Examines the different roles played by church and state in considerations of religion throughout the history of the United States, beginning with concerns of the original colonists through the current debate about religion in schools.

This book explores the potential interface between Foucaultian discourse analysis and the development of an indigenous rationale for the practice of contemporary Western Buddhism, along with the growing significance of such a rationale for ‘traditional’ Buddhism in an era dominated by disciplinary/bio-power.

A Guide to the Deities of the Tantra is a fascinating insight into a subject that has captivated the imagination of many but remains mysterious and exotic to all but a few. Tantric deities? Who are they and what do they do? This volume focuses on the deities whose mantra recitation and colorful visualizations lie at the heart of the Tantra. We meet goddesses of wisdom, the prince of purity, the lotus-born guru Padmasambhava, and daki...

Spirits of the Place is a rare and timely contribution to our understanding of religious culture in Laos and Southeast Asia. Most often studied as a part of Thai, Vietnamese, or Khmer history, Laos remains a terra incognita to most Westerners―and to many of the people living throughout Asia as well. John Holt’s new book brings this fascinating nation into focus. With its overview of Lao Buddhism and analysis of how shifting political...

Ma Tsu is a seminal figure in the lineage of Ch'an and Zen Buddhism. This is a rare gem, a fine translation of the few recorded teachings of this ancient master combined with competent informative contextual discourse by the translator. The book was in fine condition, as advertised.

The enigmatic relation between religion and science still presents a challenge to European societies and to ideas about what it means to be ‘modern.’ This book argues that European secularism, rather than pushing back religious truth claims, in fact has been religiously productive itself. The institutional establishment of new disciplines in the nineteenth century, such as religious studies, anthropology, psychology, classical studie...

“Spirit on the Move proceeds at the intersection of Pentecostal and black feminist studies with important philosophical debate bearing on religious experience in a global world. It argues that Pentecostalism’s appeal to black women worldwide consists in its being the medium through which they engage forms of power at once intimate and embodied and embedded in nation-states and their interrelations. The focus is firmly on the ability ...

An interdisciplinary collection for scholars and students interested in the connections between myth and scripture In this collection scholars suggest that using 'myth' creates a framework within which to set biblical writings in both cultural and literary comparative contexts. Reading biblical accounts alongside the religious narratives of other ancient civilizations reveals what is commonplace and shared among them. The fruit of su...

"This book makes a much-needed contribution to the field of the history of Middle Eastern Christianity and the study of American missions. Becker’s elegant writing style, nimble use of theory, and admirable command of an extensive archive make this book accessible to graduate students, faculty, and perhaps advanced undergraduate students. Revival and Awakening will be of interest to scholars in the fields of history of Christianity, ...

Ever since the modern state of Malawi came into existence more than a hundred years ago, religion has played its role in the history of the country, and has interacted with politics and society in many ways, such as with the early Blantyre Mission, the Chilembwe Rising, and the struggle against the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyassaland. This book presents two preachers, Elliot Kamwana and Wilfred Gudu, who, in their different ways an...