Why Study Religion?: Understanding Humanity's Pursuit of the Divine - Paperback

by Terry C. Muck (Preface by)

Why Studying Religion Matters in a Pluralistic Context

This brief primer explains why Christian students should study religion, how they should go about it, and why it is important in our contemporary, pluralistic context. Senior religion scholar Terry Muck introduces the discipline and explains how it can be approached by Christian students. He explores the contemporary significance of studying religion in a complex, multicultural world and concludes by addressing the skills students must bring to the study of religion in the twenty-first century. Written in accessible prose suitable for undergraduates, this introduction can be used to supplement any standard religion textbook.

Back Jacket

At a time when knowledge of religion is critically important but sadly deficient, it is crucial that students and scholars have a book that properly introduces readers to religious studies. There are few scholars better equipped to do this than Terry Muck. This book is clear, incisive, and engaging--perfect for courses in the study of world religions.
--Gerald R. McDermott, Beeson Divinity School

"More than any other subject in the university curriculum, the study of religion and religious life should be at the forefront of our required courses. Muck has provided us with an introduction to this field that can be picked up by skeptic and believer alike. It is a marvelous guide for the beginner, whether religious zealot or secularist. This is not, however, a book that is for the West only; it should be translated into Chinese, Korean, Indonesian, and Arabic to create a global conversation about what it means to be religious and to study the religious life of others."
--Scott W. Sunquist, School of Intercultural Studies, Fuller Theological Seminary

"An engaging, necessary, and significant book that advocates for the study of religion with sensitivity and rigor. Any scholar interested in religion will find this book an impressive and enlightening study enriched by Muck's broad Christian perspective, which invigorates his call to take religion seriously. Framed by four defining contours of religion, the book is indispensable for those interested in teaching or research in religious studies."
--Charles E. Farhadian, Westmont College

"Why Study Religion? is as timely as it is poignant. There can be no contesting the importance of religion in twenty-first-century life. Muck weaves an intriguing tale filled with first-rate scholarship and insightful testimonials to help readers understand critical changes occurring in religion in the contemporary era and how religion can bring people together for the flourishing of life. Though written to offer a framework for understanding religion, Why Study Religion? possesses broad appeal across multiple disciplines. It's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding and engaging in religious fervor in the twenty-first century."
--Gregg Okesson, E. Stanley Jones School of World Mission and Evangelism, Asbury Theological Seminary

Author Biography

Terry C. Muck (PhD, Northwestern University), now retired, served as executive director of the Louisville Institute in Louisville, Kentucky, after teaching for many years at Austin Presbyterian Seminary and Asbury Theological Seminary. A senior scholar of religion, he has authored, coauthored, or edited numerous books, including Christianity Encountering World Religions and Handbook of Religion.