Rethinking Religion

Book Details

• Author: Soumyajit Patra

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Edition: 2010

• Binding: Hardcover

• Number of Pages: 264

• Release Date: 01-12-2009

• ISBN: 9788131602652

• Languages: English

• Package Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches

About the Book
Religion, in its multifaceted forms, has been a subject of deep discourse for centuries. This book tackles contemporary discussions surrounding religion, bridging the divide between its ideological underpinnings and practical implications. With a focus on the rising prominence of rationalism and the ‘secularization and de-divinization’ perspective, the text delves into how religion fits into the modern social fabric.

The book offers a comprehensive examination of traditional religions, including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam, and engages with classical theories from renowned thinkers such as Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber. It also critically assesses the Enlightenment critique of religion, tribal religions, folk traditions, and the impact of globalization on religious practices.

Contributed by scholars from diverse global contexts—USA, UK, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh, Iran, and India—the book provides a rich blend of perspectives, enhancing its scholarly value. It serves as an essential resource for students and researchers of sociology, anthropology, philosophy, history, and religious studies, offering a nuanced approach to understanding the evolving role of religion in contemporary society.

About the Author
Soumyajit Patra is a Lecturer in the Department of Sociology at Vidyasagar University, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal. His research interests span tribal culture, gender issues, and the sociology of religion. Actively involved in both national and international sociological research projects and publications, he has participated in numerous seminars worldwide, earning recognition in the academic community.