807077054
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 172