First published in 2007. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

This expanded second edition provides a clear and comprehensive discussion of theoretical perspectives in relation to a wide range of substantive issues illustrating the diversity of religious beliefs and practices. Offering a broad comparative view, Malcolm Hamilton draws on the insights of history, anthropology and sociology, surveying classic and contemporary theory to give a full picture of the variety and scope of theoretical perspectives. Theoretical issues are related to particular beliefs and practices, showing how abstract concepts affect and illuminate specific areas of religion....