—: and Astrid Mattes. 2024. "Introduction." In Lukas K. Pokorny and Astrid Mattes, eds. Taking Seriously, Not Taking Sides: Challenges and Perspectives in the Study of Religions. Paderborn: Brill Schöningh, ix–xix. (original) (raw)

“Taking seriously, not taking sides”: This statement encapsulates Hans Gerald Hödl’s understanding of Religious Studies as a reflexive, unbiased approach to research that must always acknowledge emic perspectives. The chapter introduces his scholarship and outlines the contributions of the volume dedicated to him and his work. The contributions in this collection engage in disciplinary debates, explore different dimensions of ritual, and offer (religious) philosophical perspectives and aesthetic reflections.