Religion and Knowledge

'This book deals with a whole series of controversies over religion in a way that could make a real difference because it clarifies what a social scientific approach can and does involve when it comes to genuinely understanding what is at stake. Whatever the topic, whether it is the polemic of the New Atheists promoted as science or Intelligent Design seen as scientifically illiterate or the philosophical presuppositions of anthropologists in presenting their findings, there is much material here to inform and surprise. It is a fresh, vital and an innovative contribution to what can sometimes appear tired topics.' David Martin, Lancaster University and London School of Economics, UK 'A stimulating look at the interaction between religion and what people think they know. We learn how religion shapes knowledge in several concrete settings and how, in turn, knowledge shapes religion. Sociology needs case studies like these. Without ever losing their concreteness, the authors draw out the implications for social theorizing.' Jim Spickard, University of Redlands, USA 'What counts as knowledge in both religious and not-so-religious contexts? This book is full of nuanced and at the same time engaging sociological studies of tensions, modes of co-existence and negotiations between carriers of knowledge in various parts of society. It is a well-integrated anthology, despite the broad empirical field it covers, including churches, universities, families, media and other social institutions.' Pal Repstad, University of Agder, Norway '... provide[s] fascinating windows on to the complex nexus between religion and knowledge. There will be something of interest for most scholars involved in some way with studying that interface.' Journal of Contemporary Religion '...valuable insights and makes a worthwhile contribution to its field. Those undertaking the academic study of religion and wanting to gain sociological perspectives on that will find it a useful companion.' Journal of Adult Theological Education