Theory Without Method: Situating A Discourse Analysis On Religion (original) (raw)

Religion and Society, 2007

Abstract

This chapter historically analyses the concept and discourse of 'world religions', as a loose variant. It is an excavation project aiming at an archaeology of present discursive practice (focused on the science of religion, but also with an eye to understanding its ramifications in our everyday discourse and what it implies); it is not conceived as a methodological mission to protect or to improve upon the science of religion. From the very beginning of the discovery of Buddhism, Europeans with varying attitudes toward Christianity were keen on drawing a structural affinity between the two religions. Like Christianity, Buddhism was said to have begun as a reform movement initiated by a supra-human but historically real person, whose mission supposedly was to bring a universal moral message, and who had a spiritual appeal to all humanity.Keywords: Buddhism; Christianity; Europeans; humanity; science of religion

Tomoko Masuzawa hasn't uploaded this paper.

Let Tomoko know you want this paper to be uploaded.

Ask for this paper to be uploaded.