Disciplines
• Anthropology
• Archaeology
Anthropology
and archaeology are key disciplines in understanding
the role religion has played in past societies
and in present society. Religion is often
a driving or very influential force in how
societies are formed and how they function.
Anthropologists study humans
through biology, behavior, language and
culture from comparative, evolutionary and
historical perspectives. In understanding
religion, anthropologists look at symbols,
beliefs, patterns of behavior, rituals and
moral codes of humans. Earlier Western anthropologists
are now thought to have looked at non-Western
or non-monotheistic religions through a
"primitivist" lens. But today's
anthropologists often follow the example
of American anthropologist Franz Boaz, who
believed humans live in a pluralistic universe
with many realities, in which there are
no "better" societies, only different
ones. This approach fits well with the vastly
globalizing nature of human society and
the growing religious of diversity of people
in America and around the world.
Archaeologists study the
material remains of past societies, which
can serve as a source of information about
religious traditions, ritual practices,
symbolic systems and the sacred in pre-historic
and historic contexts. Archaeology has contributed
to important discoveries into how religious
life was established and preserved in the
archaeological record.
Religion is a popular field
for anthropological and archaeological research.
There is keen interest, for example, in
biblical archaeology among those hoping
to find or disprove support for a historical
basis for biblical accounts. Questions one
could ask when engaged in this topic of
research may arise from the sources of funding,
and the goals and politics of sponsors and
whether there is a religious bias. Political
and religious situations in some nations
also impact access to important sites for
research. Researchers in these fields should
prepare for adulation from religious groups
when support for that religion's historical
basis is found, and criticism or dismissal
from similar groups if contradictory evidence
is found. Findings bring up the issue of
whether faiths are in any way reliant on
the integration of texts and traditions
with artifacts in preserving practice of
the faith; as well the potential power of
archaeological findings to challenge existing
beliefs. There is also interest among religious
communities in understanding how their traditions
were practiced in earlier times, which gives
them context for modern-day interpretation
and worship. Researchers could also explore
how their own beliefs inspire or inform
their work.
Culture
and Religion
Fieldwork
in Religion
History
of Religions
International
Review for the History of Religions
Journal
for the Scientific Study of Religion
Journal
of Near Eastern Studies
Journal
of Ritual Studies
Journal
for the Scientific Study of Religion
Material
Religion
Material
History of American Religion Project
American
Academy of Religion Syllabi Search
Religion
and Anthropology
Prof. Frank Salomon
University of Wisconsin
Anthropology
of Religion
Dr. Eric Canin
Cal State Fullerson
Anthropology
of Religion
Dr. Terry Prewitt
University of West Florida
Anthropology
of Religion
Dr. Niccolo Caldararo
San Francisco State University
Archeology
of Religion
Dr. Jason Neelis
University of Florida
Archeology
and Biblical Interpretation
Dr. Andy Vaughn
Gustavus Adolphus College
American Academy of Religion
American Scientific Affiliation: A Fellowship of Christians in Science
Association of Muslim Scientists & Engineers
Association of Muslim Social Scientists of North America
Canadian Science and Christian Affiliation
Fellowship of Scientists
International Muslim Association of Scientists & Engineers
• See a full list of professional associations and resources here.
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