P R E FA C E
The primary purpose of this book is to provide a resource for readers
seeking a definition of key concepts in the field of Religious Studies.
Each entry is defined, with cross-cultural examples of each concept pro-
vided to illustrate a particular notion. Suggestions for further reading are
provided at the conclusion of almost every definition and these are tied
to a bibliography at the end of the book.
The inclusion of a particular concept in this book depends upon its
cross-cultural importance. Therefore, concepts with only a Christian rel-
evance, for example, are for the most part not included in the book, with
purgatory serving as an exception because it complements the entries for
heaven and hell in the Christian context and even non-Christian religions,
although it is absent in other religions. The structure of the book includes
a cross-cultural emphasis because this reflects my personal comparative
approach to the study of religion. The entries are arranged alphabetically.
This approach and structure affords readers a simple and accessible refer-
ence work for use in introductory courses in Religious Studies as supple-
mental reading.
Not only is each concept defined and examples of it given from, ide-
ally, both Eastern and Western religious cultures, but some examples of
indigenous religions (African and Native American Indian) are also used
to illustrate certain concepts. The fundamental criterion used in deciding
whether or not to include a particular concept is its ability to elucidate the
field of Religious Studies and the complex nature of religion. The book
begins with an introduction to the nature of religion by reviewing the
ways in which it has been defined, its origins in ancient culture, and the
limitations of its applicability to non-Western cultures. The introduction
also includes a brief overview of the field of Religious Studies. The book
then goes on to consider and define particular concepts.
By necessity, the entries are short in this book because I have attempted
to balance breadth with depth of coverage because of the nature and rich-
ness of the particular subjects; many of these concepts could have been
discussed in book-length works. The suggested readings are intended to
point interested readers in the direction of more complete books on a